Economics

The dot plot the recent FOMC meeting was curious.  We noted right away that inexplicably there was one official that apparently anticipated one hike this year and then no hikes in 2017 or 2018.  There was also one dot that...

A familiar theme of this column has been the significant uncertainty about the global economy that is leaving investors - and to some extent, consumers - standing on the sidelines. That in turn means lower growth, which validates the decision...

In today’s hyper competitive job market, internships are becoming a must-have on almost every job applicant’s CV. However, when should a worker be paid for an internship, and is the rise of unpaid internships simply broadening the gap between those...

As 2015 ended, members of ASEAN announced the realisation of the ASEAN Community, although it shall remain a ‘work in progress’. The ASEAN Community idea sets a roadmap for continuing the work of regional integration over the next decade. As...

The first half of 2016 saw two notable steps in the development of regional financial institutions in Asia. The first occurred on 9 February 2016 when the ASEAN+3 Macroeconomic Research Office (AMRO), the independent surveillance unit of the ASEAN+3 countries,...

The Federal Reserve modified its stance yesterday without changing rates.  It is not just about how fast the Fed sees itself normalizing monetary policy but also where the level of the equilibrium rate. The Federal Reserve modified its stance yesterday...

Citing the economic risk of Britain leaving the European Union, Federal Reserve chief Janet Yellen kept interest rates low in an effort to help America's deteriorating economy. While several negative economic indicators at home have moved analysts to predict a...

The US dollar is higher against the major currencies but the Japanese yen and the New Zealand dollar.  The dollar fell to new two-year lows against the yen to JPY103.55 before bouncing in the European morning back to JPY104.40. The...

The Federal Reserve anticipated a more gradual tightening path going forward.  This weighed on the dollar and lifted equities.  August Fed funds futures imply less of a chance of a hike next month.  It is now consistent with an 8% chance...

Citizens of the U.S. Citizens of the U.S. and the world were deeply shocked and saddened when a gunman shot and killed about 50 patrons at an Orlando nightclub this past weekend.  While the shooter’s primary targets were the people enjoying an...

Strategic partnerships are becoming central to the management of international security in the Asia-Pacific region. All the major powers and many of the minor ones have entered into multiple partnerships with both friends and potential strategic rivals. China, for instance,...

Following today's FOMC meeting, the central banks of Japan, Switzerland, and the UK meet tomorrow.  The SNB will keep its powder dry to be able to respond to the results of the UK referendum if needed.  The Bank of England...

More fund managers are preparing for a steep decline in stocks as the Federal Reserve announces whether it will raise interest rates.  The Federal Open Market Committee press release, due Wednesday afternoon, is a much-awaited announcement on whether this is...

The FOMC meeting later today, with updated economic projections and a press conference, is the key event of the day, even though three other central banks meet over the next 24 hours.  Investors should know four things before the FOMC...

The Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) issued a policy paper this week on the matter of Great Britain’s exit from the European Union (EU), often called “Brexit.” According to the OECD, exiting the EU would cause “a major...