Japan’s economic performance remains subdued

Jan 05, 2016 22:06 pm UTC| Commentary Economy

Japans economic performance remains subdued despite Prime Minister Shinzo Abes enduring efforts to revive the economy. Nevertheless, revised data show that the economy has avoided another technical recession; real GDP grew...

US auto sales reach record high in 2015 despite a disappointing December

Jan 05, 2016 21:40 pm UTC| Commentary Economy

US auto sales disappointed in December, coming in at 17.2 million units - the lowest level seen since June and well below the 18.1 million units recorded in each of the last three months. Still, Decembers drop didnt stop...

Japan’s wage trend crucial for BOJ policy outlook

Jan 05, 2016 12:01 pm UTC| Commentary Economy Central Banks

USD/JPY has been moving strongly between the range of 118-120, on unexpected Bank of Japans QQE program on 18 December meeting. The pair has been weighed down in the final sessions of year end by weaker risk sentiment and...

Korea's current account surplus stays high

Jan 05, 2016 03:57 am UTC| Commentary Economy

Koreas current account surplus widened to USD9.4bn in the month of November, from Octobers SD9.1 bn, which came in below expectations, which were based on larger goods balance. Bigger surplus was mainly due to narrow...

Weak domestic demand keeps inflation subdued in Thailand

Jan 05, 2016 03:01 am UTC| Commentary Economy

Thailands core inflation came in at a two-year low of -0.7% (YoY) in Dec15. Core inflation is likely to remain soft in the coming months and this would translate to only a gradual lift to headline inflation in 2016. More...

Emerging Market Crisis Series

China Crisis Series

China’s economic slowdown in part of the restructuring plan

Jan 05, 2016 02:41 am UTC| Commentary Economy

Chinas economic slowdown is just the beginning. This is part of the grand restructuring plan that has to go through. The persistent weakening of the CNY, a bubbling domestic bond market, and an erratic stock market shall...

Outlook for 2016: middle-class woes, hopeful on wages, the fear factor

Jan 04, 2016 13:35 pm UTC| Insights & Views Economy

Editors note: We asked a few of our regular writers to weigh in on what will (or should) be the key economic themes and issues of 2016 or offer their predictions. Topping the list are the worsening plight of the middle...