China Economics Update North Korea to distract from trade at Trump-Xi Summit We expect Donald Trump to tone down his criticism of China’s mercantilist policies when he meets Xi Jinping later today in order to focus on dealing with the more pressing threat from North Korea. If... 6th April 2017 · 1 min read
Africa Economics Update South Africa: How could Zuma go? Mounting opposition to President Jacob Zuma has sparked speculation that he could be forced from office. In this Update, we examine the mechanics of removing a South African president. 6th April 2017 · 1 min read
Latin America Economics Update Politics still the biggest threat to Brazil’s recovery Brazil’s beleaguered government will have to fight major challenges on at least three fronts over the coming months. As things stand, there appears to be a way forward for the government on each of... 5th April 2017 · 1 min read
China Economics Update New economic zone won’t match Shenzhen, Pudong China’s government recently launched a new economic zone near Beijing that it is billing as the most important project of its kind since the Shenzhen Special Economic Zone and Shanghai’s Pudong New... 4th April 2017 · 1 min read
Canada Economics Update Business confidence slips, but still relatively positive The latest Business Outlook Survey shows that, despite concerns about a potential slowdown in housing, businesses still expect faster economic growth this year. Nevertheless, pressures on production... 3rd April 2017 · 1 min read
Asia Economics Focus Bangladesh: The next Asian Tiger? Bangladesh has been one of the region’s top performing economies in recent years, but it is still someway short of meeting the government’s 8% growth target. If Bangladesh is to replicate the success... 3rd April 2017 · 1 min read
Japan Data Response Tankan (Q1) While today’s Tankan survey showed that business conditions for large manufacturers did not improve as much as most had anticipated, the survey suggests that growth will remain strong for now. What’s... 3rd April 2017 · 1 min read
Latin America Economics Update Ecuador’s election too close to call Opinion polls suggest that the outcome of Ecuador’s presidential election on Sunday is still too close to call. A victory for government candidate Lenin Moreno would mean more of the same leftist... 31st March 2017 · 1 min read
UK Economics Update Brexit Watch: Constructive tone to first exchanges In a jam-packed week of landmark political events the Brexit process got underway with both the EU and the UK seemingly approaching negotiations in a constructive mood. 31st March 2017 · 1 min read
Africa Chart Pack South Africa: President Zuma goes for the nuclear option President Jacob Zuma reshuffled his cabinet on 30th March, sacking Finance Minister Pravin Gordhan and replacing some of his many critics with loyalists. The removal of Mr. Gordhan – who was seen as a... 31st March 2017 · 2 mins read
Africa Economics Update South Africa: Cabinet reshuffle rocks markets Yesterday’s cabinet reshuffle has hit market sentiment towards South Africa. While the move will have an immediate political impact, the negative economic effects may be less significant than some... 31st March 2017 · 1 min read
India Economics Update Lessons from Rajasthan’s reforms Slow progress in liberalising India’s rigid labour market has been one of the biggest disappointments of PM Modi’s term in office so far. However, there are signs of improvement at state level, most... 31st March 2017 · 1 min read
India Economics Update GST a step closer to reality The passage of key legislation through the Lok Sabha marks another important step towards implementation of the Goods and Services Tax (GST). The legislation also provides greater clarity on the exact... 30th March 2017 · 1 min read
Africa Economics Update South Africa: A guide to the latest Zuma-Gordhan struggle In this Update, we provide several scenarios outlining how the political drama sparked by rumours that Finance Minister Pravin Gordhan will be sacked could develop, and what it means for markets. 29th March 2017 · 1 min read
UK Economics Update Key questions following the triggering of Article 50 The triggering of Article 50 today is a political milestone that brings the UK one important step closer to actually leaving the EU. However, this is still an early step in what is set to be a lengthy... 29th March 2017 · 1 min read
Japan Data Response Small Business Confidence (Mar.) The rebound in small business confidence in March largely reflects seasonal patterns and the bigger picture is that the survey points to only modest gains in industrial activity. What’s more, the... 29th March 2017 · 1 min read
