UK Economics Update Is the austerity backlash spreading to the UK? A bad result for the Government in Thursday’s local elections would suggest that the austerity backlash seen in the euro-zone has spread to the UK. But the coalition still seems set to stick to its... 1st May 2012 · 1 min read
Europe Economics Update Can Hollande really transform France’s outlook? François Hollande’s promises of a pro-growth strategy and a stronger leadership role in Europe have raised hopes about France’s economic outlook. But his bold words have so far been backed by few firm... 1st May 2012 · 1 min read
Europe Economics Update Greek election won’t buy much time Greece’s general election should result in the formation of a new Government that is, on paper at least, committed to the terms of the recently agreed second bail-out deal. But with the economy still... 30th April 2012 · 1 min read
Middle East & North Africa Economics Update Constitution key for Egypt’s new president Today marks the beginning of campaigning for Egypt’s presidential elections. While most commentators are focusing on the likely winner, we think that the definition of the exact powers of Egypt’s next... 30th April 2012 · 1 min read
Emerging Europe Economics Update Romania’s government falls victim to austerity backlash The fall of Romania’s cabinet earlier today adds to the growing list of European governments to be toppled by a backlash against austerity, reinforcing our below-consensus forecast for growth this... 27th April 2012 · 1 min read
Latin America Economics Update Argentine FDI: is there life after YPF? History suggests that the nationalisation of YPF may do little to deter FDI in Argentina’s energy sector. Nevertheless, we suspect that it will have a more significant impact on investment flows into... 24th April 2012 · 1 min read
Europe Economics Update Austerity backlash brings new dangers The backlash against austerity in the euro-zone could improve the region’s growth outlook. But it brings new dangers too, not least by putting dissenting countries on a collision course with Germany. 24th April 2012 · 1 min read
Canada Data Response Retail Sales (Feb.) The 0.2% m/m decline in February's retail sales values was disappointing but, given the news yesterday that wholesale sales increased by a much bigger than expected 1.6% m/m in that month, it still... 24th April 2012 · 1 min read
Latin America Economics Update Mexico Election Watch: PRI consolidates its lead The latest opinion polls suggest that not only does the PRI’s Enrique Peña Nieto have a healthy lead in the race to July’s presidential election, but that his party may also take control of Congress... 20th April 2012 · 1 min read
UK Data Response Retail Sales (Mar.) March’s surge in retail sales suggested that consumer spending remains surprisingly resilient and has increased the chances that the overall economy grew in the first quarter. However, we remain... 20th April 2012 · 1 min read
Europe Economics Update French election won’t tackle key issues With Nicolas Sarkozy and François Hollande set to emerge as frontrunners after the first round of the French presidential elections this Sunday, attention will turn more closely to what their policies... 19th April 2012 · 1 min read
Emerging Europe Economics Update Markets right to shrug off Czech political worries The financial markets have shrugged off signs that the Czech Republic may be heading towards fresh elections that could ultimately derail fiscal consolidation plans. This makes sense. For a start, the... 19th April 2012 · 1 min read
Emerging Europe Economics Update Hungarian government still too sanguine on IMF deal Earlier today we attended a meeting with Hungarian Minister of Economy, Zoltan Csefalvay. We left with the impression that, while the government talks a good game on the need for medium-term economic... 18th April 2012 · 1 min read
Global Economics Update G20 inching towards more resources for IMF At their meeting later this week, G20 finance ministers are likely to focus on the risks to recovery posed by high oil prices and the euro-zone. Of these, the euro-zone crisis remains the most... 17th April 2012 · 1 min read
Global Markets Update Turn in the US profit cycle looms US corporate profits have grown significantly in the nearly three years since the end of the last recession. Admittedly, there are structural reasons why the share of profits in corporate output may... 17th April 2012 · 1 min read
US Data Response Retail Sales (Mar.) & Empire State Index (Apr.) Households appear to be contributing more to the economic recovery just at a time when the industrial recovery seems to be running out of stream. Some of the strength in consumption in the first... 16th April 2012 · 1 min read
