Brazil: Lula II — Firebrand or Pragmatist?

2 November 2022 Indeed, Brazil's election result was historic. Not only was former President Lula da Silva returned to power (by an unexpectedly narrow margin), but Jair Bolsonaro's defeat was the first by an incumbent since the country returned to democracy. Despite earlier threats to challenge the election outcome, President Bolsonaro and his supporters appear [...]

South Africa: Dawn of a New Era?

27 May 2018 Financial markets have celebrated the selection of Cyril Ramaphosa as leader of the ANC in December 2017, and his subsequent election as the Republic's president.  The beleaguered Rand (ZAR), for example, has rallied over 20% in the past four months.  Even the rating agencies have jumped on the band wagon.  Both Fitch [...]

India: Reforms Add to Growth, Lower Inequality

India's lackluster economic performance was once cynically referred to as the "Hindu rate of growth"!  How times have changed!  The OECD reveals how extensive economic reforms have contributed to stronger growth, lower inequality, and reduced poverty.  This valuable report also highlights an agenda for continued action. INDIA-2017-OECD