Emerging Europe Economics Update Three scenarios for Russia’s economy The deepening political crisis between Russia and the US/Europe means that the uncertainties attached to economic forecasts are even greater than usual. In these circumstances it makes more sense to... 6th August 2014 · 1 min read
Latin America Economics Focus Brazil Election Watch: A blueprint for reform There are a number of ways in which the winning candidate in October’s presidential elections could help to turn around Brazil’s struggling economy. But efforts will need to be targeted on structural... 6th August 2014 · 1 min read
Global Economics Chart Pack Diverging inflation rates The rebound in the US economy in Q2 from its weather-induced downturnshould mean that global growth in the second quarter was much stronger thanin Q1. What’s more, business surveys suggest that... 6th August 2014 · 1 min read
Asia Economics Update Thailand to keep rates on hold until 2015 The Bank of Thailand (BoT) unsurprisingly held its policy rate at 2.0% at its meeting today amid an improving growth outlook. But as the economy may take some time to achieve a sustained recovery, we... 6th August 2014 · 1 min read
Asia Economics Update Indian rates could be cut sooner than expected The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) left its policy rates on hold today, as expected, but with inflation on a downward trend there should be scope for the RBI to cut rates sooner than most analysts expect... 5th August 2014 · 1 min read
Asia Economics Update Australian rates to stay on hold for some time yet The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) kept its policy rate on hold at 2.5% again today, and reiterated in its statement that it does not expect to make any rate changes in the near term. We think the... 5th August 2014 · 1 min read
Emerging Europe Economics Update Romanian MPC flags up prospect of further rate cuts Governor Isarescu opened the door to further interest rate cuts in Romania at today’s post-MPC meeting press conference. Much will depend on inflation data for July and August, due to be released... 4th August 2014 · 1 min read
China Economics Focus Is the level of borrowing costs in China a problem? Cuts to benchmark interest rates could end up doing more harm than good to China’s economy. Policymakers worried about elevated financing costs in the corporate sector would do better to focus on... 4th August 2014 · 1 min read
Africa Economics Update Ghana faces up to economic woes by turning to the IMF Ghana’s authorities bowed to the inevitable on Sunday by formally requesting help from the IMF in dealing with the country’s enormous twin budget and current account deficits. The most likely form of... 4th August 2014 · 1 min read
Bank of Japan Watch October meeting might disappoint markets The upcoming BoJ meeting is unlikely to result in any changes in policy. However, policymakers will have to outline their strategy for 2015 before too long – most likely at the late-October meeting... 4th August 2014 · 1 min read
Asia Economics Weekly Consumer spending in Emerging Asia set for recovery Emerging Asia’s consumers have been struggling in recent months. Tight labour markets and improving growth prospects point to some pick-up going forward, but high levels of household debt in a number... 4th August 2014 · 1 min read
Latin America Economics Update Colombia: interest rates do not have much further to rise Policymakers in Colombia hiked interest rates by another 25bp to 4.25% last night but we do not think that the current tightening cycle has much further to run. Inflation is unlikely to pose a problem... 1st August 2014 · 1 min read
BoE Watch MPC’s judgement on wages key to rate outlook While a vote to raise interest rates does not seemimminent, the Inflation Report following the MPC’s meeting will give the clearestsignal yet as to whether a hike is likely before theend of 2014. In... 1st August 2014 · 1 min read
Emerging Europe Economics Focus Making sense of Hungary’s new policy rate The National Bank of Hungary is due to introduce a new benchmark monetary policy instrument tomorrow. While this is unlikely to have any impact on domestic monetary conditions, policymakers have... 31st July 2014 · 1 min read
ECB Watch ECB on hold despite deflation risk With the measures announced in June seeming tohave some positive effects on financial marketconditions, the ECB is unlikely to announceadditional policy support this month. But furthersigns of... 31st July 2014 · 1 min read
Emerging Europe Economics Update Czech National Bank extends FX intervention pledge The Czech MPC struck an even more dovish note at today’s post-meeting press conference. Policymakersextended their pledge to intervene in the FX market to prevent the koruna from appreciating beyond... 31st July 2014 · 1 min read
