Worrisome Signs Series

Worrisome signs series: Global trade contracts biggest since 2008/09 crisis

Feb 26, 2016 07:31 am UTC| Commentary Economy

Historically speaking, without recovery in trade there has hardly been any economic and social recovery. So far, since 2008/09 crisis, ultra-loose monetary policy from United States has achieved low unemployment, in US it...

Emerging Market Crisis Series

Deterioration of Brazil’s labor market likely to continue

Feb 26, 2016 07:16 am UTC| Commentary Economy

Brazil posted a lower than expected jobless rate of 7.6% in January. In seasonally adjusted terms, the jobless rate fell to 7.8%, as compared with Decembers 8.2%. This was the first decline in the past 12 months. However,...

Lower oil prices, market volatility to continue to weigh on Canada’s business sentiment

Feb 26, 2016 06:27 am UTC| Commentary Economy

Canadas small business confidence for February did not register much of a change. The CFIB Business Barometer Index rose by 0.3 points t o 54.7 in the month. The index continues to be around the lowest levels observed...

China Crisis Series

Chinese real estate continues fragmented recovery

Feb 26, 2016 06:08 am UTC| Commentary Real Estate Economy

According to latest data released today by National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), property prices in China edged up by 2.5% in January, from a year ago. This is highest reading since August 2014 and fourth consecutive...

Australian economy to post mixed report for Q4 2015, real GDP likely expanded

Feb 26, 2016 05:29 am UTC| Commentary Economy

Australias Q4 2015 real GDP is expected to have grown by 0.5% q/q and 2.6% y/y, as compared with 2.5%. The accounts are expected to give a mixed report for the Australian economy. The estimated 2.6% y/y growth is slightly...

Oil in Global Economy Series

Norway’s weak oil investments likely to weigh on economy

Feb 24, 2016 11:59 am UTC| Commentary Economy

Norways Q1 oil investment survey suggested that oil investments declined by 14% in 2016 as compared to 2015 levels. The print was weaker than Norges Banks forecast of 11% decline. The decline was due to a 6 billion NOK...

Briferendum Series

Boris delivers Brexit body blow for sterling, but long term picture is murkier

Feb 23, 2016 01:01 am UTC| Insights & Views Economy

Most prospective prime ministers would be mildly embarrassed if a boost to their chances made financial markets plunge. But Boris Johnson is doubtless gratified that his backing for Brexit led to the pounds biggest one-day...