Trade War: Entering a New Phase?

8 June 2019 President Trump's recent decision to hike tariffs on an additional $200 billion of Chinese exports escalated the trade war. The US administration has suggested they will consider levies on a further $300 billion of US imports from its Asian partner following the June G20 meeting. It remains unclear if the imposition of [...]

Mexico & Brazil: Populism’s First 100 Days

5 April 2019 In elections last year, voters in both Brazil and Mexico opted overwhelmingly for populist candidates. To be sure, Latin American populism takes many shapes. In Mexico, Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador's version  (AMLO) promised significantly higher spending on social programs and infrastructure. Brazil's new President Jair Bolsonaro has pledged assertive efforts to clamp [...]

After USMCA, Taking Aim at China?

11 October 2018 After years of describing NAFTA as "the worst trade deal in history", the Trump Administration along with Canada and Mexico signed the US Mexico Canada Agreement (USMCA). The White House, naturally, hails the accord as a historic triumph for American workers and farmers. Critics view the deal as a simple rebranding of [...]

Mexican Peso: You Haven’t Missed It!

3 May 2017 The Mexican peso has enjoyed a nice rebound in 2017 following its collapse in recent years.  With the Trump administration’s approach to its relationship with Mexico seemingly in a constant state of flux, investors are left to consider whether it is too late to buy the MXN or if this year’s bounce [...]