Fed policy normalization journey beginning
Dec 18, 2015 00:13 am UTC| Commentary Central Banks
The Feds decision to raise its target interest rate by 25 basis points in December was a function of both the strength in the labour market and the anticipation that inflation will slowly move back to target. However,...

Dollar to stay lofty, but another leg up is unlikely
Dec 17, 2015 23:58 pm UTC| Commentary
The rising dollar was the other headwind to growth over the past year. The greenbacks ascent did not begin in 2015, but it continued at full steam. From the start of the year to December, it rose 9%, the same rate of...

Advanced economies continue to make progress
Dec 17, 2015 23:50 pm UTC| Commentary Economy
The tepid expansion among EMs is unlikely to stymie growth within advanced nations, where domestic spending has accelerated noticeably. U.S. domestic demand growth has been hovering at 3% for more than a year, reinforcing...

Spain heads to the polls this weekend for general elections
Dec 17, 2015 23:14 pm UTC| Commentary Politics
This is likely to mark the end of the two-party system that has prevailed for nearly four decades. The outcome of the vote nevertheless remains highly uncertain. At the very least, the status quo is unlikely to persist....
Canadian economy may have contracted in October
Dec 17, 2015 22:59 pm UTC| Commentary
The Canadian economy may have contracted in October. Even if it didnt, the full quarter is probably faced with little to no economic growth. Major data releases right near the festive season are not always so wisely...

December US job growth: the gift that keeps on giving
Dec 17, 2015 21:43 pm UTC| Commentary Economy
For the December employment report, scheduled for release on Friday, January 8, nonfarm payrolls are expected to have risen by 225k. Within this, private payrolls are expected to have expanded by 215k and government...
Germany's IFO business climate edges slightly lower, but remains at healthy levels
Dec 17, 2015 18:02 pm UTC| Commentary Economy
The December IFO business climate indicator came in lower than expected at 108.7 as the assessment of the current economic situation declined (down to 112.8 from 113.4) and business expectations remained stable (at 104.7)....