Europe Economics Weekly Weaker euro to offer exporters little respite The latest news from the euro-zone external sector suggests that although exports are expanding strongly, the strong euro is taking its toll on the sector. The recent weakening of the euro is... 22nd February 2010 · 1 min read
Emerging Europe Economics Update Russia cuts rates again, but ruble strength could be short-lived This morning’s 25bps cut in Russian interest rates may help to stem some of the upward pressure on the ruble but it is unlikely to do much to spur lending. What’s more, if oil prices fall back this... 19th February 2010 · 1 min read
Europe Data Response Euro-zone Flash PMIs (Feb.) The euro-zone composite PMI was unchanged in February, adding to evidence that the economy probably expanded at a fairly lacklustre pace at the start of this year. 19th February 2010 · 1 min read
Global Markets Update Hikes in key interest rates no closer after Fed move 19th February 2010 · 1 min read
UK Commercial Property Focus Standard industrials & distribution warehouses: the outlook Over the next 4-5 years, driven by the recovery in the UK’s manufacturing sector, standard industrial annual total returns could average 10% to 11%. That would be higher than prospective returns from... 19th February 2010 · 1 min read
Asia Economic Outlook Upswings to stay impressive for a while (Q1 10) The trade-dependent economies will eventually see slower GDP growth later this year and in 2011 as the global upswing loses momentum. But Asia’s rebound will not come to a complete halt and growth, by... 19th February 2010 · 1 min read
Latin America Economics Update Brazil: labour market pressures confined to a few sectors 18th February 2010 · 1 min read
UK Housing Market Update Are cash buyers driving housing demand? Cash buyers have been a key support to housing demand over the past year. But they may have been a less important driver of the recovery in sales than is sometimes suggested. Moreover, if January’s... 18th February 2010 · 1 min read
Japan Economics Update Governor Shirakawa’s caution is not the last word The Bank of Japan meeting which concluded today was the non-event that most (ourselves included) had anticipated. Governor Shirakawa reiterated the Policy Board’s reluctance to adopt a more formal... 18th February 2010 · 1 min read
UK Economics Update Overseas inflation more reassuring for the UK than it looks The UK has not been alone in seeing inflation rise recently, prompting the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) to suggest that common factors may therefore be keeping inflation high globally. However, a... 18th February 2010 · 1 min read
Emerging Europe Economics Update Policymakers to look through rise in inflation (Feb 10) Although inflation has risen across much of the region in recent months, policymakers remain in no rush to raise interest rates. For a start, the bulk of the pick-up in inflation has been caused by... 18th February 2010 · 1 min read
Europe Data Response Norwegian GDP (Q4) Q4’s disappointing GDP figures suggested that the Norwegian economy is still in a reasonably fragile state. Accordingly, the Norges Bank risks derailing the recovery if it raises interest rates too... 18th February 2010 · 1 min read
China Economics Update Hong Kong growth set to surprise on upside Hong Kong’s economy will significantly outpace most people’s expectations this year, but inflation is likely to remain very low. 18th February 2010 · 1 min read
