UK Markets Outlook Fiscal worries weigh on markets The combination of a sluggish recovery in the economy and concerns over the UK’s fiscal position and credit rating has weighed on UK asset markets over recent weeks. The rally in the equity market has... 3rd March 2010 · 1 min read
UK Economics Update Fiscal squeeze should eventually support the pound Fears that the general election will result in a hung parliament may continue to weigh on the pound in the coming weeks. But the prospect of a major fiscal squeeze under any form of government should... 3rd March 2010 · 1 min read
Emerging Europe Economics Update Greek tragedy to temper EMU expansion Recent events in Greece have fundamentally weakened the economic arguments in favour of a rapid expansion of the euro-zone to include EU member states in the East. Political appetite for euro-area... 22nd February 2010 · 1 min read
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
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
UK Markets Chart Pack Weak recovery pushes interest rates lower (Feb 10) Concerns about the fragility of the domestic recovery have recently outweighed those regarding the sustainability of the UK’s public finances and the Bank of England’s decision to pause its programme... 12th February 2010 · 1 min read
Asia Economics Update Vietnam makes the right move Vietnam today devalued its currency by 3%. Only the timing of the move was a surprise. The devaluation is necessary and reduces the risk of a disorderly currency decline. Nevertheless, more... 11th February 2010 · 1 min read
UK Markets Chart Pack Markets misjudge the interest rate outlook (Jan 10) Markets continue to expect official interest rates in the UK to be raised from around the middle of 2010. No doubt the recent pick-up in inflation – as well as speculation that the Bank’s programme of... 27th January 2010 · 1 min read
UK Economics Weekly Sterling’s election rally? The pound’s recent climb to a four month high against the euro has revived memories of sterling’s major appreciations ahead of the last two changes of government back in 1979 and 1997. We do not... 25th January 2010 · 1 min read
Emerging Europe Economics Update Can euro-zone accession rescue Emerging Europe? As Eastern Europe limps out of recession, enthusiasm for euro accession appears to be building. In a speech yesterday, Hungarian PM Gordon Bajnai said that his country should adopt the euro ‘as soon... 20th January 2010 · 1 min read
Global Markets Update Sound as a pound? Sterling has had a rollercoaster ride over the past twelve months. This time last year it was at a multidecade low on a real trade-weighted basis. But the pound’s fortunes have improved since then and... 19th January 2010 · 1 min read
Europe Economics Weekly Euro support fading Recent developments support our view that the euro will come under renewed downward pressure in the coming months. With concerns about Greece mounting, economic prospects deteriorating compared to the... 18th January 2010 · 1 min read
Emerging Europe Economics Update How competitive is Emerging Europe? While the worst of the recession in Emerging Europe has passed, a fundamental lack of competitiveness will hold back the recovery in much of the region. Poland and Turkey stand out as two notable... 14th January 2010 · 1 min read
Nordic & Swiss Economics Update SNB may struggle to prevent further franc gains The Swiss National Bank’s assurance that it will intervene to prevent the franc from appreciating too much further is encouraging. But intervention now might not be as successful as in the recent past... 11th January 2010 · 1 min read
Europe Economics Update SNB may struggle to prevent further franc gains The Swiss National Bank’s assurance that it will intervene to prevent the franc from appreciating too much further is encouraging. But intervention now might not be as successful as in the recent past... 11th January 2010 · 1 min read
UK Markets Chart Pack Fiscal concerns trouble bond markets (Dec 09) The Chancellor’s projections for borrowing and debt in the Pre-Budget Report failed to reassure markets that the public finances are back on a path to fiscal sustainability. In response, gilt yields... 16th December 2009 · 1 min read
