Category: Economics

Gaza Economy Nearing Collapse Warns World Bank


While many may be familiar with the area known as Gaza or the Gaza Strip from its frequent appearances in the news, many may not realize the economic condition of this region.

After a conflict with Israel in 2014, this area was taken over by Hamas, a militant Islamic group. This led to a series of sanctions and blockades imposed by Israel and Egypt that some say have turned this area into an open-air prison. However, this has had the unintended consequence of turning Gaza into its own de facto micro-nation, separate from both Israel and Palestine.

Is Today TPA’s Day?


Successful horse-trading got the US Senate closer to granting the President Trade Promotion Authority for the first time since 2002.  Sixty votes needed to push the process to the next step and that is exactly what happened after a deal was worked out of the Export-Import Bank, whose authorization expires at the end of next month. 

Asian Countries Take Pride in Economic Integration Achievements While Dealing the Past


The 70th anniversary of the end of the World War II offers an opportunity for Northeast Asia to reflect on the lessons learnt from the past and to forge a vision for a peaceful and prosperous future.

The Northeast Asian countries should encourage domestic debate on the facts of history and their moral implications for today. Each nation has its own unique historical experiences that influence reflections on the past, and create heroes and villains in the present. Only free and open discussion of interpretations can give people a full and nuanced understanding of their history.

Surge in Home Building Raises Hope for US Economic Upturn in Second Quarter, Triggers Bond Sales


After a long winter, strong dollar, and sagging oil prices led to a slower start to 2015 than many in the United States had hoped for, things appear to be taking a positive turn. A report by the Commerce Department indicates construction of new homes was higher in April than it had been since 2007. In fact, the jump was the biggest surge in home building in almost 24 years.

Investor Optimism that Q1 U.S. Growth Contained a Seasonal Quirk Pushes the Dollar Higher


The US dollar extended its recent gains against the major currencies.  The euro returned to its break out level near $1.1060 after approaching $1.15 at the end of last week.  In three sessions, it has surrendered more than 38% of its bounce off the low set in mid-March.  The 50% retracement comes in just below $1.10. 

The dollar also traded above JPY121.00 for the first time since March 20.  Rallying Nikkei and US 10-year bond yields near 2.30% provided the fuel. 

British Labour Party Faces Identity Crisis in Face of Multiple Threats


Savagely beaten by the left-wing Scottish Nationalist Party in Scotland and the right-wing Conservative Party in England, Labour now faces difficult choices about where the road ahead. As if that were not enough to worry about, the rise of the anti-immigrant, UKIP poses another threat.

Multi-National Corporations Stay Way Ahead of Government Regulation


We may be delighted or depressed that the UK general election delivered an unexpected Tory majority, but does it really make a difference? Most of the decisions that affect our lives, our environment, our working conditions and the products and services we have access to are devised, controlled and delivered by business.

AIIB 101: Yes its International, but Mostly its China


The 57 founding members of the China-sponsored Asian Investment Bank will meet on May 20 in Singapore.   Many countries rushed to join the new development bank before the March 31 deadline even though key rules remained undecided.  Even the size of the new institution had not it officially set.

The Papuan Challenge to Indonesian President Widodo’s Government


Indonesia’s Papua, covering its two easternmost provinces, simmers with the highest levels of deadly violence — inter-ethnic, electoral, land-related and domestic — in the country. Home to a Melanesian and largely Christian indigenous population, it became part of Indonesia in 1969 after a highly contested referendum and has since been home to a low-level armed struggle for independence.

GDP Estimates Sour, Investment Banks Urge Caution


A number of leading economists and investment banks in the United States are warning that American GDP growth is likely to disappoint, even after several downward revisions over the last six months.

Two large investment banks urged caution to clients in the last two weeks, citing the likelihood that the Federal Reserve will cut their forecast for GDP growth at their next monthly meeting. The Fed currently has a 2.5% midpoint estimate for annual growth, but economists are warning that actual growth is likely to fall much further.

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