Emerging Europe Economics Update Russia makes a weak start to Q2 April’s activity data will dent any remaining hopes for a quick rebound in Russian growth following the slump in Q1. As a result, the Central Bank is likely to come under yet further pressure to cut... 24th May 2013 · 1 min read
Emerging Markets Economics Focus What next for the EM recovery? The recovery in emerging market (EM) growth during the second half of 2012 has faltered since the start of this year. This is due in large part to renewed weakness in the BRIC economies, which we... 23rd May 2013 · 1 min read
Canada Data Response Retail Sales (Mar.) Despite the healthy 0.7% m/m gain in retail sales volumes in March, earlier reports showing far more tepid increases in manufacturing and wholesale trade suggest that the economy ended the first... 22nd May 2013 · 1 min read
UK Data Response Retail Sales & Pub. Fin. (Apr.), MPC Minutes (May) Today’s data contained some mixed signals on the strength of the economic recovery, with retail sales slumping but with the public finances making a reasonable start to the year. 22nd May 2013 · 1 min read
Middle East & North Africa Economics Update Kuwait's politics holding back investment A fresh bout of tensions between Kuwait’s parliament and the government reinforces our concerns that the country’s fractious politics is undermining the economy’s growth prospects. All told, we think... 21st May 2013 · 1 min read
Emerging Markets Economics Update A closer look at international corporate bond issuance This week’s bumper foreign debt sale by Brazil’s Petrobras has put the spotlight on the fast-expanding overseas market for EM corporate bonds. As it happens, this type of financing is still a small... 16th May 2013 · 1 min read
Japan Economics Focus Will “Abenomics” transform Japan? The election of a new government under Prime Minister Abe has certainly transformed market sentiment towards Japan over the past six months. However, taking a closer look at each of the components of... 15th May 2013 · 1 min read
UK Economics Update Is tourism helping with rebalancing? Tourism is an important but often overlooked source of UK export earnings, with overseas visitors spending over £18bn annually in the UK. Increasing numbers of visitors from fast-growing emerging... 14th May 2013 · 1 min read
Europe Economics Update German election campaign offers no hope of fiscal boost The growing likelihood of a grand coalition government after September’s election suggests that Germany’s tough stance on the euro-zone periphery might soften somewhat. However, none of the main... 9th May 2013 · 1 min read
UK Data Response BRC Retail Sales Monitor (Apr.) This year’s earlier Easter was primarily to blame for April’s dip in the BRC measure of retail sales. Nonetheless, underlying sales growth still looks fairly limp 8th May 2013 · 1 min read
US Economics Update Retailers could be shifting to part-time employment The evidence is far from conclusive, but the recent decline in average weekly hours worked, particularly in the retail sector, may be partly explained by employers cutting hours to avoid paying the... 7th May 2013 · 1 min read
Middle East & North Africa Economics Update Egyptian cabinet reshuffle doesn't change bigger picture The reshuffle of Egypt’s cabinet, including a complete overhaul of the government’s economic team, doesn’t change the bigger picture that achieving support from across the political spectrum for much... 7th May 2013 · 1 min read
UK Economic Outlook The squeeze continues The squeeze on consumers’ real pay will intensify even further over the next few months. Thereafter it should abate, although sub-par rates of spending growth are likely to continue for some time. 7th May 2013 · 1 min read
UK Economics Weekly Selling the banks would be no quick fix Rumours that the Government is gearing up to sell its stakes in the nationalised banks have hit the headlines. Some think that even a loss-making sale would support the Government’s chances of re... 6th May 2013 · 1 min read
Asia Economics Weekly Major challenges await Pakistan after elections Pakistan will hold parliamentary elections on 11th May. The elections mark a watershed moment in the Pakistan’s political history, as they are the first time that one elected government will have... 6th May 2013 · 1 min read
UK Economics Update How much will auto-enrolment cost companies? Companies have been reluctant to spend so far in this recovery. And legislation that is being phased in which requires them to contribute to their employees’ pensions could restrain them further... 1st May 2013 · 1 min read
