UK BOE keeps rates on hold – Future?
The labour market is very tight with unemployment at the medium term trend of 5.5%, this is down from over 8% a few years ago. Thus, the job market is back to normal and probably tightening. This would be a…
ECB – Weak Data and German Slowdown
Germany is experiencing a slowdown in exports thanks to weakness in emerging markets, especially China which accounts for 6.5% of German exports. The slowdown in China could be more than is currently in the news and that will affect German…
Japan – BOJ Stimulus is it Yes or No?
The bad news is that growth is slowing for domestic and external reasons. The good news (if you can call it that) is that Japan is not the only large economy caught in a deflationary spiral. Japan grew at 4.5%…
TPP – A Geopolitical Trade Deal for US and Asia
This deal is really about implementing the Asian ‘pivot’ since China is not included purposely. There are 12 countries that represent 40% of world GDP, with the US and Japan being the key ones. All three NAFTA countries (US, Canada…
Brazil – Policy Challenges and Very Negative Outlook
The economy has declined by 2.5 to 3 % of GDP according to most estimates. Next year will also see a decline of over 1% of GDP. The slowdown in China has impacted Brazil and this will continue into the…
FED – Diminished Chance of 2015 Rate Hike
The expected September rate hike did not happen as we predicted in August. This was due mostly to turmoil in the financial markets as a result of the Chinese slowdown. In addition, the inflation numbers were weak. Going forward, we…
India – Pivot Strategy against China
India and US Pivot against China The recent election of Mr. Modi in India has sped up strategic relations with the US. In short, India sees benefits in the form of economic cooperation and geopolitical considerations. The geopolitics is not…
China and US Asian Pivot
South China Sea Tensions Rise In the South China Sea, the geopolitical game is becoming more dangerous. Tensions are higher since China has been constructing more artificial islands around the Spratly chain, which is oil rich and claimed by numerous…
Syrian End Game
What does Russian involvement mean for Syria? Most Probable Reason: To obtain a place at the negotiating table on Syria. Putin will prop up Assad to improve his hand. The No-Fly Zone would have led to regime change which Russia…
Chinese Turmoil
Panic sets in in China: the following steps were taken: Interest rates were lowered by 25 bps to 4.60 from 4.85. Reserve Requirement Ratio (for big banks) lowered by 50 bps to 18.0 from 18.50. 22 Billion was pumped into…
