While we in the UK have been obsessing with Brexit, the real concern in Europe goes virtually unreported. The EU has a problem with Italy. Last year there was a standoff between Brussels and Rome over the Italian government’s plans…
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World markets were uplifted when China officially posted year-on-year growth of 6.4% for Q1 ahead of the expected 6.3%. In March, China saw an 8.5% increase in industrial production and an 8.7% rise in retail sales. This indicates that the…
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The world’s two largest economies have imposed tariffs on US$ billions worth of one another exported goods over the past year. The US is accusing China of stealing intellectual property from American firms, limiting access to Chinese markets for US…
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There have been two major factors aiding emerging markets in recent months. The Chinese stimulus package which has spilled out into greater Asia and that US interest rates have hit a high, stabilising the value of the US$. These factors…
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Japan is another country to have its growth forecast for 2019 downgraded in recent months.The Japanese economy is now expected to grow by 0.9% this year despite the Bank of Japan (BoJ) on-going fiscal and monetary stimulus programme. Japan’s public…
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Equity markets recovered sharply in the first five months of 2019 leading to the S&P 500 index hitting a new all-time high in early May. This rebound is attributed to the heavy sell off in Q4 and the Fed ending…
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It is at times of uncertainty over global growth, corporate earnings growth, high indebtedness and political uncertainty that gold has some relevance to a mixed asset portfolio. A key element in the rise of the price of gold was a…
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Last November the US imposed sanctions on Iran’s oil, shipping, ship building and banking sectors as a reaction to Iran not fully abiding by its nuclear proliferation deal with the West. Washington clamped down on oil sales and placed heavy…
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The Federal Reserve (Fed) did not cut rates at its June meeting, but is moving in the direction of easier policy. We think an “insurance” rate cut is likely in July, so-called because it is a move designed to help…
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