UK Economics Weekly Fiscal rules could be tightened further In an attempt to reinforce the Conservatives’ image of fiscal responsibility, Mr Osborne said last week that his party would return the overall public finances to surplus by 2020. This would require... 7th October 2013 · 1 min read
Africa Economics Update Oil production alone won’t solve Ghana’s deficit problems On the face of it, comments yesterday from Ghana’s Finance Minister that oil revenues have been larger than expected this year should ease some concerns over the sustainability of the country’s twin... 3rd October 2013 · 1 min read
UK Economics Chart Pack Confidence in the recovery strengthens The economic recovery is becoming more entrenched, with GDP confirmed as having grown by 0.7% in Q2 and expansion evident across all three main sectors of the economy. Meanwhile, sentiment has risen... 3rd October 2013 · 1 min read
Europe Chart Pack Falling inflation increases scope for monetary easing The fall in euro-zone CPI inflation to 1.1% in September – its lowest rate since February 2010 – leaves it well below the ECB’s target of “below, but close to, 2%”. While falling energy inflation has... 2nd October 2013 · 1 min read
US Economics Update On shutdown costs and the timing of a possible default The furloughing of 800,000 Federal employees, as part of the government shutdown that began today, will reduce spending by roughly $155 million per day. Over a whole year, the cost would be equivalent... 1st October 2013 · 1 min read
US Economics Update Shutdown only the opening act in budget negotiations The economic impact of the Federal shutdown that began today all depends on how long it drags on and, in particular, whether the acrimonious stand-off in Congress spills over into the negotiations to... 1st October 2013 · 1 min read
Europe Economics Update Are Greece’s privatisation targets flawed? A contentious component of the Greek bail-out package has been its privatisation programme. This Update summarises some of the views expressed at a panel discussion in which Ben May was involved at... 1st October 2013 · 1 min read
Japan Economics Update Consumption tax hike leaves credibility at risk Following a strong Q3 Tankan survey, the Japanese government today confirmed that it will go ahead with the first consumption tax hike next April. However, the decision to offset some of the fiscal... 1st October 2013 · 1 min read
Europe Economics Update Renewed political uncertainty adds to Italy's problems Silvio Berlusconi’s decision to withdraw his support for the coalition Government may not trigger elections. But the fragile political situation highlights the huge challenges that Italy faces just to... 30th September 2013 · 1 min read
Emerging Europe Economics Update Russia’s external debt burden not a cause for concern (yet) A recent warning from Russia’s Deputy Finance Minister has led to renewed concerns about the country’s growing burden of external debt. But while debt has risen sharply in recent quarters, we don’t... 30th September 2013 · 1 min read
Japan Economics Weekly Credibility at risk despite likely consumption tax hike The key event this week will be the government’s decision whether or not to raise the consumption tax as planned next April, which should be announced after the release of the Q3 Tankan survey on... 30th September 2013 · 1 min read
US Economics Weekly This is no way to run a country Even if Congress can reach an agreement to renew the Federal government's spending authority before it expires this Monday, which is looking increasingly unlikely, there is a much more serious battle... 30th September 2013 · 1 min read
UK Economics Update Financial Policy Committee plays down bubble fears Today’s statement by the Bank of England’s Financial Policy Committee (FPC) lacked drama. While the Committee is keeping a close eye on developments in the housing market, the approach for now is... 25th September 2013 · 1 min read
Europe Economics Update Euro-zone Fiscal Monitor (Sep.) Greece and Ireland have continued to cut their budget deficits. But the fragile political situation in Italy has contributed to some budget slippage there. 25th September 2013 · 1 min read
US Economics Update Risk of Federal government shutdown can't be dismissed Congress is about to enter the critical stage of negotiations to extend the Federal government's spending authority, which will otherwise expire when the new fiscal year begins on 1st October, and, in... 20th September 2013 · 1 min read
UK Data Response Public finances (Aug.) Following a run of disappointing monthly public sector borrowing numbers, August’s public finances data suggested that the economic recovery could be finally starting to make its presence felt in the... 20th September 2013 · 1 min read
