Central Banking Series

Draghi says innovative technology could boost productivity in eurozone

Mar 14, 2017 13:37 pm UTC| Commentary Economy Central Banks

Speaking at a conference in Frankfurt, the European Central Bank (ECB) president Mario Draghi said on Monday that Europe could still see sizeable gains in productivity and that there are several ways to boost productivity...

Why the free market hasn't slashed power prices (and what to do about it)

Mar 14, 2017 07:13 am UTC| Insights & Views Economy

The energy sector was supposed to be the showcase for privatisation and market deregulation. Yet in 2017, this premise is being sorely tested no more so than in electricity retailing, where competition has failed to...

Upgrading our infrastructure: Targeting repairs for locks, dams and bridges

Mar 14, 2017 07:07 am UTC| Insights & Views Economy

For the second time in a row, Americas infrastructure has earned a grade of D+ from the American Society of Civil Engineers. ASCE issues these report cards every four years, grading the state of U.S. bridges, dams, parks,...

How the Australian dollar affects the results of companies

Mar 14, 2017 05:05 am UTC| Insights & Views Economy

Like any other major currency, the Australian dollar (AUD) plays a crucial role in the economic and financial system. Exports and imports, domestic and international investors are all affected by, and react to, exchange...

The needs of the land and the needs of the people can't be separated

Mar 13, 2017 07:05 am UTC| Insights & Views Economy

I am the Lorax. I speak for the trees. For the trees have no tongues Dr Zeuss The national conversation about land, always simmering in South Africa, has come to the boil again. Whats often missing is a voice for the...

Fundamentals to watch out for this week

Mar 13, 2017 06:50 am UTC| Commentary Economy Central Banks

This week is pretty risk heavy in terms of data and events, some of them can even trigger very high volatility. What to watch for over the coming days: Central banks: European Central Bank (ECB) president...

The decoupling delusion: rethinking growth and sustainability

Mar 13, 2017 05:35 am UTC| Insights & Views Economy Science

Our economy and society ultimately depend on natural resources: land, water, material (such as metals) and energy. But some scientists have recognised that there are hard limits to the amount of these resources we can use....