Latest Insights
New Russia sanctions a further blow to efforts to end Syria conflict
The new U.S and EU sanctions against Russia that came into effect last month are part of the ongoing response to the Russian annexation of parts of Ukraine and its support
North Korea nuclear test blasts ties with China
North Korea’s latest nuclear test not only riles the West, but has severly damaged ties with Beijing: China’s response will be telling for future ties. North Korea’s latest announcement concerning
Trump vs. Clinton: Policy Implications for Economics and Markets
With the Iowa caucuses less than 30 days away, presidential campaigns are in full swing. Judging by the poll numbers, Donald Trump, a Republican, and Hillary Clinton, a Democrat, are
The Fed finally moves
Markets have reacted calmly to the Fed’s first hike in nearly nine years but uncertainties loom ahead. On December 16th, the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) unanimously decided to raise
2016: Top five trends in oil markets
The oil industry is facing another tough year ahead. Here are five top trends that will dominate the oil markets in 2016. Oil glut will continue well into 2016 The
Zimbabwe adopts yuan as legal tender
Zimbabwe’s adoption of the yuan as legal tender demonstrates its close ties with China, and Beijing’s efforts to globalize its currency. Long a pariah state under the rule of aging
Iran in 2016: Top 5 Risks and Landmarks
2015 saw dramatic changes in the formal relationship between Iran and the major world powers, yet the significance of signing the Nuclear Agreement (JCPOA) does not lie in the signing
How China is reforming its military
After months of discussion, President Xi has finally launched the expected reform of the People’s Liberation Army (PLA), saluted as one of the most radical and at the same time
Belarus Walks a Tightrope
Five years after the United States and the European Union imposed sanctions on Belarus for violently suppressing political opposition in the 2010 presidential elections, the sanctions have been lifted after
Global Markets in 2016: Four risks to watch out for
After an eventful 2015, where we witnessed the first U.S rate hike in 9 years, crude oil dropping to 6 year lows, a dramatic selloff in Chinese equity markets and
