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Latin America Politics

Will Correa’s amendments shift the ground in Ecuador?

Ecuadorian president Rafael Correa will push through a set of constitutional amendments before the end of this year. The amendments will likely produce more polarisation in the country, with the

Politics Sub-Saharan Africa

Can Burkina Faso’s interim leader salvage investor confidence?

Just a few months ago, KPMG listed Ouagadougou as one of West Africa’s three up-and-coming investment cities. Burkina Faso was seen as a hot new frontier market. But with the

Finance International

Forex scandal exposes difficulty of financial regulation

The latest foreign exchange fixing (forex) scandal, which led to a $4.3 billion bank settlement with American, British, and Swiss regulators reinforces the difficulties of effectively regulating the financial markets.

Europe Finance

Turkish Bank Asya feels the political heat

Turkish Bank Asya has recently come under intense scrutiny through government investigations. Though the bank continues to deny all allegations, evidence is growing that the bank’s books may not all be

Middle East/North Africa Politics

Expect increase in US activity in Middle East

There will be a surge in the United States’ Middle East foreign policy between now and the presidential election in 2016. Expect a greater military role in Syria, improved ties

Economics Latin America

Rousseff takes new tone on Brazil’s economic policy

Dilma Rousseff has announced liberal measures for the economy after re-election, but skepticism remains regarding the viability of more profound reforms as relations with the opposition reach rock bottom.   In what has

International Politics

Is China Afghanistan’s new best friend?

China is already a major investor in Afghanistan. President Ghani’s first state visit was to Beijing. Will China step in to take the US’ place when the US-led coalition leaves? Newly-elected Afghan president

Europe Politics

Catalonia poll favours independence

Two months after Scotland narrowly voted to remain a part of the United Kingdom, Catalonia took to the polls on Sunday to voice its plans for an independent political future. Catalonia,

Economics North America

What to look for in the bond market in 2015

Investors are nervous about the state of the US bond market in the face of recent yield drop-offs. Here are some expectations for the bond market in 2015. The day after midterm

Natural resources and energy Sub-Saharan Africa

Local policies set back East Africa oil and gas projects

East African countries have recently discovered massive hydrocarbon reserves that could turn the area into a major supply region. Unfortunately, national projects might be held up as outdated or nonexistent