Markets

Digital disruption is a phrase increasingly bandied about when it comes to the Australian economy, but how deeply do digital technologies really penetrate our industry. Digital disruption is a phrase increasingly bandied about when it comes to the Australian economy,...

1) The Brazilian central bank indicated less FX swaps and additional monetary tightening, 2) After a delay, Israel has a new government, 3) Saudi Arabia will open up its stock market to foreign investment, 4) The Argentine political outlook has...

There are certain dates that hold special significance to particular communities of people. For the Vietnamese population, and the many men and women who served in the Vietnam War, 30 April is an unforgettable date. Vietnam celebrates the day as...

Australian politicians often say ‘Australia-China relations are crucial to Australia’s development and prosperity’. Many hope the China–Australia FTA, due to be signed later this year, will be the shot in the arm Australia’s economy needs. Australian politicians often say ‘Australia-China...

Thailand’s current development model may not be able to sustain growth in the long term. Thailand needs to make the shift to a knowledge-based, innovative economy — and this means that policy settings will need to change. Thailand’s economic development...

In his 29 April speech to US Congress, Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe proudly referred to his administration’s ‘sweeping reforms to our agricultural cooperatives that have not changed in 60 long years’. But the draft bill presented to the Diet...

Japan and the yen seem sidelined.  Japanese markets were closed for the first half of the week during for the Golden Week holidays.  The weakness of the US economy and the concurrent doubts about Fed tightening this year, coupled with...

Just months since taking power in January, Greek’s Syriza coalition faces obstacles at every turn, from an intransigent European Central Bank to an unyielding European Council.  The ECB in particular has rejected Greek proposals for short-term bridge financing to allow...

“We would be substantially better off not being in the EU because the opportunity cost of us not being able to make our own trade deals with the emerging economies of the world is holding back British business. In terms...

Islamic finance has been growing rapidly across the world in recent years. Today, the operation of Islamic banks and their associated financial institutions has created a trillion-dollar industry and is becoming a crucial mechanism for countries looking to increase their...

Italy's third successive unelected Prime Minister is pushing through electoral reforms that make for stronger government's going forward.  There are two elements of the reform.  Previously, Italy was proud of its "perfect bicameralism", where Chamber of Deputies and the Senate...

EM assets remain on the defensive now that the dollar has regained some traction on the back of some firmer US data last week.  This Friday’s US jobs report will be key to determine whether the dollar’s current bounce is...

The week begins with a narrowly mixed US dollar.  Both Tokyo and London markets are closed today making for somewhat lighter turnover.  The dollar has been trading a quarter of a yen above JPY120.00.  The euro stands out.  It has...

The ageing of Japan’s population is globally unprecedented in both its level and its speed. The ageing of Japan’s population is globally unprecedented in both its level and its speed. The proportion of people aged 65 years old and over...

1) Unconventional policy measure in China could be on the table; 2) Poland sold sells its first international bond with a negative yield; 3) Indonesia executed eight people over drug charges, seven of which were foreigners; 4) Russia’s central Bank...