S&P downgrades South Africa's credit rating to junk, Moody's may follow
Apr 04, 2017 14:53 pm UTC| Commentary Economy
South Africa has been downgraded to junk status by Standard Poors following last weeks Cabinet reshuffle which saw Finance Minister Pravin Gordhan axed. SP on Monday cited political uncertainty as one of the reasons for...
In the Philippines, the premium placed on height is no tall tale
Apr 04, 2017 14:12 pm UTC| Insights & Views Economy
During the 1936 Berlin Olympics the first time basketball was played as an Olympic sport the Philippine mens basketball team was a surprisingly strong contender. Largely seen as underdogs because of their short stature,...

Chinese leading indicators suggest signs of peak in Q1, moderate slowdown likely this year
Apr 04, 2017 11:52 am UTC| Insights & Views Economy
A range of leading indicators for China are sending a clear negative signal for economic growth in H2 2017. Chinese authorities have embarked on tightening and policy boost is likely to fade. The impact from tightening...
U.S. Treasuries gain ahead of March FOMC meeting minutes, employment report
Apr 04, 2017 11:43 am UTC| Commentary Economy
The U.S. Treasuries gained Tuesday as investors wait to watch the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) meeting minutes, scheduled to be released on April 5, besides, the employment report later this week. The yield on...

US under Trump Series: Growth in business sales very encouraging
Apr 04, 2017 11:27 am UTC| Commentary Economy
What drives stocks (other than cheap funding from FED), is their earnings, some which investors get returned in form of dividends and buybacks, rest of which goes into the books as reserves. And what drives earnings higher...
UK gilts remain flat post slightly lower-than-expected March construction PMI
Apr 04, 2017 10:21 am UTC| Commentary Economy
The UK gilts traded flat Tuesday, showing modest gains, following the countrys lower-than-expected construction PMI released today. Also, investors are eyeing the February manufacturing production data, scheduled to be...
Apr 04, 2017 09:59 am UTC| Commentary Economy
The German bunds gained Tuesday as investors largely shrugged off Eurozones higher-than-expected retail sales for the month of February. Also, investors remain keen to watch the European Central Bank (ECB) President Mario...