New Zealand GDP jumps more than market expectations; expect RBNZ to remain on hold in near future

Dec 22, 2016 05:14 am UTC| Commentary Economy

The gross domestic product (GDP) of New Zealand jumped more than what markets had initially anticipated, during the third quarter of this year. However, it remained below the Reserve Bank of New Zealands (RBNZ) target...

Development in Africa is on a firm footing – here's how to take it to the next level

Dec 22, 2016 05:07 am UTC| Insights & Views Economy

The end of 2016 provides an opportunity to take stock of Africas recent economic performance and future prospects. Its been a tumultuous year for some African countries largely due to a commodities crisis and a global...

China's new commercial media is complicating the Party's good news narrative about Africa

Dec 22, 2016 05:04 am UTC| Insights & Views Economy

Since the Chinese government started introducing economic reforms in the early 1980s the Chinese media has experienced widespread decentralisation and commercialisation. It has become huge, dynamic and at times...

U.S. existing home sales surge to highest since global financial crisis, likely to lead Q4 GDP

Dec 22, 2016 04:30 am UTC| Commentary Economy

Existing home sales in the United States surged to the highest level since the global financial crisis in 2007-08, ahead of an anticipated jump in borrowing costs. Buyers, therefore, stocked up home purchases before...

ASIC gives the banks cause for Christmas celebration

Dec 22, 2016 03:50 am UTC| Law Economy

Christmas is a time to forgive and forget and the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) sure knows how to distribute good cheer at Yuletide, especially to old friends such as the big four banks. On...

Central Banking Series

PBoC may start another round of policy easing by Q2 2017 – Deutsche Bank

Dec 21, 2016 16:40 pm UTC| Commentary Economy Central Banks

Growth stability in China has alleviated concerns over a hard landing, as quasi fiscal spending pushes up infrastructure investment. Upbeat property market is largely driving stability in Chinas activity data. Chinas GDP...

PBoC infuses cash through X-Repo to snap bond markets out of sharp declines

Dec 21, 2016 15:24 pm UTC| Commentary Central Banks Economy

The Peoples Bank of China (PBoC) had been trying to suppress growing risks in the domestic bond market, which was seen as overheated and displaying characteristics of a bubble by many analysts, citing high leverages in the...