Canada Data Response International Merchandise Trade (Mar.) The widening in the trade deficit to a record high of $4.1bn in March, from $2.9bn, was not as bad as it seems since exports increased by 3.7% m/m and, although imports increased by a very strong 6.0%... 3rd May 2018 · 1 min read
Global Markets Update Further EM currency weakness likely to be limited Emerging market (EM) currencies have remained under pressure this week, and we expect most to soften further against the dollar. But, with the exceptions of the Turkish lira and Argentine peso, the... 3rd May 2018 · 1 min read
Precious Metals Update Q1 2018 World Gold Council Demand Trends Global gold demand fell sharply in Q1, primarily owing to lower investment. We expect demand to remain subdued as Fed tightening raises the opportunity cost of holding an asset like gold which bears... 3rd May 2018 · 1 min read
UK Economics Chart Pack Economy makes a stuttering start to Q2 After a disappointingly-weak Q1, the economy looks to have made a pretty slow start to Q2. Admittedly, the measly 0.1% expansion in GDP in Q1 was partly due to weather effects. However, there are... 3rd May 2018 · 1 min read
US Data Response Trade (Mar.), ISM Non-Mfg. (Apr.) & Productivity (Q1) The sharp decline in the nominal trade deficit to a six-month low of $49.0bn in March, from $57.7bn in February, was driven by an encouraging rise in exports. The data imply that net trade was broadly... 3rd May 2018 · 1 min read
BoE Watch MPC to wait for confirmation slowdown is temporary A string of weak economic data, as well as comments by Governor Carney, have all but ruled out another interest rate hike on 10th May. Indeed, the MPC is likely to err on the side of caution until it... 3rd May 2018 · 1 min read
Emerging Europe Economic Outlook A regional slowdown The past few months have brought early signs that growth has peaked in parts of Emerging Europe, and we expect the pace of expansion to ease in most countries over the course of this year and 2019. In... 3rd May 2018 · 1 min read
Latin America Data Response Brazil Industrial Production (Mar.) The small fall in Brazilian industrial production in March suggests that, over Q1 as a whole, the sector stagnated, adding to the evidence that GDP growth in Q1 was quite soft. But there are a number... 3rd May 2018 · 1 min read
Latin America Economics Update Nafta 2.0: what’s on the table? Following intensive talks last month, a preliminary new Nafta deal appears to be within reach. While it could still struggle to pass through legislatures in each country, the deal that looks to be on... 3rd May 2018 · 1 min read
Energy Chart Pack Rising risks to supply boost oil prices Oil prices jumped in April as tensions escalated in the Middle East, especially the risk that the US will re-impose sanctions on Iran, and speculation increased that OPEC will extend its output cuts... 3rd May 2018 · 1 min read
Energy Watch Will global gas prices finally converge? The surge in availability of liquefied natural gas (LNG), which does not need pipeline infrastructure, has raised the prospect of a more fungible natural gas market. In this Energy Watch, we look at... 3rd May 2018 · 1 min read
Europe Data Response Euro-zone Flash CPI (Apr.) & PPI (Mar.) April’s unexpected fall in inflation partly reflected Easter timing effects, providing some hope that it will prove temporary. But with underlying price pressures subdued, the ECB will continue to... 3rd May 2018 · 1 min read
UK Data Response Markit/CIPS Services PMI (Apr.) The slight pick-up in the services PMI in April will do a little to assuage fears that the economy has suffered a loss of underlying momentum and makes the chance of an interest rate hike next week... 3rd May 2018 · 1 min read
Africa Economics Focus China & Africa: Setting the record straight Perceptions of the economic ties between China and Africa are often based on inaccurate assumptions. In this Focus we debunk three key myths. The China-Africa relationship is not as state-driven, as... 3rd May 2018 · 1 min read
Nordic & Swiss Economics Update No rush for higher interest rates in Norway In today’s monetary policy announcement, the Norges Bank reiterated that it expects to raise interest rates this year. But we still suspect that it will ultimately wait until Q1 2019 before beginning... 3rd May 2018 · 1 min read
