Posts From Alex Christensen
Investors underestimating risk in emerging market stocks
Despite political turmoil, investors remain bullish on emerging market equities. Is this because of improved understanding of risk, or complete misunderstanding? When the ‘taper tantrum’ hit for a second time
Mixed prospects loom for Ireland’s economy
Ireland was the EU and IMF’s poster boy during the Euro crisis bailouts, but five years on, the Emerald Isle has not been rewarded for good economic behavior. When I moved to
How well could Draghi’s QE work?
Rates in European Countries are already at record lows, which could dampen the effects of ECB quantitative easing. After the European Central Bank (ECB) spent years of waffling over whether
US municipal bonds squeezed by austerity
A perfect storm of austerity, low interest rates, and rebounding tax revenues are causing US municipal bond yields to plummet. The first part of 2014 was strong for municipal bond
Abenomics has a silver lining
Japanese GDP took another tumble in the second quarter, but Abenomics has not been for naught. Although Japanese GDP actually fell by less than analyst expectations in the second quarter,
Argentina’s default raises more questions than answers
Of all the defaults through Argentina’s history, the one on august 3rd 2014 is the strangest to date. Moreover, its implications could spill over to the rest of global markets. In
Mexico’s oil reforms aim to boost revenue
President Enrique Peña Nieto’s privatization efforts are an attempt to restart revenue generation in the oil sector, which had stalled. Nieto hopes greater tax revenue from the sector may help cover federal budget deficits.
5 ways inflation is defining the 2014 economy
Inflation, or lack thereof, is an important global economic indicator. Whether it is Sweden or Brazil, central bankers or policymakers, here’s a look at why inflation is so influential. 1. Europe, Japan,
Crises around the world put a wrench in Fed plans
Investors’ flight to safety will eventually limit the Fed’s ability to normalize rates. When the US announced new sanctions on Russian officials before Wall Street opened on July 17, most
Chile passes ambitious reforms to avoid middle-income trap
When Chilean president Michelle Bachelet and her center-left coalition won the election last year, it was clear that reform was on her mind. President Bachelet and the National Congress have
