1 August 2017 The recent release of second quarter GDP data had something for everyone. For the post-Brexit sceptics, the meagre 0.3% gain (following a similarly paltry advance in Q1) confirmed the economic recovery was faltering. Recently, weak consumer spending has been a major headwind, resulting from modest income growth and higher prices following sterling’s [...]
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 [...]
22 June 2017 The Conservative Party’s failure to gain a majority of Parliamentary seats in the June 8 snap election has shifted the landscape on key policy issues. In particular, Prime Minister Teresa May had asked the British electorate for a mandate to adopt an aggressive stance in upcoming Brexit negotiations, including walking away if [...]
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 [...]