The Eurozone has dodged the nationalist threat that was risking political and financial stability. The recent election of President Emmanuel Macron in France led a surge in the value of the Euro and European stock values. This election brought to…
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It has been a very successful eight months in US equity markets with the election of Donald Trump giving markets fresh impetus. The main stock market index in the USA, the S&P 500, stood at 2100 in early November and…
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Due to the Chinese economic slowdown in 2015, the Chinese government prioritised growth over reform and injected a massive US$1.4tn stimulus package into manufacturing, infrastructure and industry in 2016. Not surprisingly, Chinese manufacturing PMI confidence and activity has hit a…
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The Japanese economy is gaining mainly due to improved global growth. Last year the ¥ was weaker which gave a boost to Japanese exports particularly to the USA. The value of the Japanese ¥ has continued to decline against the…
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Throughout Asia, equity markets have enjoyed a good 2017 so far. The current cyclical upturn in both developed and emerging markets has seen an improvement in exports from throughout the region. Asia and the broader emerging markets have made strong…
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India’s benchmark Sensex index hit a new all-time high of 31,159 at the end of May having grown 15% since January. This growth in Indian stock values was helped by the progress of world stock markets as well as foreign…
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This year we expect Russia to finally emerge from recession supported by lower interest rates, a more stable oil price and a recovering Eurozone. Russian PMI for manufacturing and service sector are now positive suggesting further growth. There is also…
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The price of crude oil rose back above US$52 when the Oil Producing cartel OPEC lead by Saudi Arabia and non OPEC producers lead by Russia signed an extension to their deal to restrict oil production. Saudi and Russia between…
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The Federal Reserve Open Markets Committee (FOMC) increased the Federal Funds Rate by 0.25% in December and again in March. The rate is expected to rise twice again later this year from its current 1% to 1.25% then to 1.5%.…
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