US labor market conditions still strong but wage growth weak, Fed likely to resume hiking rates in June

Mar 07, 2016 06:32 am UTC| Commentary Economy

The US Fed is expected to resume raising interest rates in June as employment is increasing at a rapid pace and slack in labor market is contracting. There is absence of a noticeable rise in wage growth; however, it will...

Emerging Market Crisis Series

Growth in Brazil’s intermediate and capital goods may hint at import substitution process

Mar 07, 2016 05:47 am UTC| Commentary Economy

Brazils industrial output unexpectedly grew 0.4% m/m sa in January after declining 0.5% in December, improving the trend slightly. But it still shrank 3.7% 3m/3m sa from 4%. Industrial output, in annual basis, shrank 13.8%...

Weighing the costs and benefits of joining TPP for Indonesia

Mar 07, 2016 03:07 am UTC| Insights & Views Economy

Southeast Asias biggest economy is eyeing the US-led Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) trade deal, already signed by a dozen countries, including Australia. Before coming to a decision, policymakers in Indonesia must...

China Crisis Series

Renminbi Series

The stimulus that wasn't: re-interpreting China's monetary moves

Mar 04, 2016 04:07 am UTC| Insights & Views Economy

Context is everything. And when it comes to Chinas monetary policy, its frequently lacking, leading to the wrong conclusions being drawn. Earlier this week, Chinas central bank, the Peoples Bank of China (PBoC), said...

Weak UK services PMI data highlights the drag from global growth concerns and Brexit worries

Mar 03, 2016 15:05 pm UTC| Commentary Economy

Data released earlier on Thursday showed that seasonally adjusted Markit/CIPS UK Services PMI fell to 52.7 in February, from 55.6 in January. The reading was the lowest since March 2013 and suggests the UK economy has lost...

Emerging Market Crisis Series

Brazil economy faces steepest contraction since 1981

Mar 03, 2016 12:55 pm UTC| Commentary Economy

Todays data confirmed that Brazil is facing its worst economic crisis in at least three decades, however this time around its not just economic but the country is facing political uncertainty as well. A corruption scandal...

Worrisome Signs Series

US default rates edges up to highest since 2008/09 crisis

Mar 03, 2016 12:03 pm UTC| Commentary Economy Business

According to credit rating agency Standard Poor, US default rates edged up sharply in February and has reached highest level since 2009, surpassing the levels seen during the collapse of Lehman Brothers. In February it...