US economy strong enough to handle a stronger USD?

Oct 29, 2015 05:17 am UTC| Commentary Economy

The USD rallied broadly following the FOMC statement. Against market expectations, the Fed maintained its outlook for moderate growth, focusing on the economyscumulative improvement since early this year, and removed the...

Hourly labour costs in EU likely rose

Oct 29, 2015 03:11 am UTC| Commentary Economy

The hourly labour costs in euros is given in the table. In Q2 2015, the average hourly labour cost was 29.6 in the euro area. The highest hourly labour cost was seen in Ireland at 43.2 an hour. This compares with 32.8,...

Japan's industrial production to offer cues on BOJ stimulus

Oct 28, 2015 11:22 am UTC| Insights & Views Central Banks Economy

Japans industrial production data is due for release on Oct 29, Thursday, a day before BOJ policy meeting, at which the c.bank mulls further stimulus. The production data is of great significance as a gauge on whether the...

Disappointing US economic data put oil prices under pressure

Oct 28, 2015 10:04 am UTC| Commentary Economy

Weak US economic data such as a sharp fall in consumer confidence were the final straw, as this makes for a much gloomier outlook as regards oil demand in the most important oil consumer country. In view of the negative...

Pro-cyclical improvement in Euro area's labour productivity pushes ULC lower

Oct 28, 2015 07:31 am UTC| Commentary Economy

Unit labour cost (ULC is a measure of total compensation adjusted for labour productivity growth) increased by 0.8% yoy in Q2 15, marking its slowest rise since Q2 11. ULC is moderating on the back of higher growth in...

Brazil government’s international liquidity position seems exceedingly strong

Oct 28, 2015 07:13 am UTC| Commentary Economy

The Brazilian public sector could in principle pay down the entire external debt and still own three-quarters of the international reserves now sitting on the central banks balance sheet. Since it is very unlikely that...

Japan to experience more stagnant inflation

Oct 28, 2015 06:07 am UTC| Commentary Economy

Japans nationwide CPI (excluding fresh food) likely fell in September. Factors such as the passing on of price increases to products as a result of cost push inflation caused by yen depreciation and the recovery in...