Latest Insights
China’s monetary and exchange rate problems increase with reform
The recent cuts in Chinese interest rates underline the economic headaches that China is facing. Between long-term reforms and short-term weakening, there appears to be no easy solution for China’s monetary policy.
Crowdfunding loans put new pressure on banking regulation
Lending Club’s IPO in December 2014 drew so much interest because it’s crowdfunding model flips the traditional loan market on its head: that could create conflict with existing banking regulations. Even
Insecurity remains in Mexico despite cartel arrests
Despite recent high-profile cartel arrests, violence and insecurity are likely to continue in Mexico due to power vacuums and infighting, as well as the continued weakness of the state to assert
Islamist militias take key oil fields in Libya
Libya goes from bad to worse and approaches failed state status. The implications could be far-reaching. Bad news out of Libya has become the norm since the ousting of Muammar
Levy coordinates ambitious recovery plan for Brazil
After a year of fiscal slippage, rising inflation, and negative projections showing that Brazil’s GDP will shrink 0.42% this year, President Dilma Rousseff has empowered her new Minister of Finance, Mr.
South China Sea dispute prompts defense spending boom
The unresolved status of islands, shoals and atolls combined with hints of immense hydrocarbon and fisheries wealth has prompted a race among countries bordering the South China Sea. Overlapping territorial
Britain wins ECB battle, but has it won the war?
The European Court of Justice (ECJ) granted the UK an important victory against the European Central Bank (ECB) on March 4, with a ruling that prevents the central bank from limiting
Middle East sees rise of start-up incubators
The impressive start-up culture in the Middle East has led to the development of myriad seed investment companies looking to support young entrepreneurs. These companies provide startups with greater access
4 types of businesses that benefit from Net Neutrality
Internet providers are dismayed by the FCC’s net neutrality decision, but the ruling opens up opportunities to several other types of businesses The late-February decision by the Federal Communications Commission
Islamic State in Libya targets foreign assets and personnel
Islamic State (IS) is expanding its focus to Libya, with an emphasis on targeting foreigners and foreign assets. As a consequence of the attack led by Sunni extremist fighters against the
