Nordic & Swiss Data Response Swedish GDP (Q2 12) The Swedish GDP figures for Q2 confirmed that the economy is continuing to weather the storm from the euro-zone far better than most of its neighbours. 30th July 2012 · 1 min read
UK Economics Update Household Borrowing Monitor (Jun.) June’s household borrowing figures seem to have been depressed by a series of temporary factors. Nonetheless, there are also signs that both the underlying supply of and demand for credit is fading. 30th July 2012 · 1 min read
Asia Economics Update What will be the effect of India’s drought? India is less vulnerable to a failed monsoon than it was a decade ago. But, if it persists, this year’s disappointing rainfall may still have a significant negative impact on output, inflation and the... 30th July 2012 · 1 min read
Emerging Europe Economics Update Rally in Hungarian markets has weak foundations Signs that Hungary’s government is softening its stance on the precise form of financing assistance it is negotiating with the IMF is clearly good news. But there are still plenty of stumbling blocks... 30th July 2012 · 1 min read
Emerging Europe Economics Update Romanian President’s referendum survival adds to uncertainty Paradoxically, the apparent survival of Romania’s President in Sunday’s referendum could pave the way for a protracted period of political instability. This is likely to take its toll on the financial... 30th July 2012 · 1 min read
Europe Data Response Euro-zone EC Survey (Jul.) July’s deterioration in EC economic sentiment added to the evidence that the euro-zone is heading deeper into recession, suggesting that not only the periphery but also the previously resilient core... 30th July 2012 · 1 min read
UK Data Response CBI Distributive Trades Survey (Jul.) July’s CBI Distributive Trades Survey indicated that retail sales growth slowed by more than retailers expected. Although real incomes may be rising modestly soon, we doubt that this will prevent... 30th July 2012 · 1 min read
Japan Economics Update Industrial sector leading the way down June’s weak industrial production data may have caught the markets by surprise but were only the latest in a run of poor figures and surveys from the sector. Activity could drop more sharply once the... 30th July 2012 · 1 min read
Latin America Economics Update Colombia cuts, rates likely to fall further The decision on Friday night by the Colombian Central Bank (BANREP) to cut interest rates followed deterioration in the performance of the economy. The Bank’s dovish comments suggest that rates could... 30th July 2012 · 1 min read
UK Commercial Property Data Response Lending to commercial property (Jun./Q2) The outflow of debt from the commercial property sector continued apace in June. With the economy now back in recession and banks’ exposure to property still high, the coming months look likely to see... 30th July 2012 · 1 min read
UK Housing Market Data Response Mortgage Lending (June) Even allowing for the potentially negative impact of the Jubilee Holiday and the bad weather, June’s mortgage lending data were undeniably weak. Unfortunately, the poor economic backdrop argues that a... 30th July 2012 · 1 min read
Europe Data Response Swedish GDP (Q2) The Swedish GDP figures for Q2 confirmed that the economy is continuing to weather the storm from the euro-zone far better than most of its neighbours. 30th July 2012 · 1 min read
BoE Watch Inflation Report to leave door open to more stimulus Having extended its asset purchases at July’s meeting, the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) is unlikely to make any changes to its quantitative easing QE) programme this week. We expect more QE and a... 30th July 2012 · 1 min read
Commodities Update Iron ore and steel prices yet to find a floor We expect production cuts at steel mills and iron ore mines will be insufficient to stop the prices of both steel and iron ore from falling further. The price of steel is likely to decline from $395... 30th July 2012 · 1 min read
