22 October 2019 The global economy is slowing. During previous bouts of world-wide economic weakness, Asia has been relied upon as an engine of growth. This time, however, Asian economic activity is also cooling, as the region (and individual countries within the area) confronts both external and domestic challenges. The deepening trade war, of course, [...]
Category: FX
UK Sterling: Pounded! What’s Next?
11 October 2019 Understandably, perhaps, Brexit fatigue is widespread. However, the issues at stake are far too important to allow the outcome to be decided simply because of weariness. Not only are the economic implications significant, but the result will define the relationship between the UK executive government, the Parliament, the courts, and the electorate [...]
Currency Wars Ahead?
6 August 2019 The US Federal Reserve's recent decision to reduce interest rates a stingy 25bp, and to deliver a less-dovish-than-expected statement raises more questions than it answered. Was the rate cut a one-time adjustment to provide insurance against the prospect of weaker growth ahead? Did Chairman Jerome Powell react to White House pressure? If [...]
Turkey: Boom, Bust, What Comes Next?
22 February 2019 Last year's Turkish financial market crisis emanated from the confluence of several domestic and international factors. To be sure, Turkey is no stranger to boom-bust economic cycles. And, fueled by overly expansive macroeconomic policies, the Turkish economy was overheating and inflation rising sharply by mid-2018. Against this already challenging backdrop, the Erdogan [...]