Economics
Death of a salesman – China attacks private debt
As China’s transitions from prioritizing economic growth to maintaining economic stability, the government has begun levying steep penalties on high-debt private companies for “economic crimes.” Kiana Mendoza looks at several recent examples of these trials, and examines what this could mean for the future.
Britain’s black money crackdown: treading a fine line
The UK is getting tough on the proceeds of foreign corruption at a time of heightened tensions with Russia. Downing Street will be keen to limit any further fallout with Moscow by adopting the right punitive measures.
Disagreements on eurozone reform impact economic outlook
Emmanuel Macron’s ambitious plans to reform eurozone institutions received a further setback when German chancellor Angela Merkel toed her party’s line and rejected some of his bolder proposals when the two met in Berlin last week.
Ratings upgrade puts pressure on next government to maintain Brazil’s economic recovery
Amidst political chaos and uncertainty, Brazil’s economy continues on its path to recovery receiving a vote of confidence by ratings agency Moody’s. There is hope Brazil will be able to continue the necessary economic reforms once a new President takes office next year.
Trade agreement holds key economic, security benefits for Tunisia and the EU
Tunisia and the EU are negotiating an extension of the existing free trade agreement. The agreement would, if prudently negotiated, offer benefits for both sides of the Mediterranean and could help strengthening political ties. But first, two fiddly subjects remain for the negotiators: services and agricultural goods.
Theresa May’s evolving Brexit strategy
The transition agreement between the UK and EU means that although the UK will officially leave the EU in March 2019, it will still remain in the customs union and single market for another 21 months. The UK’s concessions are indicative of the government’s broader negotiating strategy with the EU.
Foreign aid and strategic competition in the South Pacific
On February 26, a 7.5 magnitude earthquake struck 35 kilometres underneath the Southern Highlands in Papua New Guinea, causing at least fifty deaths. An Australian Air Force plane carrying relief supplies landed five days later amid criticism that aid had been too slow to arrive.
The Week Ahead: 4 – 10 March 2018
Trump announces new steel and aluminum tariffs. Brexit prompts conflict over Ireland status. FARC competes in legislative elections. New presidential elections in Sierra Leone. All in the Week Ahead.
OZY+GRI: Is this how the next global recession begins?
Amid the second-longest bull market in U.S. history, talk of an inevitable recession is often met with “this time is different” arguments. And this time is different – but not the way you think.
OZY+GRI: Could this interest rate cliff-edge cripple the US economy?
Out-of-control inflation in the US is a gray rhino — a high-impact, negative occurrence that is rationalized until it is too late. The government’s response, though, could lead to a true black swan: a low-frequency, high-impact event that no one sees coming.
