Emerging Market Crisis Series

Brazil crisis: for once, a conspiracy theory turns out to be true

May 31, 2016 13:17 pm UTC| Insights & Views Economy

Conspiracy theories are never true. Or are they? That question has been settled for Brazilians by a leaked recording in which now-resigned planning minister Romero Jucá clearly spells out a conspiracy to unseat...

Sharp drop in German retail sales to slow consumer momentum

May 31, 2016 08:43 am UTC| Commentary Economy

Germany April retail sales fell for the second consecutive month in a row, taking markets by surprise despite upbeat labor market and buoyant consumer sentiment. This is a clear indication for a slowing consumer momentum...

Poor inflation data underscores the fragile nature of Japan's recovery

May 27, 2016 14:41 pm UTC| Commentary Economy

Japan reported new CPI figures earlier today which were largely in line with expectations. The headline rate fell 0.3% y/y after 0.1% decline in March.Excluding fresh food and energy, prices fell 0.3% y/y, the same rate as...

Vital Signs Series

Sluggish business investment shows caution is king

May 27, 2016 06:21 am UTC| Insights & Views Economy

Vital Signs is a weekly economic wrap from UNSW economics professor and Harvard PhD Richard Holden (@profholden). Vital Signs aims to contextualise weekly economic events and cut through the noise of the data impacting...

Accusations and slogans reduce Treasurers' Debate to a yawn

May 27, 2016 06:05 am UTC| Insights & Views Economy

I havent fallen asleep during the day for decades, but I came pretty close today watching the Treasurers debate between Scott Morrison and Chris Bowen on the major issue of the election campaign - economic management. I...

Debt-relief finally arrives for Greece

May 25, 2016 07:39 am UTC| Commentary Economy

Last nights 11 hour marathon talk between Greece and its creditors has finally yielded some results. Creditors have finally agreed to provide short, medium and long term relief to better manage Greeces 180% debt to GDP...

How Europe's industrial cities bounced back from the brink of ruin

May 24, 2016 16:35 pm UTC| Insights & Views Economy

From Sheffield to Torino, Lille to Leipzig, Belfast to Bilbao, Europes industrial cities are no strangers to hard times. Faced with depleted resources, plummeting populations and urban degradation, these cities struggled...