Economics
Is Japan headed for another recession?
Japan has struggled in recent months, posting economic losses for the second straight quarter, eliciting fears that the country is headed for another recession. Prime Minister Shinzo Abe’s experiment may prove
Will TFTA bring free trade from Cape to Cairo?
A new merger of three existing African Free Trade Areas is creating the continent’s largest economic bloc. The tariff reductions and economic harmonization it should bring are welcome news. But
Are low interest rates deflationary?
The benefits of any activity should outweigh the costs. Risk should be commensurate with return. In fact and theory, risk and return are inseparable. Analysts say the relationship between risk
With Ebola held at bay, Ivorian cocoa harvest begins
Although Côte d’Ivoire’s proximity to countries affected by Ebola puts it at risk, the precautionary measures already taken will likely head off any significant outbreak and insulate the cocoa industry from disruption.
Rousseff takes new tone on Brazil’s economic policy
Dilma Rousseff has announced liberal measures for the economy after re-election, but skepticism remains regarding the viability of more profound reforms as relations with the opposition reach rock bottom. In what has
What to look for in the bond market in 2015
Investors are nervous about the state of the US bond market in the face of recent yield drop-offs. Here are some expectations for the bond market in 2015. The day after midterm
Shanghai free trade zone takes it slow
One year after the establishment of Shanghai Pilot Free Trade Zone, foreign investors have become impatient for more financial liberalization measures. Yet, this is not a convenient time for China to
Karnataka launches new industrial policy
India’s southern state Karnataka has launched a new industrial plan to revive state growth. Yet, achieving 12% industrial growth in an eco-system which is virtually stagnated will be an uphill battle,
Kazakhstan stuck between falling exchange rates and oil prices
How will Kazakhstan’s economy react to the double threat of the falling ruble exchange rates and falling oil prices? Kazakhstan’s growth rate since 2010 has been above 6%, but current
When will India’s central bank (RBI) reduce interest rates?
Is the Reserve Bank of India’s (RBI) Governor, Raghuram Rajan, behind the curve on interest rate reduction? Some members of the technical advisory panel of RBI and a few independent
