Global Economics Chart Pack Economic activity picks up further Judging by the latest business surveys, activity in advanced economies has strengthened further. The global manufacturing PMI is now consistent on past form with world GDP growth of as much as 4%... 6th December 2013 · 1 min read
Africa Economics Update Nelson Mandela’s economic legacy Nelson Mandela’s role in the political development of South Africa is unquestionable, but significant economic progress was also made under his leadership. However, this is now in danger of being... 6th December 2013 · 1 min read
Europe Chart Pack Weak growth & strong euro keep pressure on ECB Having slowed almost to a halt in Q3, early indications suggest that the euro-zone’s economic recovery is unlikely to have regained much momentum – if any – in the final quarter of the year. Meanwhile... 4th December 2013 · 1 min read
Africa Economics Update Capital outflows from Nigeria could become a risk A sizeable current account surplus means that capital outflows from Nigeria are not a cause for concern at the moment. However, a sustained fall in oil prices, as well as the appointment of a more... 4th December 2013 · 1 min read
UK Economics Chart Pack Inflation easing despite stronger recovery CPI inflation fell sharply from 2.7% to 2.2% in October and it looks likely to fall below the 2% target soon. Past falls in global agricultural commodity prices suggest that food price inflation will... 4th December 2013 · 1 min read
Canada Data Response International Merchandise Trade (Oct.) October's decline in export volumes illustrates that any export-led recovery is still some way off. This supports our view that fourth-quarter GDP growth will slow to a very underwhelming 1.5%... 4th December 2013 · 1 min read
US Data Response International Trade (Oct.) & ADP Payrolls (Nov.) The trade deficit narrowed to $40.6bn in October, from $43.0bn, but that decline only partly reversed the widening in September. Looking through the month-to-month volatility, the trade deficit... 4th December 2013 · 1 min read
Asia Economics Update India’s current account vulnerability falls, but risks remain Measures to curb demand for imported gold have contributed to a sharp narrowing of India’s current account deficit. This should make the rupee less vulnerable to shifts in global investor sentiment. 4th December 2013 · 1 min read
Africa Economics Update South Africa’s current account deficit balloons in Q3 South Africa’s current account deficit widened to its largest level since 2008 in Q3. What’s more, the shortfall continues to be funded in large part by short-term capital inflows. As such, the... 3rd December 2013 · 1 min read
Japan Economics Update How disruptive are tensions with China? The recent escalation of the conflict over the Senkaku islands may lead to renewed disruption of bilateral trade and investment between Japan and China. The experience from last year’s flare-up in... 27th November 2013 · 1 min read
Global Trade Monitor WTO agreement in the balance The volume of world trade rose in September and surveys suggest that it should rise further over the next few months. However, the growth of international trade is still lacklustre compared to the... 25th November 2013 · 1 min read
Emerging Europe Economics Update The economic implications of Ukraine's move towards Russia There’s a lot of uncertainty about what will happen next in Ukraine following the government’s decision to suspend preparations for an Association Agreement with the EU, apparently under pressure from... 25th November 2013 · 1 min read
Europe Economics Weekly External sector won’t drive the recovery September’s euro-zone trade data and November’s PMI surveys, both released last week, gave mixed signals on how the euro-zone’s external sector is developing. Whilst the survey data suggested 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
Asia Economics Update Singapore's economy will remain shackled Today’s revised GDP data showed that Singapore's economy expanded in the third quarter, despite an advanced estimate released last month pointing toward contraction. A gradual global recovery should... 21st November 2013 · 1 min read
Japan Data Response External trade (Oct.) The surge in imports in October partly reflects a weak base from last year, as well as a curious spike in energy imports. The trade deficit may well widen further in the near-term as spending is... 20th November 2013 · 1 min read