Japan Economics Weekly Japan’s revitalisation strategy The government unveiled its draft of a revitalisation plan for Japan last Wednesday. The strategy sets out a broad range of policies to lift economic growth, end deflation and create over four million... 16th July 2012 · 1 min read
UK Economics Weekly Jubilee boost masks weaker picture The effects of early June’s Jubilee celebrations are now starting to come through in the economic data. Last week’s releases provided evidence of the positive effects of the extended holiday, but... 16th July 2012 · 1 min read
UK Economics Focus Policy dilemmas – growth versus austerity The poor economic outlook means that the ongoing growth versus austerity debate is just as relevant to the UK as to the rest of Europe. And it now looks like we may have reached the point where the... 13th July 2012 · 1 min read
UK Economics Update Is lending to households set to increase? There are some reasons to hope that households should soon find it a bit easier and cheaper to borrow. But whether households will want to borrow more is another matter. 13th July 2012 · 1 min read
US Data Response Consumer Confidence (Jul.) & Producer Prices (Jun.) The latest confidence data suggest that although consumers remain cautious, at least they aren't panicking. Elsewhere, the modest 0.1% m/m increase in producer prices in June is another illustration... 13th July 2012 · 1 min read
Canada Economics Weekly GDP growth likely slowed in Q2 Canada's economy likely grew by a more modest 1.7% in the second quarter, down from the 1.9% pace recorded in each of the two quarters before that. We had expected GDP growth of 2.2% annualised, but... 13th July 2012 · 1 min read
Emerging Europe Economics Update Core inflation still subdued in Emerging Europe Although inflation rose across Emerging Europe last month, our estimates suggest that core price pressures remain weak. As a result, above-target headline inflation should present little barrier to... 13th July 2012 · 1 min read
Emerging Europe Economics Update Russian Central Bank leaves rates on hold The Central Bank of Russia (CBR) left its benchmark refinancing rate on hold at 8.00% today, citing robust economic performance and that inflation is within the target range. Looking ahead, we think... 13th July 2012 · 1 min read
Europe Economics Weekly Weaker currency won’t bail out the euro-zone The drop in the euro exchange rate to its most competitive trade-weighted level in over nine years might appear to improve the euro-zone’s growth prospects and reduce the need for the uncompetitive... 13th July 2012 · 1 min read
US Economics Weekly Bernanke to take centre stage This week's congressional testimony from Fed Chairman Ben Bernanke will be closely watched for hints that the FOMC is any closer to launching a third round of large-scale asset purchases. Even though... 13th July 2012 · 1 min read
Asia Economics Weekly How is China’s slowdown affecting emerging Asia? Figures released on Friday showed that China’s economy grew by just 7.6% y/y in the second quarter, the weakest pace since the first quarter of 2009. The lead article this week examines the effect of... 13th July 2012 · 1 min read
UK Economics Update Rising pound dents UK export hopes further The further rise in the pound against the euro appears to reflect safe-haven demand for UK assets and the weakening outlook for the euro-zone economy. These factors could yet push sterling higher. 13th July 2012 · 1 min read
Latin America Economics Update Chile, Peru still on course for rate cuts later in the year While there was little doubt that Chile and Peru would leave interest rates unchanged last night, we continue to believe that both countries will lower rates before year-end. On balance, we feel that... 13th July 2012 · 1 min read
Asia Economics Update Singapore set for sub-trend growth Today’s GDP data show that Singapore's economy contracted in Q2, as manufacturers struggled. The figures back up our view that this will be a lacklustre year for the Singapore economy, and we retain... 13th July 2012 · 1 min read
China Data Response GDP (Q2), retail sales, ind. output etc. (Jun.) We continue to believe that China’s economy is not doing as well as the already downbeat official figures suggest. But there are signs that growth will soon pick up. 13th July 2012 · 1 min read
