North America
US trade deficit soars to six-year high: Signal or noise?
With the US trade deficit at a six-year high, analysts have attributed the widening gap to a strong appreciation of the US dollar coupled with labor strikes at ports along
How might the Fed’s rate hike influence global demand and investments?
The upcoming changes in US monetary policy will have strong effects on aggregate demand, investments and public spending worldwide. On August 9, 2007, BNP Paribas, France’s largest bank, announced a
New government in Alberta brings uncertain future for Canada’s oil industry
As Canada prepares for a general election in the fall, the collapse of an aligned provincial government is likely to unsettle many federal conservatives and force a revaluation of electoral
US Cities Series: Pittsburgh makes its mark as an international city
A model of economic transformation, Pittsburgh today is known for its innovation, energy, and as a center for education and healthcare. But is the Steel City on track to become
US Cities Series: Competitive clusters drive sustainable growth in Seattle
Seattle seeks to utilise its past reputation for innovation and frontier spirit to stay ahead competitively, while implementing welfare policies that buck the national trend. The city of Seattle has
US Cities Series: Innovation, growth, and ambition in Kansas City
Usually, the Midwest is not known for technological innovation. Kansas City is rapidly changing that. Those residing outside of the Kansas City metropolitan area could be forgiven for associating the
US Cities Series: Minneapolis excels with public investment philosophy
Having avoided a race-to-the-bottom of tax breaks to lure businesses, Minneapolis-St. Paul’s long-term approach to public investments is key to its economic success. For the coldest metropolitan area in the
Number of pieces increasing in Fed rate hike puzzle
Inflation and unemployment are no longer the only big issues for the US Fed to consider in deciding when to raise interest rates. Oil prices and the strong dollar, among other
Walmart financial services hampered by regulation
Walmart offers a range of financial services and could offer even more to underbanked households. So why does current regulation and public sentiment stand in the way of that expansion?
Equity crowdfunding puts new pressures on regulation
Crowdfunding has the potential to change the way businesses raise money, but it also raises complex questions for the SEC about how it approaches investor protection. With the prominence of
