16 December 2018 Following the Brexit debate often reminds me of cartoon characters who, prior to proceeding to their destination, frantically spin their wheels without actually moving. Such has been the case for much of 2018. After the Parliamentary drama of the past few weeks, however, issues have become clearer and options have narrowed. In [...]
2019 Strategy: Turning (Even More) Defensive!
4 December 2018 Enjoy my 2019 Strategy Podcast. The broadcast complements and updates my September blog entitled "2019 Strategy: Turning (Even More) Defensive!" Also look at previous blogs on various country assessments and policy issues -- all found in the Archive of Recent Blogs.
Europe: Slipping Towards Recession?
25 November 2018 The European economy surged between mid-2016 and the end of last year -- expanding at an impressive 3% annual clip during this interval. This year has been quite a different story, as growth has consistently disappointed: indeed, GDP advanced a meagre 0.8% (annual rate) during the third quarter of 2018. There are [...]
Auf Wiedersehen Mon Ami(e)!
12 November 2018 Last weekend's gathering of world leaders to commemorate the centenary of the World War I armistice was also an occasion to celebrate 70 years of European peace and stability. It was also appropriate to recognise the European Union's contribution to this extended period of prosperity. However, there existed also a sense of [...]