Archive
TTIP highlights France and Sweden’s similarities
Sweden and France’s societies seem remarkably different, but these countries have political similarities and shared interests in TTIP negotiations. On September 29th, Swedish Liberal People’s Party politician Cecilia Malmström was
Book Review: The Pillars of Finance
The Pillars of Finance: The Misalignment of Finance Theory and Investment Practice. By Guy Fraser-Sampson. Palgrave Macmillan, 2014; 260 pages Guy Fraser-Sampson’s new book argues Modern Portfolio Theory fails to
Shanghai free trade zone takes it slow
One year after the establishment of Shanghai Pilot Free Trade Zone, foreign investors have become impatient for more financial liberalization measures. Yet, this is not a convenient time for China to
Karnataka launches new industrial policy
India’s southern state Karnataka has launched a new industrial plan to revive state growth. Yet, achieving 12% industrial growth in an eco-system which is virtually stagnated will be an uphill battle,
More emerging economies enter bond markets
Countries across Africa and Latin America have expressed a desire to begin or expand the sale of government bonds. Markets seem willing to take them up on their offer. Interest in the
What does China’s 4th Plenum mean for investors?
As China implements rule of law with Chinese characteristics, the main question is whether it will shift to a more economically liberal investment environment, or whether little will change. When China’s Fourth
New oil tax laws in Russia could backfire
Eurasian integration in the new Eurasian Economic Union forces Russia to introduce a so called “tax maneuver” in its oil industry with negative consequences. Eurasian economic and political integration acquired special importance
Will US shale oil undermine its own success?
The US shale revolution has remarkably influenced global energy markets over the past five years. Can falling oil prices tarnish the extraordinary success of hydraulic fracturing in the US and
Kazakhstan stuck between falling exchange rates and oil prices
How will Kazakhstan’s economy react to the double threat of the falling ruble exchange rates and falling oil prices? Kazakhstan’s growth rate since 2010 has been above 6%, but current
Al-Shabaab still a threat to Kenya’s tourism
One year since the Westgate shopping mall terrorist attack, Al-Shabaab still poses a political risk to Kenya’s tourism industry. On 21 September 2013, militants linked to Harakat Al Shabaab Al
