UK Economics Update Is the sterling boost over? While the beneficial effects on exports of the pound’s depreciation may now be fading somewhat, it is too early to conclude that the sterling boost to growth is over. 22nd May 2018 · 1 min read
Nordic & Swiss Economics Update The implications of Switzerland’s “Vollgeld” referendum A “yes” vote in Switzerland’s sovereign money referendum next month would completely overturn the current monetary system. It would constrain the Swiss National Bank’s approach to monetary policy... 22nd May 2018 · 1 min read
Australia & New Zealand Economics Update New Zealand Activity Proxy (Mar.) Despite a bounce back in March, our New Zealand Activity Proxy is still pointing to a modest easing in GDP growth over the first quarter as a whole. And we expect growth will continue to struggle this... 22nd May 2018 · 1 min read
Latin America Data Response Peru GDP (Q1) Peru’s strong growth in Q1 supports our view that the recovery should continue in the coming quarters, and that GDP will grow by 3.5% over this year as a whole. 21st May 2018 · 1 min read
US Economics Update Rising rates beginning to squeeze household finances Households’ balance sheets are still in good shape, with debt burdens stabilising well below their pre-crisis levels and delinquencies low. However, the further rise in newly delinquent credit card... 21st May 2018 · 1 min read
Africa Data Response Nigeria GDP (Q1 2018) Nigeria’s economic recovery lost momentum in Q1, but we still think that growth will strengthen later this year. Higher oil revenues should provide a big boost to incomes in Q2. 21st May 2018 · 1 min read
Asia Data Response Thailand GDP (Q1) Thailand’s economy expanded at its fastest pace in five years in Q1. While we think growth has now peaked, the economy should remain in good health over the coming quarters, helped by supportive... 21st May 2018 · 1 min read
Japan Data Response External Trade (Apr.) Some of the rebound in trade values in April reflects higher export and import prices. The key point though is that export volumes continue to outpace import volumes. 21st May 2018 · 1 min read
UK Economics Weekly How long will the strength in jobs growth last? This week’s figures suggested that the labour market is in rude health. Admittedly, some of the timelier measures of employment growth have started to weaken. And with the labour market now... 18th May 2018 · 1 min read
Asia Economics Weekly Who will follow Indonesia higher? The Philippines, India and Korea are all likely to follow Bank Indonesia by hiking interest rates over the next couple of months. But unlike Indonesia, these three are set to tighten policy from a... 18th May 2018 · 1 min read
Canada Data Response Consumer Price Index (Apr.) & Retail Sales (Mar.) The firming in core inflation and the new-found strength of retail sales will increase speculation that the Bank of Canada is going to increase interest rates again later this year. Our view is still... 18th May 2018 · 1 min read
Europe Economics Weekly Is the slowdown in exports a sign of things to come? Data released this week added to the evidence that soft global demand and the previous appreciation of the euro have taken a toll on euro-zone exports. We doubt that exports will regain all of their... 18th May 2018 · 1 min read
Latin America Data Response Chile GDP (Q1) The stronger-than-expected increase in Chilean GDP growth in Q1 was broad based and we expect the recovery to continue over the next year or so. Today’s data support our above-consensus forecast for... 18th May 2018 · 1 min read
Latin America Economics Update How can Argentina get out of its crisis? The lesson from EMs that have been forced to turn to the IMF for financial support in the past is that Argentina will need a combination of front-loaded fiscal tightening, reforms at the central bank... 18th May 2018 · 1 min read
Japan Economics Weekly Weaker Q1 sets the tone for 2018 The fall in GDP last quarter should be followed by a rebound in activity in the current quarter. But with the economy running into capacity constraints, our view remains that growth will slow this... 18th May 2018 · 1 min read
Australia & New Zealand Economics Weekly Where to look for tighter credit conditions Credit conditions in Australia will surely tighten further as a result of the Royal Commission investigation into misconduct in the financial sector, but there is a huge amount of uncertainty about... 18th May 2018 · 1 min read