Economics

The US May jobs reported was stronger than expected.  Although it will not boost the chances of a Fed rate hike later this month, a September lift-off still seems like the most likely scenario. The US May jobs reported was...

The Eurozone has seen improving inflation and unemployment figures, while a Greek default is challenging expectations of a steadily improving European economy. European leaders continue to negotiate a settlement of the ongoing Greek debt crisis, as the Greek Prime Minister...

The president of FIFA appeared impregnable for the past 17 years, but the pressure from media, the sponsors and US investigators became irresistible. Until his surprise resignation provided another dramatic twist in this week’s FIFA revelations, Sepp Blatter seemed impregnable...

The World Wildlife Fund (WWF) has long been committed to protecting animals and their natural habitats. For over 50 years, this organization has developed a reputation as one of the most respected and influential environmental groups in the world. As...

Two indicators showed renewed strength in European economies, as the Eurozone saw both an end to deflationary trends and a rise in employment. Prices rose 0.3% in May in the Eurozone, according to a study by Eurostat. Services saw a...

The US dollar is sliding across the board, but the impetus is not coming from the United States.  If anything, the combination of the strong auto sales figures, smaller trade deficit, and ADP jobs estimate underscore the fact that the...

The rise of China and its growing influence in the Asia Pacific puts ASEAN unity and centrality to its biggest test in years. Although ASEAN leaders are trying to downplay the seriousness of this concern, their differences are publicly on...

It took the foreign ministers of Malaysia, Indonesia and Thailand more than 10 days to finally come to a joint agreement that would allow the rescue of thousands of dehydrated and starving Rohingya and Bangladeshis who had been drifting in...

The substance of what ECB President Draghi contained few surprises.  The tone was cautiously optimistic that the worst is past for EMU.  The substance of what ECB President Draghi contained few surprises.  The tone was cautiously optimistic that the worst...

Sterling's seven day losing streak appears to be ending today with the help of a stronger than expected construction PMI.  The Nikkei's 12-day rally streak ended today with a minor loss, helped by profit-taking in the financials and energy space. ...

The US Secretary of Defense has ordered the US military to develop options for more assertive freedom of navigation (FON) operations around China’s man-made islands in the South China Sea. There are significant legal, operational and political risks involved with...

The notion of a ‘middle-income trap’ has entered the lexicon of policymakers in emerging markets in Asia and elsewhere. Many leaders of countries that have experienced fast growth — such as Chinese Premier Li Keqiang — worry that economic growth...

The Occupy Hong Kong Movement was sparked by Beijing's announcement of rules for the popular selection of Hong Kong's Chief Executive in 2017.  Essentially, Beijing would appoint a 1200-person committee that would vet the candidates and present 2-3 that would...

A new study by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) investigates the dangers of financial systems that have grown too big too fast. The excessive growth of the American financial system causes an enormous drag on the US economy, reducing GDP...

It is not that May did not have its challenges.  The German bund extended flash crash had knock-on effects throughout the capital markets. The dollar, which had been trending lower since mid-March, staged an impressive rally in the second half...