UK Economics Weekly Labour feeling Green, AI optimism, near-term jobs risks The government’s loss in this week’s by-election may raise the chances of looser fiscal policy than otherwise, higher gilt yields than otherwise and a lower pound than otherwise. Meanwhile, the risks... 27th February 2026 · 5 mins read
China Economics Weekly NPC and Five-Year Plan: What to watch China's leadership will lay out its economic policy agenda for this year, as well as its goals for the 15th Five Year Plan period (2026-30), at the National People's Congress which kicks off on... 27th February 2026 · 7 mins read
Middle East & North Africa Economics Weekly US-Iran, OPEC+, Egypt tax plans, Kuwait’s Article IV The US and Iran resumed talks in Geneva today, but the build-up of US forces in the region means that the threat of strikes remains on the table. The associated risk to oil supply may lie behind... 26th February 2026 · 5 mins read
Emerging Markets Economics Update EM budget deficits on diverging paths Fiscal tightening has helped to narrow budget deficits markedly in a number of EMs, notably Argentina, South Africa and Turkey. But elsewhere adjustment has been limited – particularly in Brazil. And... 25th February 2026 · 3 mins read
Africa Economics Update South Africa gives away revenue windfall once again South Africa’s finance minister used today’s Budget speech to once again offer more fiscal giveaways, mainly in the form of putting off previously mooted tax rises, rather than save the revenue... 25th February 2026 · 3 mins read
Latin America Economics Update Elevated metals prices to support Andes’ terms of trade We think metals prices will fall back from current high levels, which will weigh on Latin American currencies. But prices will remain high by historical standards, which should keep external positions... 25th February 2026 · 4 mins read
Europe Economics Update Taking stock of the German fiscal stimulus With Germany’s fiscal stimulus now beginning to show up in the data, we think the increase in defence and infrastructure spending may be even slower and smaller than we had assumed – but that may be... 24th February 2026 · 5 mins read
Japan Economics Update Japan has got 99 problems but investment isn’t one PM Takaichi is misdiagnosing what’s holding back Japan’s economy. This means that rather than boosting Japan’s long-term growth potential, her policies may instead unleash a wave of wasteful public... 24th February 2026 · 3 mins read
Middle East & North Africa Chart Pack Middle East and North Africa Chart Pack (Feb. 2026) Our Middle East & North Africa Chart Pack has been updated with the latest data and our analysis of recent developments. The Middle East and North Africa is set for the fastest pace of GDP growth... 23rd February 2026 · 1 min read
Africa Economics Update How a fiscal rule would help South Africa There’s growing talk that South Africa’s government could introduce a fiscal rule at this week’s Budget. If so, this would strengthen fiscal credibility and help to lock-in the recent falls in local... 23rd February 2026 · 5 mins read
Africa Economics Weekly What to expect from South Africa's 2026 Budget? South Africa’s Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana will present the 2026 Budget next week against an improving fiscal backdrop, creating scope for another fiscal giveaway. However, a looser fiscal... 20th February 2026 · 6 mins read
Event Europe Drop-In: Are we too bearish on the euro-zone outlook? 26th February 2026, 3:00PM GMT Signs of life in the euro-zone economy have sparked hopes that a meaningful recovery may finally be underway. But our growth forecasts for this year and next remain below consensus.
China Economics Weekly Economy to plod along in the Year of the Horse Tuesday marked the first day of the Year of the Horse. Horse years are traditionally seen as years of energy and forward momentum but, with policymakers unlikely to loosen the reins much on fiscal... 20th February 2026 · 6 mins read
UK Economics Rapid Response UK Public Finances & Retail Sales (Jan. 2026) The big reduction in public borrowing and surge in retail sales in January support other evidence that the economy started the year looking a lot healthier. This will give the Chancellor something... 20th February 2026 · 3 mins read
