Category: News Desk

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.

Norwegian Central Bank Cuts Important Interest Rate amid Low Oil Prices


Norway’s central bank cut rates to a record 1.0 percent as the world economy continues to deal with lower oil prices. Norway’s economy has been struck with rising levels of unemployment and waning consumer confidence, forcing the country’s central bank to consider further easing measures in the coming months.

Is MERS Killing the South Korean Economy?


South Korea has been contending with an outbreak of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) for several months. Economists fear the disease could harm the South Korean economy just as it has shown strong signs of recovery from the Global Recession of 2008.

California Court Rules Uber Drivers Are Employees


A California-based service known as Uber, has become increasingly popular over the last several years, and has stood at the forefront of the so-called “sharing economy.” The service allows drivers to volunteer their services via a mobile application, and it has deeply cut into the taxi industry in cities Uber services.

New Zealand Economy Hits Bump in First Quarter


The New Zealand economy suffered a setback in the first quarter, with GDP only growing 0.2 percent, the slowest growth in two years. The downfall is attributed to slowdowns in the dairy industry and the mining sector.

Strengthening US Economy Will Likely Lead to September Rate Hike


News on the US economy has been all over the map. A lower than expected expansion during the winter months earlier this year caused many to decry recovery efforts and proclaim the US economy in a second recession. Yet other analysts more optimistically pointed to sectors that did expand and indicators that showed future improvement in those that lagged. This tennis match of expert opinions has left many investors uncertain what the future will hold for the US economy or how to analyze its recent performance.

Is Sri Lanka an Emerging Economy for Investors to Watch?


Few know much about Sri Lanka beyond its prominent location on the map off the southeast coast of India. However, it may be time for more investors to take notice of this small, developing nation. In the first quarter of 2015, the Sri Lankan economy grew by 6.4 percent.  This matches Q4 2014.  Sector by sector, the economy has a few notable standouts, as well, with manufacturing up 6.5 percent and services up by 7.5 percent.

World May Be Able to Cap Greenhouse Gas Emissions by 2020 without Economic Harm


One of the biggest debates among world policy makers has been whether it is possible to reduce the world’s greenhouse gas emissions without adversely affecting economic performance. Now, a new report indicates that these two objectives, once believed to be conflicting in nature, may actually be within the world’s grasp.

Economy an Important Issue in Upcoming Danish Elections


In a race that grows tighter, Prime Minister Helle Thorning-Schmidt of the Social Democratic party touts her success in getting the economy back on track. Opposition leader Lars Lokke Rasmussen from the Venstre party, a center-right party, claims the same success because of his governance from 2009 to 2011.

IMF Releases Glowing Report on Ivory Coast Economy


A name not often associated with positive news stories has turned a corner. Reuters reported this week on new predictions by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) that show immense economic growth over the next three years.