Why are our progressive political heroes still old white men?
Feb 13, 2016 09:42 am UTC| Insights & Views Politics
On both sides of the Atlantic, a reawakening of progressive politics is underway. In countries where until recently socialism was considered a dirty word, Bernie Sanders and Jeremy Corbyn are inspiring a growing number of...

Ted Cruz's linguistic chutzpah
Feb 13, 2016 01:56 am UTC| Insights & Views Politics
Chutzpah is making headlines again. This time its not because someone mispronounced it (as former congresswoman Michele Bachmann did a few years ago); its because Republican presidential candidate Ted Cruz called it a New...
The Syria 'ceasefire' deal is no such thing – it's cover for the US and Russia
Feb 13, 2016 01:53 am UTC| Insights & Views
Headlines are declaring the arrangement of a ceasefire in Syrias conflict. Announced by US secretary of state John Kerry and Russian foreign minister Sergei Lavrov late on February 11, it has been greeted as a ray of hope...
The Independent newspapers die as they were born – in the white heat of technology
Feb 13, 2016 01:39 am UTC| Insights & Views Business
Sunday, bloody Sunday: things began to wrong for The Independent when the decision was made in 1990 to publish a Sunday edition. From the outset, it haemorrhaged money. And Murdoch, bloody Murdoch dealt a second...

Worrisome Signs Series: US recession 100 basis points away?
Feb 12, 2016 12:31 pm UTC| Insights & Views Economy
Yes you are reading it right. US treasury market, which has been a successful predictor of US recession in the past is just shy of 100 basis points from indicating a recession. Since 2014, due to lower oil price and...

Feb 12, 2016 11:17 am UTC| Insights & Views Central Banks
European banks credit and equity are at levels not seen since 2012-13. The 2008-09 financial crisis and the negative impact on the banking sector has created a significant level of non-performing assets. Despite provisions...

The global bike sharing boom – why cities love a cycling scheme
Feb 12, 2016 09:35 am UTC| Insights & Views
As urbanisation and modernisation reach unprecedented levels, road congestion has become a modern day menace. Heavy traffic is associated with air pollution, safety risks, and losses in terms of accessibility, economic...