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No end in sight for Japan’s economic stagnation

Location:

JAPAN

Lower household consumption, residential investment and companies’ capital investment all contributed to the 2.9% (annualised) contraction. Although inflation is decelerating…

ASEAN leadership will stretch Laos in 2024

Location:

LAOS

The theme it has chosen for its chairmanship is ‘enhancing connectivity and resilience’. The reference to ‘resilience’ is apt, as Laos is attempting to manage severe economic…

EU/UK financial trading risks need close monitoring

Location:

EU/UK

Hedge funds are systemically important participants in financial markets and their preference for leverage amplifies their impact, especially when interest rate changes prompt…

Brazil banks foresee renewed lending growth this year

Location:

BRAZIL

The Brazilian financial system, which is still dominated by five state and private banks, saw slower loan growth and worsening asset quality in 2023 due to high inflation and…

Austrian economic links to Russia will persist

Location:

AUSTRIA

Dependence on Russian gas has increased over the past year, while many Austrian companies continue to have strong business links in Russia. Austria will hold its general election…

Gold rally has momentum but miners will miss out

Location:

INTERNATIONAL

The 18% increase since the beginning of the year has been fuelled by expectations of monetary easing, recurrent geopolitical tensions, Chinese economic woes, and greater…

Asia ‘ex-China’ investment will struggle for traction

Location:

ASIA

There is sizeable demand for financial assets and products in Asia that exclude China. However, investor expectations that the US Federal Reserve (Fed) will not cut interest rates…

Bangladesh ruling party’s internal divides will widen

Location:

BANGLADESH

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s Awami League (AL), which aims to secure a fourth consecutive term, is under pressure to ensure a genuine contest with high voter turnout. The main…

Egypt's economy will stand on firmer ground

Location:

EGYPT

Its actions included floating the currency, which triggered a major devaluation, and a 600-basis point increase in its benchmark interest rate to 27.75%. Meanwhile, the government…

US infrastructure cybersecurity is improving slowly

Location:

US

Much of this work must be done by subnational and private sector actors, including companies, and state and local governments. The latter have made measured progress on ramping up…