Latin America Economics Update Chile cuts rates as economic slowdown takes hold While the timing of last night’s interest rate cut in Chile was a little unexpected, it nonetheless confirms our long-held belief that the central bank would begin trimming its benchmark rate by the... 18th October 2013 · 1 min read
Latin America Economics Update Weak activity data point to another Mexican interest rate cut The continued disappointing performance of the Mexican economy makes it is increasingly likely that last month’s interest rate cut was not a one-off. We have now pencilled in a 25bp reduction to 3.5%... 17th October 2013 · 1 min read
Bank of Canada Watch Economic growth outlook likely to be downgraded We don't expect the Bank of Canada to make any major changes in next week's policy statement (Wednesday, 23rd October). While weak exports and business confidence are likely to have prompted some... 16th October 2013 · 1 min read
Global Economics Update US debt crisis should not stifle global recovery If the political fight over the US debt ceiling goes to the wire, or beyond, there will be negative implications for the US economy. But the impact on the rest of the world should be fairly small. 16th October 2013 · 1 min read
China Economics Update How long will the Hong Kong peg last? The Hong Kong dollar peg was introduced 30 years ago this week. Although the peg creates a number of problems, it remains the best option. We expect it to remain in place for many more years. 16th October 2013 · 1 min read
Asia Economics Update No rate changes in Thailand through to mid-2014 The Bank of Thailand kept its policy rate unchanged today at a low of just 2.50% against a backdrop of low inflation and weak growth. Although interest rates hikes are likely to start next year, the... 16th October 2013 · 1 min read
Emerging Europe Economics Update Russia’s central bank allows the dust to settle Having introduced an entirely new benchmark interest rate at its last meeting and unveiled new lending facilities at each of its two meetings prior to that, the Central Bank of Russia opted to do... 14th October 2013 · 1 min read
Asia Economics Update Singapore's outlook is upbeat, despite Q3 contraction Today’s GDP data showed that Singapore's economy contracted in Q3. Nevertheless, the outlook remains upbeat. As such, the MAS saw no reason to change its policy stance at its meeting today. We do not... 14th October 2013 · 1 min read
Latin America Economics Update Peru in no rush to cut rates despite slowing economy Peru’s central bank (BCRP) extended its long pause on interest rates last night and gave few hints that a change of policy is on the cards. Following a recent downgrade to the BCRP’s 2013 growth... 11th October 2013 · 1 min read
Japan Chart Pack As good as it gets? Japan’s export-oriented manufacturing sector is benefiting from the recovery in the global economy and the weakness in the yen, but the signals on domestic demand are mixed. Business spending does... 10th October 2013 · 1 min read
UK Economics Update MPC likely to have been united in standing pat With interest rate expectations dropping back a bit over the last month and the recovery continuing apace, today’s decision by the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) to leave policy unchanged was... 10th October 2013 · 1 min read
Latin America Economics Update Brazil interest rates heading back into double-digit territory Brazil raised interest rates by 50bps to 9.5% last night and the accompanying statement gave no hint that the recent falls in inflation might prompt policymakers to slow the pace of tightening. A... 10th October 2013 · 1 min read
Asia Economics Update No rate increases in Korea anytime soon The Bank of Korea’s kept interest rates on hold today amid signs that the economy is slowly improving. Looking ahead, low inflationary pressures mean the central bank will be in no hurry to tighten... 10th October 2013 · 1 min read
US Economics Update Fed minutes point to December taper, but that was pre-shutdown The minutes from the contentious FOMC meeting last month reveal that despite the decision to delay the tapering of its asset purchases, which was described as a "relatively close call", "most" Fed... 9th October 2013 · 1 min read
Europe Economic Outlook Growth prospects improve, but crisis unresolved The European economy has shown further signs of recovery, with the euro-zone finally emerging from recession in the second quarter and other parts of the continent also faring better. But growth in... 8th October 2013 · 1 min read
BoE Watch A quiet meeting in prospect Following a disappointing initial reaction to forward guidance, there could have been a case for the MPC to do more to support the recovery. But with expectations for the date of a rate rise having... 8th October 2013 · 1 min read
