Markets Archives - Page 491 of 782

Japanese PM Abe’s New Fiscal Initiative

Investors have been more focused Japan’s aggressive monetary policy and the structural reforms promised under Abenomics than fiscal policy. However, the Abe government is taking a new fiscal initiative.

It has taken on a new more ambitious goal, which was unveiled yesterday, and will come up for a vote by the cabinet next week. After reiterating its goal of eliminating the primary budget deficit by 2020, it provided an interim target. It will strive to achieve a 1% primary deficit in FY2018.

Overcoming Challenges to Achieve Modi’s Optimism

A visionary new leader, Narendra Modi, has recently come to power in India. He seeks to realise India’s huge growth potential and make it a major global player. This has generated enormous optimism nationally, and internationally, about an Indian resurgence. What challenges must India overcome to achieve this?

A Preview of the Emerging Markets

EM assets are starting the week off on a firmer footing. Sentiment has been helped by optimism over a Greek compromise, as well as perceptions of a less hawkish Fed. Both of these factors could turn negative very quickly. Besides the global backdrop, idiosyncratic risks within EM argue for continued differentiation by investors. We remain most optimistic on Asia as a region, while Latin America and EMEA remain most vulnerable in the current environment.

Labor Migration is but One Hurdle for African Sport

The Egyptian government recently took steps that have led to labeling football fans as terrorists. The arrest and detention of alleged members of the Ultras White Knights (UWK), a highly politicised supporters group associated with Cairo club Al Zamalek SC, has marked renewed attempts by the government to curb the influence of some fans on Egyptian society and politics.

Is the View that Japanese People are Becoming More Nationalistic Correct?

Japan is coming under increasing scrutiny as the 70th anniversary of World War II approaches and Prime Minister Shinzo Abe moves to reform Japan’s defence policy. Recent concerns over hate speech and the right-wing nationalistic rhetoric of revisionist groups like Nippon Kaigi (Japan Conference), Sakura Channel, and Zaitokukai (The Association of Citizens against the Special Privileges of the Zainichi — that is, the resident Korean population) have led commentators to conclude that Japanese people are becoming more nationalistic. However, is this really the case?

An Emerging Markets Status Update

1) The EU sanctions on Russia will be extended for another six months, 2) Lawmakers in Hong Kong voted down a Beijing-backed plan to change the political system, 3) Argentine presidential candidate Scioli of the ruling alliance has picked Zannini as his Vice Presidential candidate, 4) Malaysia‘s opposition alliance has collapsed, 5) Brazil’s corruption investigation is heating up again

Japan Maintains Rosy Assessment of Economy, Ongoing Stimulus

Emerging from last year’s recession, many in the financial industry were curious about the Japanese government’s take on its own recovery programs. While these programs included a substantial stimulus package, they also included increases in sales tax and capital expenditures. However, based on a recent statement issued by the Bank of Japan, the nation apparently feels quite positive about its recovery progress; a fact signaled by its announcement of plans to maintain the Bank of Japan’s massive stimulus program.

Australian Coal’s Death Has Been Greatly Exaggerated

Talk of the demise of Australian coal production is largely political, not economic.

The problem for the countries that presently mine and burn coal is that there are currently few low cost alternatives. Most countries in the world today are focused on trying to ensure their citizens have access to electrical power. This is difficult without low cost base load electricity production and at present, coal provides an affordable solution.

Indonesia’s Jokowi Winning Hearts and Minds in Papua

President Joko Widodo (popularly known as Jokowi) has affirmed giving special attention to the Papua region, comprising the two provinces of Papua and West Papua. The region has endured a low-level guerrilla insurgency from a militant Papuan independence movement since 1969. Under the nationalist Trisakti doctrine, the new policy will focus on bolstering greater security capabilities in the conflict-prone outermost areas of Indonesia, such as Papua.

Turkish President Erdoğan Faces Uncertain Future

Turkish President Recep Tayyip ErdoÄŸan received a rapturous reception in his early days in power, but a series of political errors has sullied his public image and undermined his power.

Since his Justice and Development Party (AKP) attained power in 2002, Recep Tayyip ErdoÄŸan has dominated Turkish politics. However, discontent about his erratic leadership is intensifying. There is a widespread perception that power has gone to his head and his political decisions are now more about aggrandizing his ego than doing the best for Turkey.