Markets Archives - Page 415 of 782

India’s GDP Growth May Be Discrepancy-Based

India’s real GDP growth increased by 0.7 percent from the last quarter of 2015 to the first quarter of 2016, rising from 7.2 percent to 7.9 percent. While both foreign and national media view this as a leap forward, the data and methods on India’s growth story should be taken with a pinch of salt.

What is interesting in the latest data on India’s growth rate is how, instead of aggregate production, the amount of ‘discrepancies’ in India’s growth accounting has drastically increased.

Off to Electoral College

This infographic was in the Wall Street Journal on the US election. It is important to remember that the US does not elect the President by direct popular vote. This makes the national polls a bit misleading.

There are 538 Electoral College votes. To be elected a candidate must secure a majority or 270 Electoral College votes. Obama received 332 electoral votes and Romney 206.

More Warnings as Mainstream Urges Brexit Rejection

As Britain nears its vote to leave the EU, several new warnings have appeared urging voters to vote against an exit. While several politicians, economists, and financial chiefs have attempted to deter voters from voting to split from the EU in recent months, new warnings in recent days have cast aspersions on the UK’s ability to go it alone economically.

The BBC reported a 0.2% decline against the U.S. dollar, a 0.6% decline against the euro, and a 1% decline against the Japanese yen in recent trading, while noting volatility has increased in recent days.

Under Pressure, Emerging Markets Likely Facing a Mushy Week

EM ended last week under pressure. With two potentially disruptive events (FOMC meeting and Brexit vote) still in play, we think that EM softness should carry over into this week.

Markets remain jittery about the June 23 Brexit vote, as a vote to leave would be very negative for risk assets such as EM. No action is expected at the FOMC meeting Wednesday. However, we think July remains very much in play and the FOMC statement should help keep that notion alive.

Interest Rate Eyed as Federal Reserve Meeting Looms

Markets are becoming increasingly skeptical of the Federal Reserve as the world’s most important central bank heads into a meeting to decide on interest rates.

After several weeks of strong hints to the world that interest rates were going upwards, both economists and market participants are growing increasingly skeptical that the Fed will actually raise rates.

Fighting for Academic Freedom on Your Behalf

The three-year dispute between the University of Queensland and academic Paul Frijters has finally been resolved, with the Fair Work Commission finding in Frijters’ favour.

But this is a case that should ring alarm bells not just for all academics undertaking controversial work – but for the general public, which has a right to expect that the institutions funded by its tax dollars will support and protect academic freedom, rather than work against it.

Trading the Motorbike for a Car

After many years of slow growth and stagnation, the last couple of years have seen a significant boom in car sales in Vietnam. The country most known for its staggering motorbike population now appears to be rapidly heading for the age of the automobile. What has caused this change of fortunes for the auto industry, and will this new trend create a strong domestic auto industry in Vietnam?

UK Falling Trade Deficit Rebukes Brexit Fearmongers

A decline in Britain’s trade deficit due to a sharp increase in exports is emboldening supporters of the UK leaving the European Union. The country’s trade deficit with foreign countries fell significantly, after a high deficit was recorded earlier in the year.

According to the Office for National Statistics, the trade deficit fell 7.2% in April from the prior month, which other studies suggest are a result of higher exporting activity and resurgence in Britain’s industrial output.

Chinese Investors Maintain Interest in North Korea

China is North Korea’s largest trading partner and has consistently encouraged cross-border trade and non-official investments in North Korea since 2006. Yet, despite its low-cost raw materials, cheap labour and large market potential, North Korea remains as a high-risk investment destination for Chinese businesses.

Weak Jobs, Consumer Activity Hint at Weakening American Economy

A disappointing increase in job openings and a poor increase in consumer credit indicate Americans are increasingly struggling to make ends meet. In April, consumer credit rose just $13.4 billion, far below the $18 billion expected and less than half of March’s $28.4 billion, according to new data released by the Federal Reserve.

Analyst expectations of sharply increasing consumer credit usage were based on previous data that showed strong retail sales, which is often financed by credit cards.