Canada Economics Update Small business optimism continues to deteriorate The further decline in the CFIB's small business barometer in July is an early indication that the overall pace of economic recovery may have slowed further. While GDP growth in the second quarter is... 2nd August 2012 · 1 min read
Emerging Europe Economics Update Romanian President’s referendum survival adds to uncertainty Paradoxically, the apparent survival of Romania’s President in Sunday’s referendum could pave the way for a protracted period of political instability. This is likely to take its toll on the financial... 30th July 2012 · 1 min read
Latin America Chart Pack Brazil still struggling The Brazilian economy continues to struggle. Having expanded by a meagre 0.2% q/q in the first quarter of this year, there are few signs that growth picked up in Q2. Elsewhere in the region, growth... 27th July 2012 · 1 min read
Latin America Economics Focus One year on, has Peru’s Humala lost his way? Ollanta Humala’s first year as Peru’s president has been a bittersweet one. While markets have warmed to the ex-army officer’s emergence as a pragmatic centrist, his poor rural support base appears to... 26th July 2012 · 1 min read
Middle East & North Africa Economics Update Syrian crisis: are fears of oil supply disruptions justified? The increase in oil prices over the past few weeks has been partly blamed on the escalation in tensions in Syria, which has raised fresh concerns of supply disruptions. But unless the Syrian crisis... 26th July 2012 · 1 min read
Middle East & North Africa Economics Update Egypt’s new Prime Minister won’t ease market fears The surprising appointment of Dr. Hisham Kandil as Egypt’s new Prime Minister is unlikely to calm nerves in the financial markets. For a start, he lacks the economic credentials that some were hoping... 24th July 2012 · 1 min read
China Data Response HSBC/Markit Flash Manufacturing PMI (Jul.) Conditions in China’s manufacturing sector have improved, according to today’s flash PMI, although the recovery could not yet be described as strong. 24th July 2012 · 1 min read
Latin America Economics Update Chavez pumps the economy ahead of Venezuelan election With the outcome of the Venezuelan presidential election still delicately balanced, the authorities are taking steps to pump economic growth. But while that raises the chance that President Chavez... 23rd July 2012 · 1 min read
Europe Economics Update Is Greece about to move back into the spotlight? The formation of a ‘pro bail-out’ government may have recently shifted the markets’ spotlight away from Greece. But the Troika’s visit to Athens, which begins tomorrow, looks set to prompt renewed... 23rd July 2012 · 1 min read
Asia Economics Weekly Political tensions on the rise in Thailand Political tensions have intensified in Thailand due to the government’s efforts to amend the constitution. There is a significant chance that the proposed reforms could trigger a political deadlock... 20th July 2012 · 1 min read
Europe Economics Weekly Hopes of near-term policy boost fade further Developments last week confirmed that support for the periphery from the region’s core governments will be slow in coming. Some attention has turned back to the ECB for policy support, but it has very... 20th July 2012 · 1 min read
UK Economics Chart Pack Jubilee boost short-lived Although consumer spending appears to have boosted at the start of June by the extended bank holiday, the fillip did not last for long and the underlying trend in spending still looks pretty mediocre... 19th July 2012 · 1 min read
Europe Economics Update Could Finland be the catalyst for a euro-zone break up? Finland’s continued hardline stance on the provision of support to the peripheral economies increases the risk that the euro-zone will not implement the measures needed to maintain the existing... 19th July 2012 · 1 min read
Emerging Europe Economics Update Russia & WTO: don’t expect a miracle After almost 20 years of negotiations, Russia’s membership in the WTO at last seems imminent. But as the effects of this will be spread over several years, we do not expect a significant impact on the... 19th July 2012 · 1 min read
Japan Chart Pack Recovery on hold as economy continues to slow The Japanese economy continued to slow throughout the second quarter and businesses expect only an anaemic recovery in Q3. The economy remains reliant on government support, with reconstruction... 19th July 2012 · 1 min read
China Chart Pack Labour market health belies talk of hard landing China’s economy is growing at one of the slowest rates in years but the labour market is showing few signs of strain. Migrant wages were up 13% y/y last quarter. There are still more jobs being... 19th July 2012 · 1 min read
