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Simon Roberts

Simon Roberts

Professor of Economics and Director of the Centre for Competition, Regulation and Economic Development, University of Johannesburg

Professor Roberts held the position of Chief Economist and Manager of the Policy & Research Division at the Competition Commission from November 2006 to December 2012. Prior to joining the Competition Commission he was Associate Professor of Economics at the University of the Witwatersrand, where he established and directed the Corporate Strategy and Industrial Development research programme examining firm decision-making and economic outcomes. In addition, Simon has consulted extensively on competition matters over the past 15 years and has been an expert witness in a number of major cases.

Previous positions include lecturer in Development Economics, University of East Anglia, UK; Senior Research Officer, Bank of Botswana; and lecturer in Economics, University College Cork, Ireland. Simon holds a PhD from University of London (Birkbeck College), MA from University of East Anglia, and BA (Hons) from Oxford University.

He has published widely including in the World Competition, Journal of Competition Law and Economics, Industrial and Corporate Change, Journal of African Economies, Development and Change, Journal of International Development, and the South African Journal of Economics.

South Africa's economy is badly skewed to the big guys: how it can be changed

Mar 14, 2018 08:51 am UTC| Insights & Views Economy

The South African economy looks uncomfortably the same to the one inherited when the country transitioned from apartheid to democracy in 1994. Which is why its time for a robust economic policy agenda to make it more open,...

1 

Economy

Polish economic performance to remain solid, foreign trade expected to deteriorate in coming quarters

Polish economys all significant macro fundamentals appear quite strong. This positive impression have been affirmed by the macro statistics released this week, which included the industrial production data, labor market...

Cryptocurrency Brief: Ripple climbs to 3-week high as buying sentiments pour in, Europol warns against crypto-related risks – Thursday, September 20th, 2018

BTC/USD: Bitcoin prices traded flat during late European session Thursday amid lack of any major market movements ahead of the September 30 deadline for the U.S. SECs decision on the Bitcoin ETF. Also, a host of increased...

UK gilts trade mixed after August retail sales beat consensus estimates

The United Kingdoms gilts traded mixed during European session Thursday after the countrys August retail sales figures cheered market expectations, albeit down from the previous reading in July, revised higher. The...

New Zealand Q2 GDP beats market consensus, diminishes case for near-term OCR cuts

The New Zealand economy fared substantially better in the June quarter, with a 1 percent rise in GDP following gains of 0.5- 0.6 percent in each of the previous three quarters. Growth is still some way off the peaks seen...

New Zealand bonds end lower after Q2 GDP rises above market expectations

The New Zealand bonds ended lower on Thursday after the countrys gross domestic product (GDP) for the second quarter of this year, rose above market expectations, lending a weaker tone to debt prices. At the time of...

Politics

How passports evolved to help governments regulate your movement

The Trump administration is denying passports to U.S. citizens who live in Texas near the U.S.-Mexico border, according to news reports. The administration is accusing applicants of having inadequate documentation of...

Why do people talk politics online? Because they don't care what you think

Wading into a political debate online can be a minefield. Search any comment section or thread on a social media site, and youre likely to come across some pretty strong views. But thats not necessarily just the nature of...

National accounts show past performance no guarantee of future results

Wednesdays GDP figures were good. Growth was up 0.9% in the June quarter and 3.4% over the past 12 months. As they say in baseball: You cant boo a home run. But you can ask how likely the batter is to do it next time....

VIDEO: Michelle Grattan on changing the pension age, women in parliament and the au pair saga

Michelle Grattan talks to University of Canberra Vice-Chancellor and President Professor Deep Saini about the week in politics, including Prime Minister Scott Morrisons pilgrimage to the town of Albury, and his decision to...

VIDEO: Michelle Grattan on the Liberals' leadership spill and the controversy around au pair visas

Malcolm Turnbull gives a final press conference as prime minister, after he was brought down by conservative forces within his party. AAP/Mick Tsikas Michelle Grattan talks with University of Canberra Deputy...

Science

Game-changing resolution: whose name on the laws of physics for an expanding universe?

Astronomers are engaged in a lively debate over plans to rename one of the laws of physics. It emerged overnight in Vienna at the 30th Meeting of the International Astronomical Union (IAU), in Vienna, where members of...

Do dogs have feelings?

If you live with a dog you just know when its happy or miserable, dont you? Of course you do. Even the scientific community, now admits that dogs have emotions even if scientists cant directly measure what they are...

How hydrogen power can help us cut emissions, boost exports, and even drive further between refills

Hydrogen could become a significant part of Australias energy landscape within the coming decade, competing with both natural gas and batteries, according to a new CSIRO roadmap for the industry. Hydrogen gas is a...

Curious Kids: how does gravity pull things down to Earth?

This is an article from Curious Kids, a series for children of all ages. The Conversation is asking young people to send in questions theyd like an expert to answer. All questions are welcome: find details on how to enter...

Five reasons to forget Mars for now and return to the moon

Hopes of colonising Mars rest on the premise that we could terraform the red planet, making it habitable for humans with a breathable atmosphere and clement temperatures. However, a recent study cast doubt on the idea,...

Technology

OnePlus 6T Release Date, Price, Features: Why Did the Manufacturer Remove the Headphone Jack?

The OnePlus 6T is heavily rumored to be released on Oct. 17 and smartphone enthusiasts are awaiting confirmation from the company itself if this news has any authenticity. So far, however, the Shenzhen-based company hasnt...

'Red Dead Redemption 2' Release Date, Features: Rockstar Gives Players a Sneak Peek at the Game's World

With Red Dead Redemption 2 almost a month away from gracing consoles, the anticipation for Rockstar Games western action-adventure game has been steadily building. It seems that Rockstar is leaning heavily towards the...

'Dragon Ball Xenoverse 2' Features: These Crazy Mods Lengthen the Lifespan of RPG Brawler

Dragon Ball Xenoverse 2 may be three years old already but fans dedicated to creating additional content for Bandai Namcos fighting roleplaying game are still finding fresh ways to make it a treat for all the other...

‘Kingdom Hearts 3’ Release Date, Trailer, Characters: Upcoming Trailer Is 40 Minutes Long?

Last week, Square Enix released another Kingdom Hearts 3 trailer, which features the world of Big Hero 6. While the teaser clip shows some gameplay and cut-scenes, fans of the franchise are voracious as ever to feast their...

iPhone XS Max, XS News & Update: Priciest iPhones Yet with Plenty of Drawbacks

The iPhone XS Max, XS models were recently unveiled, and reviewers and publications are already tearing into the gadgets with extreme hunger. As such, plenty of drawbacks were found on the devices, alongside some great...

Digital Currency

FxWirePro: XLM/USD trades higher and recovers more than 30% in past 4 hours, good to buy on dips

FxWirePro: XMR/USD trades above minor trend line resistance, a jump till $142 likely

Coinsquare’s subsidiary unveils ETFs on TSX

Law

The Skripal case: a sense of déjà vu that poses problems for Britain

Donald Trump anonymous staffer speaks out – treason or a public service?

Explainer: can you copyright furniture?

Life

When is it quicker to walk, than catch a bus?

Designing greener streets starts with finding room for bicycles and trees

Don't believe what they say about inequality. Some of us are worse off

Nature

Massive solar and wind farms could bring vegetation back to the Sahara

We've got apps and radars – but can ants predict rain?

Friday essay: the rise of the 'bin chicken', a totem for modern Australia

Sports

Michael Schumacher Health Update: F1 Legend Reportedly Cries in His Wheelchair; Stefano Domenicali Describes Schumi in Rare Interview

Kawhi Leonard Latest Update: Reasons Why the Ex-Spurs Superstar Would Want to Play for the Lakers

Michael Schumacher 2018: Will Mick Schumacher Be Able to Achieve What His Father Attained?

Technical Analysis

FxWirePro: GBP/USD Trade idea

FxWirePro: NZD/JPY hits 7-weeks’ high on double bottom patterns but major trend slides through falling wedge – Trade one-touch call and short hedge

FxWirePro: GBP/USD declines more than 100 pips as EU officials rejected May Bexit plan, good to sell on rallies

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2018-09-21 21:09:16
0m
S&P SAYS DESPITE RECENT RESTATEMENT OF BUDGETARY GOALS, GOVT DEFICIT IS TRENDING DOWNWARD & SPAIN CONTINUES TO RUN CURRENT, CAPITAL ACCOUNT SURPLUSES
2018-09-21 21:09:02
0m
S&P SAYS EXPECT THAT SPAIN'S GDP WILL CONTINUE TO EXPAND FASTER THAN THE EUROZONE AVERAGE OVER 2018-2021
2018-09-21 21:08:14
0m
S&P SAYS SPAIN 'A-/A-2' RATINGS AFFIRMED; OUTLOOK POSITIVE
2018-09-21 21:02:08
0m
BRAZIL’S CENTRAL BANK SAYS AUCTION TO ROLL OVER EXISTING CONTRACTS
2018-09-21 21:02:01
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BRAZIL CENTRAL BANK TO AUCTION ON MONDAY AS MANY AS 10.9 K TRADITIONAL CURRENCY SWAPS
2018-09-21 21:01:38
0m
U.S. TO TAKE 'SERIES OF ACTIONS THAT CONTINUE TO INCREASE PRESSURE LEVEL' ON VENEZUELA IN COMING DAYS -SECRETARY OF STATE POMPEO TELLS FOX NEWS
2018-09-21 20:35:38
0m
MOODY'S CHANGES OUTLOOK ON MONTENEGRO'S RATING TO POSITIVE, AFFIRMS B1 RATING
2018-09-21 20:33:12
0m
S&P SAYS POLITICAL VOLATILITY IN CROATIA IS SOMEWHAT LOWER THAN IN PREVIOUS YEARS, PAVING THE WAY FOR STRUCTURAL REFORMS
2018-09-21 20:33:00
0m
S&P SAYS NORWAY 'AAA/A-1+' RATINGS AFFIRMED; OUTLOOK STABLE
2018-09-21 20:30:31
0m
S&P SAYS EXPECT CROATIA'S ECONOMIC RECOVERY WILL CONTINUE IN 2018-2019, DUE TO SURGING PRIVATE CONSUMPTION AND SOUND EXPORT GROWTH
2018-09-21 20:30:05
0m
S&P SAYS MALTA 'A-/A-2' RATINGS AFFIRMED; OUTLOOK REMAINS POSITIVE
2018-09-21 20:29:28
0m
S&P ON CONGO-BRAZZAVILLE SAYS UPGRADE ALSO REFLECTS IMPROVING EXTERNAL & FISCAL POSITIONS AMID EXPECTED HIGHER OIL REVENUES
2018-09-21 20:28:59
0m
S&P ON CONGO-BRAZZAVILLE SAYS UPGRADE REFLECTS OUR VIEW THAT DEFAULT RISKS FROM CLAIMS MADE UNDER FOREIGN LAWS HAVE REDUCED
2018-09-21 20:25:56
0m
S&P SAYS CROATIA OUTLOOK REVISED TO POSITIVE ON STRENGTHENING FISCAL AND ECONOMIC PERFORMANCE; 'BB+/B' RATINGS AFFIRMED
2018-09-21 20:25:41
0m
S&P RAISES LATVIA’S SOVEREIGN CREDIT RATING TO A FROM A-; LOWERS OUTLOOK TO STABLE FROM POSITIVE
2018-09-21 20:25:23
0m
S&P SAYS RAISED FOREIGN CURRENCY LONG- AND SHORT-TERM SOVEREIGN CREDIT RATINGS ON THE REPUBLIC OF CONGO-BRAZZAVILLE TO 'B-/B' FROM 'CCC+/C'
2018-09-21 20:22:13
0m
S&P SAYS CONGO-BRAZZAVILLE UPGRADED TO 'B-/B' ON REDUCED LEGAL RISKS OF DEFAULT AND INCREASING OIL REVENUES; OUTLOOK STABLE
2018-09-21 20:18:50
0m
S&P MAINTAINS CROATIA’S SOVEREIGN CREDIT RATING AT BB+; RAISES OUTLOOK TO POSITIVE FROM STABLE
2018-09-21 20:17:34
0m
FITCH SAYS DO NOT ENVISAGE TAX REFORM TO HAVE AN ADVERSE IMPACT ON SWITZERLAND'S ATTRACTIVENESS FOR CORPORATE INVESTMENTS
2018-09-21 20:17:26
0m
FITCH SAYS DO NOT EXPECT SWISS NATIONAL BANK TO TIGHTEN MONETARY POLICY BEFORE NEXT YEAR
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Europe Roundup: Sterling off 2-1/2 month peak as EU leaders criticize May's Brexit plan, dollar index rebounds on hawkish Fed meeting expectations, European shares trade in green - Friday, September 21st, 2018

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U.S. manufacturing sector’s business conditions rebound strongly in September

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Polish economic performance to remain solid, foreign trade expected to deteriorate in coming quarters

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Sniffing a Peg-break Series: Peg-break pressure eases on Hong Kong dollar

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Canadian consumer prices decelerate slightly in August, BoC likely to hike rate next month

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Euro area’s flash manufacturing PMI index falls further in September, GDP growth likely to average 2 pct in 2018

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Fundamental Evaluation Series: AUD/USD vs. 2-year yield spread

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FxWirePro: Right time to capitalize on NZD/JPY rallies to deploy theta shorts in ‘Put Options Spreads”

Economics Monitor

September 21 19:00 UTC Released

USCattle Marketed

Actual

100 %

Forecast

100.4 %

Previous

105 %

September 21 19:00 UTC Released

USCattle Placed On Fd

Actual

107 %

Forecast

104.4 %

Previous

108 %

January 31 00:00 UTC 337615337615m

ARAnnual Primary Balance*

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Forecast

2016 bln ARS

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January 31 00:00 UTC 337615337615m

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Forecast

2016 bln ARS

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Bln AR bln ARS

January 22 19:00 UTC 349435349435m

ARTrade Balance

Actual

Forecast

Previous

-1541 %

January 31 00:00 UTC 337615337615m

ARAnnual Primary Balance*

Actual

Forecast

2016 bln ARS

Previous

Bln AR bln ARS

January 22 19:00 UTC 349435349435m

ARTrade Balance

Actual

Forecast

Previous

-1541 %

January 31 00:00 UTC 337615337615m

ARAnnual Primary Balance*

Actual

Forecast

2016 bln ARS

Previous

Bln AR bln ARS

January 31 00:00 UTC 337615337615m

ARAnnual Primary Balance*

Actual

Forecast

2016 bln ARS

Previous

Bln AR bln ARS

January 31 00:00 UTC 337615337615m

ARAnnual Primary Balance*

Actual

Forecast

2016 bln ARS

Previous

Bln AR bln ARS

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