UK Economics Update Autumn Statement provides modest gain to consumers With sizeable improvements in the economic and fiscal forecasts, December’s Autumn Statement gave the Chancellor leeway to announce measures which will provide some modest support to consumers’... 6th December 2013 · 1 min read
Asia Economics Update Malaysia to raise rates sooner than expected In its latest move to rein in subsidy spending, the Malaysian government this week announced that it will hike electricity tariffs in 2014. Further subsidy cuts, particularly on the fuel front, are... 6th December 2013 · 1 min read
Emerging Europe Economics Update Ukraine: currency crisis seems a bigger threat than debt default The recent escalation of political protests in Kiev has put Ukraine's fragile external position back in the spotlight. A full-blown balance of payments crisis remains a real risk. The one crumb of... 5th December 2013 · 1 min read
UK Economics Focus Autumn Statement 2013: Mr Osborne sticks to the path This is a responsible package which is broadly fiscally neutral. The key message is that the UK’s fiscal consolidation still has a long way to go. 5th December 2013 · 1 min read
Europe Economics Update A second bail-out still looms for Portugal Portugal is unlikely to follow in Ireland’s footsteps and achieve a “clean exit” from its existing rescue package. We think that the most likely scenario is that Portugal seeks a second full-blown... 28th November 2013 · 1 min read
UK Economics Focus Autumn Statement 2013 Preview With the economic recovery yet to have much impact on the Government's popularity, Chancellor George Osborne may be tempted to use the proceeds of stronger growth to fund a small giveaway in the... 28th November 2013 · 1 min read
Europe Economics Update Euro-zone Fiscal Monitor (Nov.) While Greece and Ireland remain ahead of their fiscal consolidation targets, Italy appears set to record a larger than planned deficit this year. 27th November 2013 · 1 min read
Asia Economics Update Vulnerable economies failing to put their fiscal houses in order Government finances are not a serious concern in most Asian countries. However, some of the governments that most need to rein in their deficits to help their economies withstand future bouts of... 27th November 2013 · 1 min read
UK Economics Weekly Coalition still struggling to take credit for recovery This week’s second estimate of GDP looks set to confirm that the UK economy was the fastest growing G7 economy in the third quarter. But the Government’s shortfall in the opinion polls suggests that... 25th November 2013 · 1 min read
Emerging Markets Economics Chart Pack EM exporters benefit from Chinese rebound EM exporters appear to have benefited from the recent investment-led rebound in China. But with China's infrastructure spending now easing again and policymakers determined to rein in credit growth... 22nd November 2013 · 1 min read
UK Data Response Public finances (Oct.) Although October’s public finance figures were a little disappointing, borrowing this year still looks set to come in substantially below the OBR’s March forecast. While the Chancellor is likely to... 21st November 2013 · 1 min read
Emerging Europe Economics Update Croatia’s fiscal woes a result of weak growth In spite of mounting speculation that Croatia’s debt burden will force the authorities to turn to the IMF for help, we think that the country might still be able to avoid a bail-out. Even so, these... 21st November 2013 · 1 min read
Japan Economics Weekly How serious is the government about austerity? The government has pledged to halve its primary deficit by 2015. However, the ongoing surge in public spending casts severe doubt on policymakers' commitment to fiscal austerity despite the planned... 18th November 2013 · 1 min read
Middle East & North Africa Economics Update Subsidy cuts – lessons from Jordan The swingeing fuel subsidy cuts imposed by Jordan's government a year ago have, so far at least, made few inroads in narrowing the country's fiscal deficit. Measures to replace subsidies have tended... 14th November 2013 · 1 min read
Canada Economics Update Federal government turning more cautious on economy After enjoying a stronger than expected 2012-13 fiscal year, the Federal government is taking a cautious approach and sticking with its previous timetable to eliminate the budget deficit by 2015. With... 12th November 2013 · 1 min read
Europe Economics Update Downgrade highlights France's slow fiscal progress The downgrade of France’s sovereign credit rating last week highlighted the country’s fiscal problems. Although a French debt crisis is still a fairly distant prospect, France’s weak fiscal position... 11th November 2013 · 1 min read
