China, India and the rise of Asia in the global economy

Mark Williams

Chief Asia Economist

Mark Williams is Chief Asia Economist at Capital Economics, leading a team of analysts based in Singapore and London. He has three decades of experience covering the region, with a particular focus on China's economy and financial markets. Mark’s work is regularly cited in the Economist, Financial Times, Wall Street Journal and New York Times. Mark and his team have developed a reputation for building innovative indicators to track important trends, including their China Activity Proxy, which has become widely followed since it was first published in 2009; more recently a gauge of tariff re-routing activity; and their Global Fracturing database that tracks how geopolitical shifts are affecting global trade and financial flows. Before joining Capital Economics, Mark was at HM Treasury in London. He has degrees in Chinese and Economics from the universities of Edinburgh and Oxford.

Shilan Shah

Deputy Chief Emerging Markets Economist

Shilan Shah is our Deputy Chief EM Economist, with responsibility for researching and presenting on pan-EM themes as well as leading our India service. He joined Capital Economics in 2012 and was based in our Singapore office for several years before returning to London in 2022. Shilan has a Bachelors degree in Economics from University College London and a Masters degree in Politics from the University of Warwick.

Gareth Leather

Senior Asia Economist

Gareth Leather is a Senior Economist in the Asia team at Capital Economics, with over 20 years of experience analysing global and regional economic trends. He joined Capital Economics in July 2011 and has a particular focus on ASEAN economies, along with Korea, Taiwan, and South Asia. Prior to joining Capital Economics, Gareth worked at the Economist Group and for the UK Government Economic Service. In his current role, Gareth is responsible for delivering in-depth research and forecasts to clients, as well as presenting regularly to institutional investors, corporates, and policymakers. He also contributes to media coverage, providing commentary and analysis for international news outlets on key economic issues affecting Asia. Gareth holds an undergraduate degree in Economics from the University of Warwick and a Master’s degree in Asian Studies from the School of Oriental and African Studies.

Leah Fahy

Senior China Economist

Leah is a Senior Economist in the China team. She joined Capital Economics in 2022 and has also covered emerging markets and the broader global economy. Her work is regularly cited by top media outlets including the Financial Times, Economist, New York Times, Wall Street Journal and Bloomberg. Leah holds an undergraduate degree in Philosophy, Politics and Economics from Oxford University and a masters in Economic History from LSE.