Europe Data Response Euro-zone EC Survey (Feb.) & Spanish GDP (Q4) The small rise in the European Commission’s Economic Sentiment Indicator (ESI) in February provided another indication that the economic recovery has built up a little momentum at the start of the... 27th February 2014 · 1 min read
Emerging Europe Economics Update First thoughts on the economic fallout from Ukraine’s unrest It’s difficult to gauge the immediate impact of recent developments in Ukraine on the economy, but historical evidence from similar instances of unrest and political transition suggests that GDP... 27th February 2014 · 1 min read
Europe Economics Update Euro-zone Monetary Indicators Monitor (Jan.) Given hopes that the ECB’s Asset Quality Review had temporarily depressed lending last year, January’s weak euro-zone monetary data will keep pressure on the ECB to loosen policy further. 27th February 2014 · 1 min read
Emerging Europe Economics Update EM inflation remains subdued despite currency weakness In aggreate terms, there is little sign that currency weakness is leading to higher emerging market (EM) inflation. With few signs of a build-up in domestic price pressures either, we expect EM... 27th February 2014 · 1 min read
Europe Data Response Swiss GDP (Q4 13) While Q4’s Swiss GDP figures were a bit disappointing, they do not suggest that the economy is succumbing to the strength of the exchange rate. 27th February 2014 · 1 min read
Middle East & North Africa Economics Update Booming car industry could drive Morocco’s economy Morocco’s exports have, so far, seen little benefit from the recovery in the country’s key trading partners in the euro-zone. But the headline trade figures mask some encouraging developments. In... 27th February 2014 · 1 min read
Asia Economics Update Malaysia making progress in escaping middle income trap Malaysia has made decent progress in its bid to transition to high-income status by 2020. However, further reforms to enhance economic competitiveness are crucial to sustaining strong growth. 27th February 2014 · 1 min read
Europe Commercial Property Update Is a downturn looming for Turkish retail property? Reflecting the recent hike in official interest rates, credit growth and consumer spending in Turkey are vulnerable to a slowdown. In turn, and given that rents are high while yields are low, there is... 27th February 2014 · 1 min read
Nordic & Swiss Data Response Swiss GDP (Q4 13) While Q4’s Swiss GDP figures were a bit disappointing, they do not suggest that the economy is succumbing to the strength of the exchange rate. 27th February 2014 · 1 min read
Bank of Canada Watch Bank to maintain neutral stance The Bank of Canada's key policy rate has been on hold at 1.0% for more than three years now. With inflation still uncomfortably low and economic growth still overly-dependent on debt-fuelled housing... 26th February 2014 · 1 min read
Canada Economics Update Investment intentions remain muted The 2014 annual investment intentions survey, which points to another very modest gain in business investment this year, will come as a blow to the Bank of Canada. The Bank is still hoping for a... 26th February 2014 · 1 min read
China Economics Update Wider currency band is not the goal A widening of the renminbi’s trading band is likely soon. But it would be wrong to think of such a shift as the main motivation for the currency’s recent moves. Indeed, a wider currency band would not... 26th February 2014 · 1 min read
Global Markets Update Weaker euro should help euro-zone equities to outperform One development that is likely to cap future rises in long-term government bond yields in some of the major advanced economies is the persistence of exceptionally loose monetary policy. But this is... 26th February 2014 · 1 min read
US Housing Market Data Response New Home Sales (Jan 14.) The strong rise in new home sales in January means that the recovery in housing market activity looks to be back on track. There is considerable scope for new home sales to rise further in 2014. 26th February 2014 · 1 min read
