In 2001, the National Congress of the Communist Party of Vietnam announced plans to accelerate industrialization and modernization. The goal was to bring the country into the fold of modern, industrialized nations by 2020. Unfortunately, this goal appears increasingly unattainable.
Slowing Economic Growth
Analysts predict that Philippine GDP will go from $300 billion in 2015 to $500 billion by 2020. From there, GDP will double to $1.05 trillion by 2029. The nation’s GDP per capita will increase from $3,000 to $6,000 by 2024. The Philippines can create a long-term growth capacity of 5.5 percent each year from 2016 to 2020.
The European Union has accused Russian gas giant Gazprom of anticompetitive practices as the EU issues formal charges against the firm.
In a further sign of intensifying tension between the EU and Russia, the EU said it would pursue charges that Gazprom has acted illegally according to EU rules.
In a press release, the EU said that the European Commission sees Gazprom breaking competition rules in order to fragment gas markets in Central and Eastern Europe, enabling Gazprom “to charge unfair prices in certain Member States.”
Bretton Woods (BWR), a research firm based in New Jersey, released a report in March 2015 detailing the countries with the best options for investors for the next three months. The report examined 46 nations and ranked them based on supply-side economic analysis principles. Thus, for those that do not subscribe to this particular school of economic thought, this warrants caution.
The top ten countries (according to BWR) are as follows:
10. Philippines
Consumer confidence fell to -32.3 in the first quarter of 2014, a 14-point drop. Many Russians feel the sting of inflation, a weakened ruble and sanctions.
One of the largest Southeast Asian economies is weakening as trade slows and labor shortages hinder growth.
Thailand is likely to see 3.6% GDP growth in 2015, according to the Asian Development Bank, which revised downward its forecast on weak exports, high domestic private debt, and weakening commodity prices.
In the 1980’s, television shows featured constant interruptions by celebrities asking for donations to feed the starving in Ethiopia. Beset by famine, drought, and civil war, Ethiopia was a hell on Earth with no meaningful plan for development. Fast forward to today and Ethiopia is a country that has experienced sustained growth at a rate of slightly more than 10 percent per year. The change is so great that some have even called it an “economic miracle.”
Astounding Growth at a Cost
Republican People’s Party (CHP) opposition member Kemal Kilicdaroglu pledges to boost income for working people, reform welfare and create an atmosphere of economic growth as the economy spirals downward. Kilicdaroglu also promises democratic reform and an information-based society.
China instituted new financial reforms to battle a surging stock bubble that many analysts fear will burst at any minute.
The China Securities Regulatory Commission said last Friday that it would make more shares available for short selling while also restricting the ability of advantage from shadow financing. Historically, a limited number of shares were available in Chinese markets for short selling, which has left few options for investors looking to bet against the sharp rise in stocks.
The world has divided into two camps as far as housing and real estate are concerned. In one camp, nations that have found a way to grow their real estate markets at an acceptable pace without creating a bubble of overvalued properties. In the other, countries that are floundering amid present or impending real estate busts similar to the one that led to the “Great Recession.”
The Strong Markets
