UK Economics Focus What more can policymakers do? Should UK interest rates fall to zero, it is likely that UK policymakers will follow in the footsteps of the US Federal Reserve and adopt a formal policy of quantitative easing (QE). While QE is a... 16th January 2009 · 1 min read
Europe Economics Update ECB drags its heels While the ECB cut interest rates as expected today, it’s warnings that it will not reduce them again at its next meeting confirm that it will continue to drag its heels compared to other central banks... 15th January 2009 · 1 min read
Emerging Europe Economics Update Rates heading for record lows (Jan 09) The growth outlook for Emerging Europe continues to deteriorate sharply. With oil and food prices now a deflationary force, policymakers are rightly concerned about inflation undershooting rather than... 14th January 2009 · 1 min read
UK Economics Update Zero interest rates to squeeze bank profits This week’s Bank of England interest rates data confirmed that banks have so far taken advantage of the cuts in official interest rates to boost their profit margins by cutting savings rates more... 14th January 2009 · 1 min read
Asia Economics Update Bank of Korea not finished cutting rates The Bank of Korea’s decision to cut interest rates to a new low of 2.5% signals its determination to support a flagging economy. However, with exports plunging and domestic demand extremely weak, the... 9th January 2009 · 1 min read
UK Economics Update Another step towards zero Today’s cut in interest rates to record low levels confirms that, for now at least, monetary policy remains focused on reducing the cost of money. We still expect rates to get down to zero, or very... 8th January 2009 · 1 min read
UK Housing Market Update Another step towards zero Today’s cut in interest rates to record low levels confirms that, for now at least, monetary policy remains focused on reducing the cost of money. We still expect rates to get down to zero, or very... 8th January 2009 · 1 min read
UK Commercial Property Update Another step towards zero Today’s cut in interest rates to record low levels confirms that, for now at least, monetary policy remains focused on reducing the cost of money. We still expect rates to get down to zero, or very... 8th January 2009 · 1 min read
UK Economics Update Another step towards zero Today’s cut in interest rates to record low levels confirms that, for now at least, monetary policy remains focused on reducing the cost of money. We still expect rates to get down to zero, or very... 8th January 2009 · 1 min read
ECB Watch ECB making slow progress Given the latest sharp fall in inflation and mounting evidence that the euro-zone economy is in the midst of a severe downturn, we see the ECB cutting interest rates by 50bp this month. Indeed, as it... 8th January 2009 · 1 min read
BoE Watch Another step closer to zero Despite cutting interest rates by another 1% in December to 2%, the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) has signalled that it has more work to do. Given the further deterioration in the economic outlook... 5th January 2009 · 1 min read
US Economics Weekly Quantitative easing is the last line of defence against deflation 22nd December 2008 · 1 min read
Asia Economics Update Bank of Japan cuts rates to near zero, will buy CP outright The Bank of Japan effectively reverted to a zero interest rate policy today and edged towards quantitative easing, although the embrace of QE is still half-hearted. We are certainly not impressed by... 19th December 2008 · 1 min read
Japan Economics Update Bank of Japan cuts rates to near zero, will buy CP outright The Bank of Japan effectively reverted to a zero interest rate policy today and edged towards quantitative easing, although the embrace of QE is still half-hearted. We are certainly not impressed by... 19th December 2008 · 1 min read
US Economics Focus Quantitative easing is now the Fed’s most potent weapon. 18th December 2008 · 1 min read
UK Economics Update Bank of England has already begun quantitative easing In line with other central banks, the Bank of England has recently begun a policy of quantitative easing (QE). Admittedly, the Bank has taken action to limit the increase in the monetary base. And it... 18th December 2008 · 1 min read
