Economics

The angst that characterized the first several weeks of the year continues to dissipate.  Major equity markets are extending their two-week recovery into a third week. Immediate concerns about the US falling into a recession have eased. The angst that...

Since ASEAN’s creation in 1967, it has contributed enormously to regional stability and prosperity. It consists of 10 countries whose populations total over 600 million people. In addition, its economy ranks collectively as the third largest economy in Asia and...

Many economists argue that the key challenge is that of insufficient aggregate demand.  That is why world growth is slow.  Hobbled with debt, households have pulled back.  Business investment is weak.  Household and business savings have offset government dissavings.  The...

Following its landmark agreement with the international community regarding halting its nuclear weapons development programs, Iran has exploded onto the world stage. In what is the most recent in a series of new economic treaties and alliances, Iran and Singapore...

It could have been a disaster.  US faltered yesterday, with the S&P 500 again struggling in the 1945-1950 area, and China's PMIs were weaker than expected.  However, after initial weakness Asian shares turned higher.  The nearly 0.9% rise allowed the...

There has been a good deal of hype touting the recently concluded Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) agreement as the first ‘21st century’ trade pact. Whether it lives up to this high accolade is currently under debate, both in the United States...

The topic of China dominates almost every economic and foreign policy discussion in India. Yet the concept of a rising India is still a foreign concept in the circles of Chinese elites. Many Chinese are often surprised or amused by...

It seemed that it was only after Asian equity markets fell did reports begin suggesting disappointment with the G20 meeting.  The narrative followed the price action rather than the other way around.  Before that, at least, one newswire claimed China...

The year has begun on a tumultuous note.  The Nikkei, DAX and S&P 500 all gapped lower the first day of the year. However, heightened anxiety has calmed as the fire appears to have burnt itself out, and equities have...

The last time G20 finance ministers met in China back in 2005, the country was the world’s fifth-largest economy. As the next two-day meeting begins, with China as president, it lies in second spot, having overtaken several other G20 members:...

January 2016 marked the beginning of Japan’s most recent two-year term as an elected, non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC). This is Japan’s 11th term, the most of any nation in the world. Japan’s dream is to...

On Wednesday, the World Trade Organization (WTO) announced its ruling in a case brought by the United States against India. In the case, the U.S. argued that India imposed unfair trade restrictions designed to deny foreign manufacturers from equal access...

The US S&P 500 closed above 1950 for the first time since January 6.  Global equity markets are broadly higher in response.  At the same time, ahead of the G20 meeting, the world's second and third-largest economies have signaled additional...

The G20 finance ministers and central bankers will meet in Shanghai starting tomorrow.   From some quarters, there is a sense of urgency.  The IMF, for example, is likely to cut its world GDP forecast of 3.4% this year. That forecast...

A confluence of factors is raising anxiety levels among investors, expressed in heightened volatility. The S&P 500 was turned back yesterday from the key 1945 level, and global equities are falling today.   The over-production of oil is set to continue. ...