Asia Data Response Singapore GDP (Q2 Advanced) The marked contraction in Singapore’s economy in the second quarter is not, on its own, cause for great concern. However, the outlook for the domestic economy is clouded by the likely unwinding of a... 14th July 2015 · 1 min read
Australia & New Zealand Economics Update New Zealand - Slowdown becoming more widespread While much of the weakness in GDP growth in New Zealand in Q1 was due to the temporary effect of the drought, more recent data suggest that the slowdown is spreading to other sectors. The risks to our... 14th July 2015 · 1 min read
Nordic & Swiss Data Response Swedish Consumer Prices (Jun. 15) The fall in Sweden’s headline inflation rate below zero in June vindicated the Riksbank’s decision earlier this month to cut its policy rate further and extend its bond-buying programme. But we think... 14th July 2015 · 1 min read
UK Economics Focus Reasons to be cheerful Given the ongoing troubles in the euro-zone and fears about a slowdown in China, one could be forgiven for adopting something of a gloomy mood. However, there are plenty of reasons to remain cheerful... 13th July 2015 · 1 min read
OPEC Watch OPEC keeps the taps firmly on Last month’s increase in supply from OPEC just adds to the glut of oil already in the market. And even with strong growth in demand over the next year, OPEC still expects the market to be well... 13th July 2015 · 1 min read
US Economics Update Decline in the participation rate is mostly structural The decline in the labour participation rate to a near 40-year low of 62.6% in June largely reflects structural factors, such as the aging population, rather than cyclical weakness. 13th July 2015 · 1 min read
Middle East & North Africa Economics Update Saudi debt issuance aimed at financial market development Saudi Arabia’s budget deficit is likely to reach an eye-watering 17.5% of GDP this year and the government has now turned to the bond market in order to help plug the gap. Some have argued that debt... 13th July 2015 · 1 min read
Industrial Metals Update What next for iron ore? After plummeting last week, iron ore prices have stabilised at around $50 per tonne. However, there appears to be little to support prices given that we expect a contraction in China’s steel output... 13th July 2015 · 1 min read
Energy Update US oil exports muscle in on an already crowded market Even though we do not expect the restrictions on US crude oil exports to be lifted anytime soon, there is still plenty of scope for exports to grow rapidly. 13th July 2015 · 1 min read
Commodities Update Lower opening corn & soybean stocks mask the bigger picture Although market prices reacted positively to the USDA’s latest WASDE report, there is no evidence to suggest that world grain and soybean supplies are facing a significant tightening. We think the... 13th July 2015 · 1 min read
Global Markets Update Euro still likely to fall further The euro remains vulnerable to a resurgence of uncertainty over Greece’s membership of the single currency and the risks of contagion. But even if “Grexit” were off the table completely, the prospect... 13th July 2015 · 1 min read
India Data Response Consumer Prices (Jun.) June’s rise in consumer price inflation was primarily the result of a sharp fall in food prices a year ago rather than any recent increase in inflation pressures. It should not put the Reserve Bank... 13th July 2015 · 1 min read
UK Housing Market Data Response Bank of England Credit Conditions Survey (Q2) The Credit Conditions Survey reported an uptick in secured residential credit availability in the second quarter, but that the availability of commercial lending was more-or-less unchanged. For the... 13th July 2015 · 1 min read
Africa Economics Update Uganda: Weak shilling prompts rate hike Today’s decision to hike interest rates by 150bp reflects the Bank of Uganda’s concerns about currency weakness. But with export prices subdued and political risk rising, we expect that the shilling... 13th July 2015 · 1 min read
Europe Economics Update Greek deal will only delay the inevitable Today’s tentative deal for a new Greek bailout clearly reduces the risk of a near-term exit from the single currency. But significant hurdles must be overcome before the deal is finalised. And the... 13th July 2015 · 1 min read
