FxWirePro: China trade surplus cushions kiwi dollars but mid-month IV skews signal bearish risks of NZD/USD – Use rallies to write overpriced puts in PRBS for hedging

Apr 13, 2017 07:06 am UTC| Research & Analysis Insights & Views

China reported trade surplus a USD 23.9 billion in March of 2017, compared to a USD 25.2 billion surplus a year earlier and above market expectations of a USD 10 billion surplus. Exports surged by 16.4 pct YoY, following a...

ANC military veterans and the threat to South Africa's democracy

Apr 12, 2017 17:34 pm UTC| Insights & Views Politics

We may look back on the days in April 2017 when tens of thousands of South Africans marched demanding that President Jacob Zuma should fall as the beginning of something bigger. Theres been a wistful glint in the eyes...

Turkey holds its breath and prepares for an explosive referendum

Apr 12, 2017 17:30 pm UTC| Insights & Views Politics

When the Turkish government announced its plans to transform itself into an executive presidency, no-one was particularly surprised. This plan, which has been described as the most radical political change since the modern...

Emerging Market Crisis Series

South Africa's crisis: Calling things by their true name

Apr 12, 2017 17:26 pm UTC| Insights & Views Politics

Frustrated by the promiscuous use of the accusation of corruption to cover all sins, in recent days some scholars of contemporary South African politics have offered alternative framings. Indeed, it is helpful to look...

Can universal basic income counter the ill-effects of the gig economy?

Apr 12, 2017 17:20 pm UTC| Insights & Views Economy

Platforms like eBay, Uber, Airbnb, and Freelancer are thriving, growing the digital economy and disrupting existing business. The question is how to ensure that the transformations they entail have a positive impact on...

What the attack on CEU says about the rise of 'illiberalism' in Europe

Apr 12, 2017 17:16 pm UTC| Insights & Views Politics

In recent weeks, tensions over European immigration and liberal values have culminated in a direct attack on the Central European University in Budapest. The university is now facing closure after a series of...

Global Geopolitics Series

In the wake of Syrian missile strike, a look inside Russia's alternate media reality

Apr 12, 2017 15:20 pm UTC| Insights & Views

On April 11 the White House released an intelligence report accusing Russia of trying to cover up the use of chemical weapons by Syrian President Bashar Al-Assad through a global disinformation campaign replete with false...