Global Economics Update Are commodity prices signalling a global slowdown? The recent weakness in the prices of several key industrial commodities – notably oil and iron ore – hasunderstandably fuelled concerns that the world economy is on the cusp of a major downturn. But... 12th September 2014 · 1 min read
Japan Economics Weekly Will public spending really reach a record next year? Ministries’ spending requests for the coming fiscal year have reached a record high, which might raise some questions about the government’s commitment to fiscal consolidation. However, these requests... 12th September 2014 · 1 min read
Commodities Update Will global oil prices remain below $100? Some of the factors that have dragged the price of Brent crude below $100 per barrel may prove temporary, notably the weakness of European demand. Saudi Arabia might also cut output again in an... 11th September 2014 · 1 min read
Commodities Update How far can iron ore prices fall? Sluggish Chinese demand amid a ramp up in supply, notably from Australia, has sent iron ore pricesinto freefall. Higher-cost producers will eventually be forced out of the market and prices will at... 11th September 2014 · 1 min read
Middle East & North Africa Economics Focus Algeria’s economy on an unsustainable path Algerian President Abdelaziz Bouteflika’s re-election in April seemed to mark a return to business as usual for the economy. However, Algeria’s growth model is looking increasingly unsustainable. If... 10th September 2014 · 1 min read
Commodities Update Coal prices to fall further as environmental regulations bite The recent sharp falls in imports of coal by China and consumption of coal in the US are just the latest evidence that environmental measures enacted over the last year have begun to reduce demand in... 9th September 2014 · 1 min read
Latin America Economic Outlook Treading water Economic growth in Latin America slowed further in the first half of 2014 and we see little chance of a strong rebound over the coming quarters. The key props to strong growth in the past decade are... 8th September 2014 · 1 min read
Commodities Update China’s trade data confirm weaker commodity demand China’s commodity import demand weakened in August as the slowdown in the property sector continued to weigh on industrial metals consumption. While crude oil imports increased, this was matched by... 8th September 2014 · 1 min read
China Data Response Trade (Aug.) Stronger-than-expected export growth for August points to healthy foreign demand. In contrast, weaker-than-expected import growth suggests that cooling investment, particularly in the property sector... 8th September 2014 · 1 min read
Commodities Update How vulnerable are European gas supplies to the Ukraine crisis? Today’s announcement that both sides have agreed on a ceasefire should help to ease tensions inUkraine and move the government and rebels towards a sustainable peace deal. Admittedly, we havealready... 5th September 2014 · 1 min read
Middle East & North Africa Economics Update Is Dubai now over its debt problems? The past month has brought further news that Dubai’s government-related entities, which were at the heart of the Emirate’s crisis in 2009, are tackling their debt problems. But while these latest... 4th September 2014 · 1 min read
Commodities Update Thai rice prices likely to come off the boil The rebound in the price of Thai rice over the last few months has been driven by the suspension ofgovernment sales and reinforced by the recent stock write-offs. However, Thailand’s rice stocks... 2nd September 2014 · 1 min read
Commodities Chart Pack Oil prices fall out of their comfort zone Many commodity prices, with the exception of oil, were rangebound in Augustas optimism about the US economy was countered by renewed concerns aboutChina and Ukraine. Meanwhile, the strength of the US... 1st September 2014 · 1 min read
Energy Watch Geopolitical tensions no barrier to lower oil prices Recent headlines have focused on the latest escalation in the conflict in Ukraine or with the Islamic State. However, these conflicts have had little impact on oil output in key producers. In this... 29th August 2014 · 1 min read
China Economics Update Renminbi regaining lost ground Renminbi appreciation is back in full swing but upwards momentum in Chinese equities appears to have faltered in August following a string of weak data releases. 29th August 2014 · 1 min read
Africa Chart Pack Weaker growth looms for twin deficit countries Ghana’s authorities bowed to the inevitable earlier this month by formally requesting assistance from the IMF in dealing with the country’s enormous twin budget and current account deficits. This... 29th August 2014 · 1 min read
