China: Tiger Needs a Red Packet

6 February 2022 During the past two Covid-strickened years, China's economic growth has outperformed global activity. Indeed, while output in developed nations contracted nearly 5% in 2020, the Chinese economy actually gained 2%. Likewise, China's 8% recovery in 2021 outpaced the 5% rebound in the world's richer countries. Behind the headlines, however, the news has [...]

EM Inflation: Is the Scare Temporary?

25 June 2021 Despite US Federal Reserve Chairman Powell's attempts to reassure investors, financial markets are concerned about inflation. Likewise, price growth has accelerated in key emerging market countries. In response, central banks in Brazil, Russia, Mexico, and Turkey have already begun to tighten monetary conditions. Is Emerging Market inflation temporary? That is, does it [...]

Asia: Urgent Climate Action to Prevent Inequality

2 May 2021 Asia has a vital role to play in mitigating the global risks of climate change. Indeed, the region accounts for over 50% of world-wide CO2 emissions (and 44% of energy consumption). Of course, China and India are the world's #1 and #3 GHG emitters. These two giants are responsible for 70% of [...]

Russia: Not Rushin’ to Buy!

15 April 2021 The Russian ruble (RUB) -- traditionally a petro-currency -- has not benefited from the recent rise in oil prices. Indeed, during the recent bout of Emerging Market currency volatility -- provoked by a combination of rising US bond yields and problems in Turkey -- the Russian central bank (CBR) raised interest rates [...]