Why raising the minimum wage isn't the best way to reduce inequality

Feb 07, 2016 15:58 pm UTC| Insights & Views Economy

Walmart is giving more than one million of its employees a raise later this month as part of a plan that will lift all but its newest hires to at least US$10 an hour. The move, first announced last year, follows an...

China Crisis Series

China sets growth target of 6.5%-7% for 2016

Feb 05, 2016 08:01 am UTC| Commentary Economy

China has stated that it has set up 2016 growth target range of 6.5%-7% after a 2015 target of around 7% growth. The lower end of 6.5% shows the growths minimum average rate required to meet in the next five years to...

How do we know if we're in a global recession?

Feb 04, 2016 12:05 pm UTC| Insights & Views Economy

Since the start of this year, stock markets around the world have fallen as panicked investors have begun believing that the world is slipping into economic malaise. This fear has also driven down prices of commodities...

Emerging Market Crisis Series

Will Emerging Markets benefit from a cautious Fed?

Feb 03, 2016 15:15 pm UTC| Commentary Central Banks Economy

The Fed is likely to tighten monetary policy only by as much as markets allow without major turmoil. The FOMC statement showed that the Fed takes the financial market turmoil and the development in China and other emerging...

UK’s economic growth to slow to 1.9% in 2016

Feb 03, 2016 12:10 pm UTC| Commentary Economy

UK composite PMI posted strong results in January. It grew by 0.8pts to 56.1, as manufacturing output increased by 4.1pts to 58.6, recording its highest level since June 2014. The services PMI output also edged up by 0.1pt...

Emerging Market Crisis Series

Demographics likely to continue weighing on Russia’s potential growth

Feb 03, 2016 09:46 am UTC| Commentary Economy

Russias growth is likely to be pulled down due to demographics. The working-age population is likely to continue reducing by 0.3%-0.7% y/y. The participation rate is expected to decline due to ageing of population. A...

China Crisis Series

Is China dragging Australia?

Feb 03, 2016 08:05 am UTC| Commentary Economy

Balance of Trade data released today from Australian Bureau of Statistics painted another bleak picture for Australian economy. Trade deficit widened to lowest since last April. For December, Trade deficit came at $3.535...