Latest Insights
Business boom for Turkish contractors in Turkmenistan
Turkmenistan’s openness to Turkish investment grows with an increasing number of construction contracts. The Turkish press published reports in December 2013 detailing new projects to be undertaken by the Turkish
Volgograd attacks spark security fears ahead of Sochi Games
The Volgograd attacks that claimed 34 lives just weeks ahead of the Sochi Winter Olympic Games came as a warning that security is still a concern in a region close
Egypt’s economic lifeline runs through the Suez Canal
Given the political uncertainty and public unrest following the ouster of President Mohammed Morsi, the stability of the Suez Canal is vital to Egypt’s economy. However, short-term security mitigation overlooks
Increased guerrilla activity in Paraguay threatens FDI
The Paraguayan People’s Army, a burgeoning terrorist organization, is attacking Paraguayan agribusiness and the country’s rural police. In an economy that depends heavily on ranching and agriculture, this particular group
Are loans causing U.S. financial markets to overheat again?
Low interest rates in the U.S. enabled the 2013 bull market but have also created the conditions for another credit bubble. Covenant-lite loans, the latest financial innovation, could spell trouble.
Shale boom prompts calls for expanded US oil and gas exports
As US energy production increases from newly tapped shale resources, powerful voices are calling for a reexamination of the limitation on US crude exports and for a faster process permitting exports of liquefied
Vietnam increases foreign bank ownership
Vietnam looks to attract more foreign investment to sustain growth trajectories. The government hopes that changing regulations of foreign ownership of its banks will attract more capital. To boost growth
For soft landing, China must tackle debt-to-GDP ratio
China passed multiple economic hurdles in 2013, but there are more challenges to come. A sustainable debt-to-growth ratio will be the key issue to tackle in 2014. China showed the
Oil privatisation central to Mexico’s economic overhaul
In an act that was met with mixed views by its public, Mexico’s nationalised oil sector has been opened for private investment for the first time in 75 years. In
Russia invests in Far East to prevent Chinese influence
Russian President Vladimir Putin decided to celebrate the New Year in the Russian Far East. Fear of Chinese influence has prompted another sign of the “Pivot Eastward” that Putin has pledged
