Archive
Weekly Risk Outlook
FOMC September rate decision (finally) arrives. Brazil’s Finance Minister allays fears. Bank of Japan issues rates as QE program struggles. Canadians debate as the country enters recession. Greece heads to polls. All in
Keeping Islamic State out of Ghana
Ghana is ‘surrounded’ by other West African countries where the Islamic State group has a presence: Nigeria, Niger, and Chad. Following the news of the recruitment of Ghanaian youths by
Policy uncertainty stunts growth in South Africa
Exogenous developments such as a slowing Chinese economy and potential rising US interest rates mean emerging markets like South Africa are set for a turbulent period. The post-2008 financial crisis
Despite tensions, China’s state visit to US an important step in Sino-American relations
Despite rising tensions stemming from Beijing‘s assertiveness over the Asia Pacific and alleged involvement in recent cyber-attacks targeting Washington, President Xi Jimping’s upcoming state visit to Washington represents an important
Will OPEC change its ways as oil continues to tumble?
Once the indisputable ruler of oil markets, the OPEC cartel is under great pressure to revise its current policy as low oil prices are starting to hurt oil exporters’ economies
The Venezuela-Colombia border crisis heats up
As Venezuela confronts significant economic problems ahead of elections in December, President Maduro has tried to divert attention by creating a conflict with neighboring Colombia. As a result, economic and political
The uncertainties of China’s “Quantitative Tightening”
Last week, yet another complex development emerged from this summer’s ongoing downturn in the Chinese economy — China’s sudden sale of large amounts of U.S. Treasuries. Though the underlying meaning
Is it safe to return to emerging market investments?
Emerging market investments across asset classes have suffered a brutal combination of collapsing commodity prices and a strong US dollar this year. Is the bottom near, and where might investors
Will the La Linea corruption scandal break or make Guatemala?
Otto Pérez Molina resigned from the Guatemalan presidency on Wednesday, September 2, after the attorney general issued a warrant for his arrest amid corruption allegations and public unrest. On September 1,
Malaysian prime minister weathers ‘people power’ movement — for now
Malaysia’s prime minister has so far weathered anti-government protests calling for his removal. Without political stability and a strengthened economy, his long-term prospects of survival seem uncertain. The Malaysian capital
