Archive
Industry interests could pave a rocky political path for US-Cuba relations
The thaw in tensions between the United States and Cuba will likely be hamstrung by U.S. domestic politics. However, pressures from major interest groups that would stand to benefit from closer
Weekly Risk Outlook
Expected ECB QE programme will require some fine-tuning. Russia’s credit rating takes a hit as its economy weakens further. Iran may face new sets of US sanctions as newest round of talks begin, and
Petrobras scandal threatens to derail pre-salts deposit development
Petrobras looked like a model for transparency in the energy sector and, with a recent discovery of large offshore deposits, was poised to make Brazil a regional energy superpower. However, a corruption scandal
President Jammeh stays in power despite Gambian coup attempt
President Jammeh came to power through a military coup in 1994 and has maintained control of Gambia through state coercion and force, thus engendering a culture of silence among its
Nigeria’s Nollywood is putting Hollywood to shame
Valued at about five billion dollars in 2014, the world’s second largest film industry holds much promise for investors; with the main barrier to future growth being the industry’s informal
Struggling European economies contend with brain drain
Fuelled by debt crises, a lack of job prospects in several European countries is causing the highly educated to seek work elsewhere. This brain drain only further hamstrings struggling economies and leads to influxes of
Middle East defense spending fuels security dilemma
Middle East countries are expanding defense budgets at a rapid rate. Between 2014 and 2020, MENA defense spending is expected reach $920 billion despite low oil prices. While investment in
EU court and Greek elections may block QE from the ECB
As the Eurozone battles low inflation and a weak economy, consensus around quantitative easing (QE) has grown. The question is whether the ECB’s meeting on January 22nd will offer more than just
Risk management should span the company
Experience shows risk management can be pushed down from top levels to involve front-line staff. Because risk and uncertainty are often too complex for centralized systems to manage, it should
China’s Shanghai-Hong Kong Stock Connect fails to deliver
At the start of 2015, the landmark Shanghai-Hong Kong Stock Connect is entering an important phase. Still, investors have to temper their expectations when it comes to gaining more access
