Spain: is a third election in a year on the horizon?

Aug 10, 2016 15:53 pm UTC| Insights & Views

Despite holding two elections in the past year, Spain still doesnt have a functioning government. The Peoples Party increased its representation yet fell short of the required majority. As intense negotiations and...

An ageing emperor steps down – and leaves Japan at an awkward crossroads

Aug 10, 2016 15:42 pm UTC| Insights & Views Politics

Emperor Akihitos recent statement to the Japanese nation had been anticipated for some time, but it was nonetheless a startling moment. Akihito refrained from uttering the a-word, but the message was clear: he wants to...

Women athletes are still put in second place at the Olympics – now it's time to sprint towards equality

Aug 10, 2016 15:36 pm UTC| Insights & Views Sports

Rio 2016 is a celebration of the biggest and best achievements of men and women athletes from all parts of the globe. The Olympics have been particularly useful for showcasing the sporting prowess of women to the world....

A tale of three surprisingly different street gangs around the world

Aug 10, 2016 15:14 pm UTC| Insights & Views Life Law

It can sometimes seem like there are gangs everywhere you look. At the Rio Olympics, fears of gang-related violence have resulted in intensive security much as in London four years ago. In Brussels, gang rivalries are the...

Local elections show that South Africa's women continue to play second fiddle

Aug 10, 2016 14:59 pm UTC| Insights & Views Politics

Three events converge in August in South Africa: the 60th anniversary of the march by women to the Union Buildings; the finalisation of the local government elections; and the tenth anniversary of the trial of President...

Anger at violence against women in Peru spills over into protest

Aug 10, 2016 14:33 pm UTC| Insights & Views Life

For many women in Peru, violence is a part of life. Daily harassment on the streets, sexual abuse of minors, trafficking of women and girls, and the sexual, physical, emotional, and economic abuse of women in their own...

Renminbi Series

Yuan responds to major FX counterparts since PBoC’s currency mechanism, eased deflation gives extra edge but investment still at snail’s pace

Aug 10, 2016 13:03 pm UTC| Central Banks Insights & Views

PBoCs interventions to depreciate CNY seems to be successful as the Chinese central bank (PBoC) continues to weaken its currency via the fixing, the fixing rates are generally in line with what the fixing model suggests so...