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Asia Pacific Economics

Is China’s era as the world’s factory coming to an end?

A Chinese economic slowdown is a growing fear. January’s purchasing managers’ index (PMI) of 50.5 seems to confirm such fears, as China’s manufacturing sector now comes dangerously close to not

Economics Sub-Saharan Africa

Pressure mounts on Ghana’s government to address imbalances

Deteriorating twin deficits have put pressure on the government to adopt austerity measures. But risks of social unrest and reduced FDI may force authorities to moderate their rebalancing efforts. Although

Economics International

US taper puts pressure on emerging markets

The Federal Reserve’s decision in January to continue reducing the pace of asset purchases has put emerging markets in a bind. At the end of January, the Federal Reserve decided

Sub-Saharan Africa Technology and infrastructure

Africa’s start-ups show potential but lack access to capital

Thanks to the success of its mobile phone market, Africa’s tech start-up scene has developed rapidly, with tremendous market potential. Nevertheless, lack of capital and high service costs could stand in the way

North America Politics

4 numbers tell the story of U.S. immigration reform

Just behind the rhetoric of the debate, the numbers show what a massive undertaking immigration reform is. With the budget and debt ceiling having been dealt with already this year,

Economics International

Why emerging markets are not collapsing

The recent rout of emerging markets prompt worries over a new emerging market crisis like those of the 1990s and early 2000s. While significant downside risks exist, differentiation is likely

Economics International

EU’s trust issues may delay TTIP negotiations

Trade liberalization negotiations are on their way between the US and the EU, and may lead to the biggest bilateral trade agreement in history. However, the EU is putting the

Middle East/North Africa Natural resources and energy

Western energy companies to re-enter Iran’s oil and gas sector

The interim agreement on Iran’s nuclear programme with the international community began on January 20, and Iran has  taken steps to attract foreign investments in its neglected oil and gas

Finance Latin America

Bank reforms to increase cost of doing business in Ecuador

The cost of doing business in Ecuador is already high for extractive sectors. Investments in Ecuador’s financial services sector may face added obstacles following recently proposed regulatory measures. Ecuador is

Economics South and Central Asia

Dreams of tourist-friendly North Caucasus hard to realize

North Caucasus hopes to use the Sochi Winter Olympics to attract investment through improvement in tourism. Yet, insecurity, corruption and broken infrastructure make such dreams difficult to realize. The President