Economics
The end of NAFTA? Perspectives from Mexico, Canada, and the US
24 years ago, on the 1st of January 1994, the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) between Mexico, the United States, and Canada came into force superseding the former Trade Agreement between Canada and the United States.
The outlook for Costa Rica’s electric vehicle revolution
Costa Rica has introduced tax incentives for the electrical vehicle industry, which is likely to experience exponential growth in the next two decades. Risks to investors nonetheless remain.
How market-friendly are Brazil’s presidential candidates? Part II
The 2018 presidential election is set to be the “election of hope” for the people of the country, but so far the race is wide open. GRI’s Lorena Valente revisits the candidates and how their views on the economy have evolved in recent months – or not.
Italian government bond sell-off limits room for populist spending
The recent bond market sell-off reinforced concerns that investors have over the government’s spending plans. The Italian government is now likely to delay its plan to increase spending, in order to calm market jitters caused by the exposure of domestic banks to sovereign debt.
UK consumer debt: A cause for alarm?
As consumer debt in the UK reaches pre-2008 financial crisis levels within a new low interest rate austerity dynamic, we examine whether there is reasonable cause for concern and how the Government and Bank of England mitigate the risk.
Tunisia’s new modus operandi
In recent months, Tunisia’s government and the worker union UGTT have negotiated an agreement that aims to improve the socio-economic situation of the country. While this new model of having UGTT participates in the policy agenda slows down the reform process, it also offers realistic chances to allow inclusive growth.
Ethiopia between risk and reform
Ethiopia is undergoing its most significant changes since the 1991 birth of the EPRDF ruling coalition under its controversial leader, Meles Zenawi. The last two months have witnessed the realigning of Ethiopia’s economy and bilateral relations with previous foes such as Eritrea and Egypt.
The prospects for Saudi women’s participation in the labor market
In the new Saudi economy, women are essential as workers and consumers, and they are being granted new rights at an unprecedented pace. But to appease conservative forces, female empowerment is likely to remain limited.
Opinion: Trump’s trade war will be easy to lose
Trade wars are not easy nor always winnable despite what Trump suggests. Instead tariffs, once implemented, become extremely difficult to remove.
Despite risks, cryptocurrency presents an exciting opportunity in Africa
As more states in Africa come to accept cryptocurrency in a technology-first approach to digitizing and diversifying their markets, these markets could exploit cryptocurrency opportunities.
