US Economics Weekly Deficit in demand to hinder economy for years Much more important than whether or not the US economy contracts for one quarter or more is that a fundamental deficit in demand means there is little prospect of a significant and sustained... 23rd August 2011 · 1 min read
Europe Economics Weekly Policymakers still unwilling to pull out all the stops Signs last week that European policymakers remain unwilling to take major steps towards fiscal union, coupled with very weak economic data and a renewed slump in equity prices, did nothing to alter... 23rd August 2011 · 1 min read
US Economics Update How reliable is the Philly Fed index? The plunge in the Philly Fed manufacturing index in August is not a sure-fire sign that a recession is imminent. The ISM index is more reliable. And even if the ISM index were to fall in line with the... 20th August 2011 · 1 min read
Latin America Economics Update Mexican economy set for extended period of slow growth Data released this afternoon show that the Mexican economy registered decent growth in the first half of this year. Nevertheless, with the news from the US going from bad to worse, and domestic demand... 20th August 2011 · 1 min read
Global Markets Update TIPS close to a tipping point? The yield on US Treasury Inflation Protected Securities (TIPS) is close to zero for bonds maturing in ten years’ time and negative for those with a shorter remaining life. This presumably reflects a... 20th August 2011 · 1 min read
Global Economics Update What are the risks of a double dip? The major Western economies are in dire need of some good news soon to prevent a renewed slide into recession. The best hope is probably a further fall in oil prices and a sustained decline in long... 20th August 2011 · 1 min read
Canada Data Response Consumer Price Index (Jul.) The slight pick-up in core consumer price inflation in July will now be of little concern to the Bank of Canada. Considering the global recession fears now gripping markets and lower commodity prices... 20th August 2011 · 1 min read
Latin America Economics Update Chile shifts to neutral on softer global growth prospects There were no surprises from Chile’s Central Bank (CBC) last night as the benchmark rate was maintained at 5.25%. With global demand set to slow but not collapse altogether, the likelihood of further... 20th August 2011 · 1 min read
Middle East & North Africa Chart Pack Price pressures have eased in the Gulf Inflation pressures are easing in most countries in the Middle East. In the oil-rich Gulf States, despite a rapid rise in food inflation over the past two months, subdued housing costs have eased... 20th August 2011 · 1 min read
Asia Economics Update Sri Lanka’s central bank to keep rates on hold until 2012 The Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) kept interest rates on hold today, as expected. Although headline inflation crept up slightly in July, the central bank remains confident that inflation will start... 20th August 2011 · 1 min read
UK Data Response Public Finances (Jul.) House prices are likely to end 2011 in line with, or marginally lower than, last year. That will do little to alleviate the extent to which housing is overvalued. Against this backdrop, and with the... 20th August 2011 · 1 min read
UK Housing Market Focus Will there be a shortage of buy-to-let lending? Over the next five years, favourable margins and low rates of payment problems mean that lenders will be able and willing to meet landlords’ growing demand for buy-to-let mortgages. Hence, a lack of... 20th August 2011 · 1 min read
Commodities Update Gold has further to rise despite likely Venezuelan sales In isolation, the news that the Venezuelan government is nationalising its gold industry and planning to repatriate its overseas gold reserves might be seen as negative for the price of the metal... 19th August 2011 · 1 min read
Latin America Economics Update Chile’s resilient growth faces tougher times ahead Today’s Chilean GDP figures confirmed that the economy remained in good health over the second quarter. Even so, we are likely to witness a weaker performance from Q3 on the back of deteriorating... 19th August 2011 · 1 min read
