EUROPE: CEE PULSE
Most countries in Central and Eastern Europe (CEE) appear to have largely contained the spread of Covid-19 and are taking steps to reopen their economies. Croatia and the Czech Republic are some of the regional leaders in this respect, while Hungary is taking a more cautious appr… Become a member to read the rest […]
US GDP growth – One extreme to another
The BEA will release tomorrow its first estimate of US GDP growth in Q1. Consensus estimate for the quarter-on-quarter seasonally-adjusted annualised rate of growth is -4.0%. If correct this would imply that growth in Q3 and Q4 2019 was effectively wiped out and that GDP in Q1 2… Become a member to read the […]
ARGENTINA: Kirchnerismo and Covid-19
President Alberto Fernandez’s approval ratings have jumped since a strict Covid-19 quarantine went into force on 20 March. Fernandez’s approval surge is significant because ever since he was tapped by Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner (CFK) to be presidential candidate last year, he… Become a member to read the rest of this article
CHINA/SOUTHEAST ASIA: Territorial dispute not an immediate risk
● Reports of more activity in the disputed maritime zones in the South China Sea do not signal an immediate increase in risk. ● China may be opportunistically taking advantage of distracted governments. ● However, China’s relationship with Southeast Asia is set to become mo… Become a member to read the rest of this […]
EGYPT: Disaster averted, but challenges loom large
● Egypt appears to have suffered fewer Covid-19 infections than many projected. ● The country will face high economic costs across an array of industries because of the pandemic’s effects on the global economy. ● Ultimately, the picture in Egypt will depend in large measure… Become a member to read the rest of this […]
GERMANY: The constitutional conundrums of ECB bond buying
● The governing council of the European Central Bank (ECB) will convene digitally on 30 April. ● While speculation continues about an expansion of its PEPP bond-buying scheme, yet another German constitutional court ruling on Eurozone crisis fighting is expected for 5 May. … Become a member to read the rest of this article