But the takeaway is that the worst hit of all countries are those countries in Europe. Europe is home to the hardest hit countries, according to the OECD’s forecasts, including the impact of a second wave of infections as lockdowns are slowly removed. Third quarter unemployment rate averages for OECD member states are still high, with the U.S. leading the pack at 13.5% expected. The second worst country for unemployment starting in 2021 assuming no second wave is France at 10.7% and then Italy at 12.3%. The U.S. unemployment rate in 2021 is likely to average around 8% by year’s end.

Source: Forbes June 10, 2020 15:45 UTC