Archive
Historic cross-strait talks signal a new step in relations
Unfortunately, improved cross-strait economic ties do little to resolve the status quo, as the final objectives of Beijing and Taipei remain fundamentally irreconcilable. At the first governmental meeting since they split apart
Yellen’s first statements chart clear path for Federal Reserve
The new Fed Chairwoman made clear to Congress that her Fed will focus on improving the labor market and being straightforward in its messaging. In her first major appearance since becoming
Why Thailand’s political unrest is not business as usual
Political unrest surrounding the recent elections in Thailand casts a shadow on the future of the economy, which has already experienced contractions. Continued political discord will make Thailand a less
Is capital account convertibility as great as it seems?
Capital account convertibility has many advantages. But does it make sense to link up domestic financial markets tightly with international ones? As the euphoria of cheap and easy money wears
Panama Canal deadlock rattles shipping industry
The Panama Canal expansion is a project of huge dimensions, and the shipping industry tries to tailor ships to its prospective needs. The project recently came to a halt rattling
Tension builds over Kumtor gold mine in Kyrgyzstan
Kyrgyzstan is once again absorbed in a debate over ownership of the Kumtor Mine, highlighting the government’s fragility and the importance of the mine for the country’s economy. Following a
Why Stan Fischer’s next job matters to global finance
The US Federal Reserve is getting a new face: Stan Fischer will likely become the body’s new vice chairman. All eyes are on where he stands on the Fed’s increasingly regulatory
ICJ grants Peru more ocean, maintains Chilean fishing grounds in ruling
On January 27th 2014, the International Court of Justice compromised in determining the maritime boundary between Peru and Chile, granting rights to key fishing stocks. Ruling on a case filed
Pakistan seeks to privatize state-owned companies
Pakistan has begun work to privatize many of its state-owned industries, both to raise revenue and to secure loans from the IMF. Although opposition exists domestically, the government hopes privatization
Under-the-radar growth increases in southern Africa
Southern African countries will be rapidly growing emerging markets in the near future. The combination of growing political stability and an expanding middle class of consumers makes the region an
