Q&A: why credit rating agencies matter for developing countries

Dec 10, 2015 06:14 am UTC| Insights & Views

Credit rating agencies have played a crucial role in international debt markets for more than 150 years. But they have often attracted controversy. Andile Makholwa, The Conversation Africas economics and business editor,...

How 1.5 became the most important number at the Paris climate talks

Dec 09, 2015 15:22 pm UTC| Insights & Views

One of the final obstacles in the way of a binding agreement at the Paris climate talks comes down to a simple number: 1.5. Limiting warming to a 1.5℃ temperature rise above pre-industrial levels is one of three potential...

Zuckerberg is ploughing billions into 'personalised learning' – why?

Dec 09, 2015 15:08 pm UTC| Insights & Views Technology

Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg believes personalised learning is the answer to many of educations current woes, and is one of the four key areas that he and his wife Prescilla Chans US$45 billion Chan Zuckerberg...

What are climate change 'tipping points' –and should we be afraid?

Dec 09, 2015 14:32 pm UTC| Insights & Views Nature

As recently as 6,000 years ago the Sahara was green and fertile. Weve found evidence of large rivers crossing the region, lined by flourishing settlements. Then suddenly things changed. Trees died and the land dried up....

The 'Climate Games' aren't just activist stunts – they're politics beyond the UN

Dec 09, 2015 13:56 pm UTC| Insights & Views Politics

At the moment, most people interested in the politics of climate change (including me) are focusing on a small site in Pariss northern suburbs. This is where the COP21 negotiations are taking place. While to us this is...

Oil in Global Economy Series

No much change from OPEC ahead of inventory checks, crude pressure still lingers in short run, prospects only in long run

Dec 09, 2015 13:54 pm UTC| Insights & Views

Brent costed less than $40 per barrel again yesterday for the first time since February 2009 but recovered upto 40.46, WTI has been lingering with bearish favorite figure at 37.75 ahead of inventory data. No doubt it...

Fed interest rate hike may have less of an impact than you think

Dec 09, 2015 13:53 pm UTC| Insights & Views Central Banks

There is a very high chance the Federal Reserve will raise interest rates next week. It would be the first time the Federal Open Monetary Committee (FOMC) the Feds rate-setting team has lifted its benchmark rate since...