The USD not the only reason for U.S. export slowdown

Oct 11, 2015 11:33 am UTC| Commentary Research & Analysis

U.S. exports have posted a soft showing thus far in 2015. Through August, the most recent month for which numbers are available, real exports have fallen by 3.3%, and nominal exports are lower by 8%. Although economic...

China’s auto sales tax cut is a key economic and policy move worth monitoring

Oct 11, 2015 11:23 am UTC| Commentary Economy

In an effort to revive the countrys auto sector, Chinas State Council announced on September 30th that the sales tax on the purchase of vehicles with engine capacity of less than 1.6 liters (i.e. most passenger cars) would...

Commodities reversal energizes emerging markets

Oct 09, 2015 18:20 pm UTC| Commentary

The commodities rebound from lows in August is encouraging, especially for Emerging Markets. The question is whether this broad rebound is indicative of the commodities rout being over. While this recent turnaround in...

Canadian economic recovery improves business confidence, but energy sector still sees challenges ahead

Oct 09, 2015 16:19 pm UTC| Commentary

The Bank of Canada Business Outlook Survey indicated that business confidence is gradually improving. While most businesses noted a sharp slowdown in past sales, 46% of businesses surveyed anticipate a pick-up in future...

Commodity currencies – new dawn or short squeeze?

Oct 09, 2015 16:11 pm UTC| Commentary

Over the past week commodity currencies have managed solid gains vs. the USD. This has given rise to the question as to whether after this years sharp adjustments lower, the tide is finally turning in their favour. While...

German engine in headwind

Oct 09, 2015 15:03 pm UTC| Commentary Economy

German economic data have started to show weakness and , more softness is on cards. This is because the German economy faces headwinds from two important channels: (1) the turmoil in emerging markets and China together...

Chinese FX reserves data add to first signs of stabilisation

Oct 09, 2015 14:51 pm UTC| Commentary Central Banks

In China, data for FX reserves added to signs that the Chinese business cycle is bottoming. FX reserves fell by USD43.3bn, which was less than expected and a much smaller decline than in August, when reserves fell a record...