Inflation remains subdued globally; previously this was seen as reflecting changed market structures, increasingly the current lack of inflation pressures is being linked to weaker growth. Monetary authorities in developed markets left official interest rates unchanged but the Bank of Japan has increased its quantitative easing with growth and inflation still significantly below target.
Read MoreWorld equity markets in calendar 2018 have gone through various mini-cycles with periods of subdued investor confidence alternating with periods of renewed optimism. Over recent weeks, investors have primarily been focussing on two main concerns …
Read MoreAugust saw a mixed month for the markets with heightened tensions in the global trade front, directing negativity towards emerging-markets currencies.
Read MoreOur team weighs in on developments from last month in the global economy and financial markets.
Read MoreUS President Donald Trump said he would withdraw the US from an Obama-era nuclear agreement with Iran, and restore economic sanctions, in a move that hurt investor sentiment. Mid-month, North Korea abruptly cut off talks with South Korea, citing military exercises between the United States and South Korea, and threatened to cancel the planned North Korea–US summit. President Trump promptly cancelled the summit, set for Singapore in June, but after a surprisingly conciliatory statement from North Korea, the summit was reinstated.
Read MoreApril began with markets under pressure from China’s tit-for-tat response to US President Donald Trump’s announcement of tariffs and a tepid US jobs report for March, but ended strongly, particularly in Europe and Asia.
Read MoreLed by US and Asian markets, global markets roared into the New Year – it was the best start to a year for the S&P 500 index since 1987, as markets reacted to an across the board improving economic outlook.
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