Surprise decline in UK manufacturing sentiment confirms gradual moderation to continue through 2016

Mar 01, 2016 14:35 pm UTC| Commentary Economy

Data released on Tuesday showed that UK February headline manufacturing PMI surprised to the downside printing at 50.8, declining by 2.1pts, more than consensus expectations. PMI is now 0.9pts below its 7-year average and...

Currency War Series

China Crisis Series

Poor China's PMIs suggests monetary easing from PBoC likely to continue

Mar 01, 2016 10:40 am UTC| Commentary Economy Central Banks

Chinas central bank announced on Monday it would cut banks reserve requirement ratio, allowing banks to set aside fewer deposits which in turn encourages them to lend more. The unexpected move came one day ahead of the...

Eurozone labour market fragmentation continues

Mar 01, 2016 10:31 am UTC| Commentary Economy

Euro Zone is facing one of the most diverse economic recovery and labour market. Partial reforms pursued by governments coupled with easy monetary policy from European Central Bank (ECB) has led to the rise in employment...

Canada’s current account deficit widens in Q4, likely to narrow in future on weaker loonie, decent US demand

Mar 01, 2016 10:03 am UTC| Commentary Economy

Current account deficit of Canada widened surprisingly in Q4, reaching $15.4 billion, as compared with the revised deficit of $15.3 billion in Q3. On a quarterly basis, the deficit was narrower than forecast, but on an...

Emerging Market Crisis Series

Brazil’s February confidence indices give mixed signals, supply side indices fall while consumer and retail indices rise

Mar 01, 2016 08:13 am UTC| Commentary Economy

Brazils confidence indices for February gives mixed signals amongst relevant sectors. However, it is certain that early bottoming signs are far from signifying a trend of recovery. On the supply side, several indices...

Renminbi Series

Renminbi series: employment bleeds at fastest pace since 2008/09 crisis

Mar 01, 2016 06:30 am UTC| Commentary Economy

According to latest report released by Caixin, in collaboration with Markit Economics, show Chinese employment have started bleeding at fastest pace since the great recession of 2008/09. Key highlights from the...

Emerging Market Crisis Series

South Africa faces difficult times, but disaster is not inevitable

Feb 29, 2016 12:34 pm UTC| Insights & Views Economy

Finance minister Pravin Gordhans budget speech has generally been well received. Nevertheless, many people still fear that South Africa is on the verge of disaster. They cite recent events such as the firing of Nhlanhla...