25 October 2018 We all know China's economy is slowing. Indeed, markets and pundits agonise when GDP results fractionally dip below expectations, as highlighted by the spike in market volatility following the recent news Chinese output advanced "only" 6.5% during Q2 2018 (compared to the 6.6% forecast). To be sure, such results seem disappointing, as [...]
19 September 2018 As analysts return from summer holidays, they tend to extend their earnings forecasts into the next year. In this spirit, I am casting my strategic gaze into 2019 as well. In order to set the stage, a brief review of our 2018 strategic themes may be helpful. In our December essay "Aging [...]
22 July 2018 President Trump has taken aim at Europe. In reality, however, most of his ire has been directed at Germany. The President objects to America's $66bn bilateral trade deficit (the fourth largest amongst US trading partners), as well as Germany's failure to meet its NATO spending commitment. During his recent European trip, he [...]
24 June 2018 Even in comparison with the recent deterioration in diplomatic norms, the breakdown of the recent Group of 7 meeting was breath-taking. The long-planned gathering, cut short by US President Trump's early departure for his hastily planned Singapore summit with North Korea, began with Donald Trump's advocacy to include Russia in future occasions. [...]