Spain heads to the polls this weekend for general elections

Dec 17, 2015 23:14 pm UTC| Commentary Politics

This is likely to mark the end of the two-party system that has prevailed for nearly four decades. The outcome of the vote nevertheless remains highly uncertain. At the very least, the status quo is unlikely to persist....

If you want to crack down on tax avoidance, go after the banks

Dec 17, 2015 05:05 am UTC| Insights & Views Politics

Tax is back in the news with the release of information of the taxes paid (or rather not paid) by some of the biggest companies operating in Australia. After much hand wringing (and a break for Christmas) politicians...

Oil in Global Economy Series

US on the verge of lifting crude export ban

Dec 16, 2015 08:06 am UTC| Commentary Politics

United states is the on the verge of lifting a four decade old crude oil export ban this year as lawmakers in congress reached a deal last night in a closed door meeting. Democrats have agreed to support the lift, tabled...

Brazil: From bad to worse

Dec 14, 2015 23:48 pm UTC| Commentary Politics

The news flow in Brazil continues to worsen. November inflation surprised to the upside, mainly because of food prices. On the political front, the impeachment process has slowed down, with the Supreme Court deciding to...

The rhetorical brilliance of Trump the demagogue

Dec 14, 2015 18:07 pm UTC| Politics

Donald Trumps December 7 Statement on Preventing Muslim Immigration has attracted worldwide disdain. Nearly 500,000 Britons have signed a petition asking their government to prevent Trump from entering their country. In...

Why the actions of South Africa's president have rendered him a lame duck

Dec 14, 2015 16:23 pm UTC| Insights & Views Politics

Mayhem is the only word that can describe President Jacob Zumas shock reversal of the appointment of almost-minister of finance Desmond van Rooyen. Markets welcomed the move to a well-known and trusted Pravin Gordhan, the...

Zuma's about-turn shows power of the South African media, and the markets

Dec 14, 2015 10:45 am UTC| Insights & Views Politics

South Africa has had three finance ministers in the space of four days. First President Jacob Zuma replaced his trusted and competent finance minister Nhlanhla Nene with David van Rooyen, a malleable backbencher with a...