Markets Archives - Page 416 of 782

ICC: Singapore Top Destination for International Arbitration in Asia

The International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) Court of Arbitration released a list of its top destinations for international arbitration. With the growing economic importance of Asia, it is no wonder that an Asian nation has risen to the top of the rankings. Singapore has taken the fourth seat on the list of most chosen arbitration venues overall, and first in Asia. This is the tenth consecutive year the nation has been in the top five.

For Faster Internet Speeds, Avoid the Outback

This week the Productivity Commission released an issues paper as part of an inquiry into the adequacy of Australia’s Universal Service Obligation (USO) for telecommunications, in light of changes in technology and demand.

Singapore Wins in Deal with Australia

Let there be no doubt about who is the main winner from the Australia–Singapore Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP) signed on 6 May. It is Singapore. This tiny country is a quarter the size of the Australian city of Melbourne by land mass and it lacks space more than anything else.

Worsening Labor Conditions Spook Federal Reserve

Deterioration in America’s job market are making the Federal Reserve reverse course on its plans to raise borrowing costs. In May, several chief Fed officials gave public speeches and interviews urging markets to prepare for an interest rate hike.

Africa’s Economic Forecasts’ Swing Mightily

A consistent feature of global analyses of Africa’s economic prospects is their fickleness.

Can Immigration Solve Japan’s Population Problem?

Japan is experiencing a serious demographic crunch. About 27 percent of the Japanese population is over the age of 65 and there are 1.4 million fewer people today than there were in 2007, when the total population peaked at 128 million. Prospects for the future do not look good either.

Or Maybe the South China Sea could be Demilitarized?

Recent months have seen a continuing increase in military activities in the South China Sea, particularly by the United States and China, but also by ‘bit players’ like India and Japan. These activities only serve to heighten tensions in the region at a time when the priority should be to demilitarise the area.

Brexit Odds are Fluid, but Rising

This Great Graphic shows the price people are willing to pay to bet that the UK votes to leave the EU at the June 23 referendum on the PredictIt events markets. We included the lower chart to give some sense of volume of activity on this wager in this event market.

Presently, one would have to wager 42 cents to win a dollar if the UK votes to leave. On May 23, one could wager 19 cents. On Saturday, June 4, would have “bet” on Brexit for 30 cents.

UK Sees Economic Bright Spot

A small improvement in manufacturing in the UK surprised economists, as the country looks at its economic future in the European Union. The most recent Markit Purchasing Managers Index for services (PMI) rose to 53.5, a sharp increase from the prior month. The data stunned economists, who had expected a much weaker reading.

DRC President Considers Staying Beyond Official Mandate

Senior official, Henri Mova Sakani, stated that a constitutional referendum is up for consideration allowing President Joseph Kabila to run for a third term in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The referendum is part of a larger trend in Africa, as some leaders change the constitutions of their homelands to remain in power, but he would face stronger opposition from political opponents. Kabila has ruled since 2001, but is set to exit this year as the presidential election begins in November.