UK Economics Update Irish lessons for an independent Scotland There is much that the Scots could learn from their Celtic neighbours. Irish independence is a story ofeventual, not immediate success. It took nearly 80 years for Irish per capita income to catch up... 12th September 2014 · 1 min read
Global Economics Update Scottish independence could encourage separatists worldwide From an economic point of view, it might be easier for some other regions with separatist movements to thrive as independent countries than it would be for Scotland. Few of them face the same... 11th September 2014 · 1 min read
Emerging Markets Economics Focus How important is urbanisation for long-run growth? The role of urbanisation in supporting growth in emerging markets is often overplayed. Although urbanisation can play an important role in supporting industrialisation, it doesn’t in itself drive... 11th September 2014 · 1 min read
Emerging Europe Economics Update Euro-zone more to blame for Q2 slowdown than Ukraine The slowdown in Central and South Eastern Europe in the second quarter has raised concerns about the region’s exposure to the crisis in Ukraine. In this Watch, we dig deeper into the GDP data to see... 11th September 2014 · 1 min read
Japan Data Response Business Outlook Survey (Q3) In contrast to the lacklustre monthly survey data for August, today’s Business Outlook Survey suggests that the economy returned to growth this quarter. 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
Latin America Economics Update Brazil Election Watch: What might a Silva presidency mean for the economy? The economic programme put forward by presidential hopeful Marina Silva is a step in the right direction insofar as it addresses many of the problems that have contributed to a general decline in... 10th September 2014 · 1 min read
Europe Economics Focus Using another country’s currency is a costly option Unilateral adoption of the euro, which is the currency regime of Montenegro and a number of other countries, might seem to be a potential blueprint for other European countries outside the euro-zone... 9th September 2014 · 1 min read
Emerging Europe Economic Outlook Emerging Europe Economic Outlook The recovery in Emerging Europe has fizzled out in recent months and we think growth will be sluggish over the coming quarters. The crisis in Ukraine presents one headwind, particularly for Russia... 5th September 2014 · 1 min read
Japan Economics Focus Can Japan’s population be stabilised at 100 million? Japan’s shrinking working-age population is a constant drag on economic growth. Unfortunately, policy measures that might help to stabilise the population would have substantial fiscal costs, which... 3rd September 2014 · 1 min read
China Economics Update New light on government borrowing Reforms just agreed should drastically reduce off-budget borrowing by local governments and make it much easier to monitor the build-up of government debt. These moves are long overdue but the fact... 3rd September 2014 · 1 min read
Japan Data Response Capital Expenditure (Q2) The Ministry of Finance's survey on corporate finances suggests that there won't be major adjustments to non-residential investment in the second estimate of Q2 GDP. In the meantime, April's... 1st September 2014 · 1 min read
UK Economics Focus A Scottish ‘No’ would have limited economic impact but a ‘Yes’ would rattle markets and the Scottish economy We anticipate a muted financial and economic response if Scotland votes ‘No’ on 18th Septembersince both markets and most companies are expecting this. By contrast, we think a ‘Yes’ vote wouldhave a... 28th August 2014 · 1 min read
Latin America Chart Pack Mexico turning the corner The past month has brought signs that Mexico’s economy is finally turning the corner. latestdata suggest that the Mexican economy has turned the corner. GDP expanded by a seasonally-adjusted 1.0% q/q... 28th August 2014 · 1 min read
Middle East & North Africa Chart Pack Dubai's GREs slowly tackling their debt problems Over the past month Dubai’s government-related entities (GREs), which were at the heart of the Emirate’s crisis in 2009, have made further efforts to tackle their huge mountains of debt. The recovery... 28th August 2014 · 1 min read
Europe Economics Update French political turmoil adds to near-term economic risks The latest anti-austerity backlash from within the French Government, together with supportive comments from the ECB, offer hope that the euro-zone’s fiscal straightjacket could be loosened in future... 26th August 2014 · 1 min read
