Is Australia's foreign debt nearly $1 trillion, up from $74 billion last year?

Jun 01, 2016 08:15 am UTC| Insights & Views Economy

Excerpt from QA, May 30, 2016. Our foreign debt is approaching $1 trillion, which is extraordinary. Last year it was $74 billion. Independent senator for South Australia Nick Xenophon, speaking on QA, May 30,...

Strong GDP growth figures show Australian economy on track

Jun 01, 2016 08:10 am UTC| Insights & Views Economy

It is hard to find any bad news in the latest quarterly GDP result. GDP growth of 1.1% for the March quarter (0.9% trend) puts annual growth just over 3%. The Federal Budget and subsequent Pre-election Economic and...

Sales tax hike delay likely to derail Japan’s fiscal ambition

Jun 01, 2016 07:33 am UTC| Commentary Economy

One of the primary goals of Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, has been to fiscally balance Japan but that goal is in tantrum as he, after chairing G-7 meeting last week in Japan, plans to introduce fresh fiscal stimulus and delay...

Saudi Arabia leads Gulf debt spree with $15 billion new offer

Jun 01, 2016 06:34 am UTC| Commentary Economy

Lower oil price, leading to higher bond sale from Gulf countries this year And Saudi Arabia is the de-facto leader. Mohammad bin-Salman, new strongman of Saudi Arabia, and deputy crown prince has chalked up plans to free...

Emerging Market Crisis Series

Brazil crisis: for once, a conspiracy theory turns out to be true

May 31, 2016 13:17 pm UTC| Insights & Views Economy

Conspiracy theories are never true. Or are they? That question has been settled for Brazilians by a leaked recording in which now-resigned planning minister Romero Jucá clearly spells out a conspiracy to unseat...

Sharp drop in German retail sales to slow consumer momentum

May 31, 2016 08:43 am UTC| Commentary Economy

Germany April retail sales fell for the second consecutive month in a row, taking markets by surprise despite upbeat labor market and buoyant consumer sentiment. This is a clear indication for a slowing consumer momentum...

Poor inflation data underscores the fragile nature of Japan's recovery

May 27, 2016 14:41 pm UTC| Commentary Economy

Japan reported new CPI figures earlier today which were largely in line with expectations. The headline rate fell 0.3% y/y after 0.1% decline in March.Excluding fresh food and energy, prices fell 0.3% y/y, the same rate as...