Latest Insights
Catalonia poll favours independence
Two months after Scotland narrowly voted to remain a part of the United Kingdom, Catalonia took to the polls on Sunday to voice its plans for an independent political future. Catalonia,
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
Local policies set back East Africa oil and gas projects
East African countries have recently discovered massive hydrocarbon reserves that could turn the area into a major supply region. Unfortunately, national projects might be held up as outdated or nonexistent
TTIP highlights France and Sweden’s similarities
Sweden and France’s societies seem remarkably different, but these countries have political similarities and shared interests in TTIP negotiations. On September 29th, Swedish Liberal People’s Party politician Cecilia Malmström was
Book Review: The Pillars of Finance
The Pillars of Finance: The Misalignment of Finance Theory and Investment Practice. By Guy Fraser-Sampson. Palgrave Macmillan, 2014; 260 pages Guy Fraser-Sampson’s new book argues Modern Portfolio Theory fails to
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,
More emerging economies enter bond markets
Countries across Africa and Latin America have expressed a desire to begin or expand the sale of government bonds. Markets seem willing to take them up on their offer. Interest in the
What does China’s 4th Plenum mean for investors?
As China implements rule of law with Chinese characteristics, the main question is whether it will shift to a more economically liberal investment environment, or whether little will change. When China’s Fourth
New oil tax laws in Russia could backfire
Eurasian integration in the new Eurasian Economic Union forces Russia to introduce a so called “tax maneuver” in its oil industry with negative consequences. Eurasian economic and political integration acquired special importance
