Global Government Debt: Balloon Still Expanding

Government efforts to mitigate the economic consequences of the Global Financial Crisis (GFC) and the Covid pandemic have led to surging government debt. In the United States, for instance, public sector liabilities are approaching levels not seen before in peacetime (Chart above). And, while I will discuss important differences between countries and regions, the United [...]

Strategy 2024: Searching for a Soft Landing

13 December 2023 Happy Holidays! Another challenging year is coming to a close. Yes, the US (and global) economy defied expectations of recession. True, the S&P 500 has recorded a 20% gain. However, the rally was narrow: only technology outperformed the market. Indeed, of the 8 market sub-sectors, only tech, industrials, and financials posted positive [...]

Asia: Global Growth Engine in 2021

1 December 2020 As the holiday season approaches, much of the world is battling a Second Wave of the Coronavirus. To be sure, world leaders are confronting unprecendented challenges, and tough decisions are required. Throughout the pandemic, many policymakers, as well as members of the media and general public, portray the options as a choice [...]

Global Strategy: 2020 Vision

11 November 2019 Easy monetary conditions have fueled the global equity index to an all-time high. Looking forward, key market risks centre on the likelihood of a 2020 global recession, the possibilty of a trade deal between the United States and China, and political risks, especially as US and UK voters go to the polls. [...]