Economics

While attention has focused on India’s strained ties with its neighbours, some notable strides have been made in the bilateral relationship with Bangladesh. Progress on the political front has captured the spotlight, with the recent Land Boundary Agreement. However, both...

The US dollar is firmer against most major and emerging market currencies to pare this week's decline.  There are three notable exceptions, and they are all in Asia.  For all practical purposes, the dollar is flat against the Japanese yen...

If there was one word Yellen emphasized yesterday it was caution.  The dot plot reflected that as well.  Can one ask if the Fed is being too cautious?   Yellen acknowledged that the Fed's assessment of the US economy had not...

Bankruptcy is the procedure in the United States (and many other nations) that allows a debtor who is no longer able to pay back a debt to come to some form of resolution with his or her creditors, typically allowing...

The Federal Reserve's cautiousness has sent the dollar reeling.  The Fed's backtracking to two hikes this year from four is still met with skepticism by the market.  It previously had a June hike nearly discounted but it has not pushed...

The Federal Reserve halved the number of rate hikes it anticipates this year from four to two.  The market has been moving toward this as well after having thought there would be no hikes this year.  The dollar sold off. ...

Lobbying is often seen as a dirty business – a profession of backroom deals that promotes immoral special interests to the greedy. Therefore, you might be tempted to cheer a new anti-lobbying rule that is about to come into effect,...

There’s an old adage in economics that the best way to cure deflation is to drop money from helicopters. Clearly, this phrase isn’t older than mid-20th century, because before that time we didn’t have helicopters… we also didn’t have manipulative...

The Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) is preparing to meet in Paris on Wednesday, and anti-corruption groups have taken the opportunity to raise their concerns. The Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) is preparing to meet in...

Since the Federal Reserve hiked rates in December, both the European Central Bank and the Bank of Japan have eased policy further.  The idea that because they cut rates means that the Fed cannot raise rates is a not a...

On 11 February, the South Korean government abruptly shut down the Kaesong Industrial Complex (KIC), a joint inter-Korean industrial zone located just 10 kilometres north of the Demilitarised Zone (DMZ), as a punishment for North Korea’s recent nuclear test and...

The market's focus has shifted to the two-day FOMC meeting that begins today.  The Federal Reserve should be pleased with recent developments.  Labor market slack continues to be absorbed.  Core inflation measures continue to edge higher.  The market's focus has...

The US dollar is steady to firmer against most of the major and emerging market currencies.  Equity markets are heavier, and oil continues to surrender some of its recent gains.  Profit taking is weighing on Eurozone bonds and JGBs while...

Since the end of the 2000s, a new era for regional cooperation has been unfolding in Asia. China’s ascent as a regional leader, the advent of mega FTAs and the changing presence of India have driven this change. However, what...

The US dollar is firmer but largely confined to the ranges seen before the weekend against most of the major currencies.  The yen is also firmer as dollar sellers reemerged near JPY114.00.  The dollar is gaining against most emerging market...