Latest Insights
Tension builds over Kumtor gold mine in Kyrgyzstan
Kyrgyzstan is once again absorbed in a debate over ownership of the Kumtor Mine, highlighting the government’s fragility and the importance of the mine for the country’s economy. Following a
Why Stan Fischer’s next job matters to global finance
The US Federal Reserve is getting a new face: Stan Fischer will likely become the body’s new vice chairman. All eyes are on where he stands on the Fed’s increasingly regulatory
ICJ grants Peru more ocean, maintains Chilean fishing grounds in ruling
On January 27th 2014, the International Court of Justice compromised in determining the maritime boundary between Peru and Chile, granting rights to key fishing stocks. Ruling on a case filed
Pakistan seeks to privatize state-owned companies
Pakistan has begun work to privatize many of its state-owned industries, both to raise revenue and to secure loans from the IMF. Although opposition exists domestically, the government hopes privatization
Under-the-radar growth increases in southern Africa
Southern African countries will be rapidly growing emerging markets in the near future. The combination of growing political stability and an expanding middle class of consumers makes the region an
Is China’s era as the world’s factory coming to an end?
A Chinese economic slowdown is a growing fear. January’s purchasing managers’ index (PMI) of 50.5 seems to confirm such fears, as China’s manufacturing sector now comes dangerously close to not
Pressure mounts on Ghana’s government to address imbalances
Deteriorating twin deficits have put pressure on the government to adopt austerity measures. But risks of social unrest and reduced FDI may force authorities to moderate their rebalancing efforts. Although
US taper puts pressure on emerging markets
The Federal Reserve’s decision in January to continue reducing the pace of asset purchases has put emerging markets in a bind. At the end of January, the Federal Reserve decided
Africa’s start-ups show potential but lack access to capital
Thanks to the success of its mobile phone market, Africa’s tech start-up scene has developed rapidly, with tremendous market potential. Nevertheless, lack of capital and high service costs could stand in the way
4 numbers tell the story of U.S. immigration reform
Just behind the rhetoric of the debate, the numbers show what a massive undertaking immigration reform is. With the budget and debt ceiling having been dealt with already this year,
