Australia's Westpac–MI Consumer Sentiment Index falls further

Jul 15, 2015 01:01 am UTC| Commentary

Westpac Research notes:This is the lowest print of the Index since December last year. The Index is now firmly in the range where pessimists outnumber optimists. In fact the Index has printed below 100 in 15 of the last 17...

A Fed rate hike likely before year-end

Jul 15, 2015 00:50 am UTC| Commentary

If we do get to the point where the Greek crisis is behind us one way or another, the next likely major challenge for European equity markets will be Fed tightening. While that may drive the euro down, it is not something...

Economists forecast upbeat data for Japan, UK and US

Jul 15, 2015 00:17 am UTC| Commentary

The UK growth outlook has been more mixed than for the Eurozone, with the manufacturing PMI slowing sharply under the pressure of a higher pound, but other indicators, such as retail sales and the services PMI, remaining...

Euro area: Greece aside, it is still improving

Jul 14, 2015 23:56 pm UTC| Commentary

BofA Merrill Lynch notes:We have been tactically cautious but structurally bullish on European equity markets largely because a genuine recovery is emerging in the euro area economy. We do not believe the disruption from...

Prepare for Fed rate hikes

Jul 14, 2015 23:44 pm UTC| Commentary

BofA Merrill Lynch notes:Prepare for Fed rate hikes We still expect the first Fed rate hike to come in September, with a slight chance that it will be later.Despite our belief that short-term rates will soon rise, we do...

US stocks outperform US bonds

Jul 14, 2015 23:34 pm UTC| Commentary

The US economy got off to a very weak start in 2015, but economic data are improving recently. Our US Economics team forecasts GDP growth to accelerate to a 3.2% pace in the second half of the year. We see limited impact...

BoJ Monetary Policy's impact on yen rates

Jul 14, 2015 23:06 pm UTC| Commentary

The BoJ is expected to maintain the current QQE at its Monetary Policy Meeting on 14-15 July. The BoJ may also keep an eye on how the overseas environment, the Greek situation, Chinas unclear economic outlook, and the...