Do Markets Believe Central Banks?

22 October 2017 Investors appear convinced that stimulative G-7 monetary policies lie behind the markets’ record-setting performance.  To be sure, that was the case between 2009 and 2015.  During the past three years, however, I believe the impact of monetary policy has been quite neutral, the key driver of markets more recently has shifted from [...]

NAFTA Renegotiations

  Peterson IIE NAFTA   When you want to know about NAFTA, there is no better place to look than the Peterson Institute for International Economics.  Here's a great, recent assessment.

President Trump: Lessons from Pittsburgh!

3 July 2017 In announcing his recent decision that America would withdraw from the Paris Climate Accord, President Trump rationalised this choice indicating he represented the citizens of Pittsburgh, not those of Paris.  His remarks, however, suggest the President perceives Pittsburgh as a heavily polluting city in industrial decline, requiring the government’s protection from the [...]

Mr Macron: Europe Needs You to Succeed

3 June 2017 The rift between the Trump administration and the other Group of 7 nations (also G20) became increasingly evident following the gathering in Taormina, Sicily. The new American president’s approach to global trade and climate change (among other key issues) represents a break from the prevailing international policy consensus.  Reflecting growing frustration, German [...]