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Radical parties look set for vote boosts in Belgium

Location:

BELGIUM

This would be the first victory for the party in Flanders and at the national level. The party has pledged to impose a much stricter immigration policy and push for Flemish…

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…

Mexico’s budgetary pressures will keep growing

Location:

MEXICO

The budget deficit is increasing markedly and will probably top 6% of GDP in 2024 -- the highest level since the late 1980s -- while economic growth remains in the 2-3% range.

Turkey will reduce inflation gradually

Location:

TURKEY

Although the central bank has increased interest rates substantially since June 2023, the effects on economic activity and inflation have been limited. Prices and policy…

Turkey-Turkmen-Iranian gas swap could move quickly

Location:

TURKEY/TURKMENISTAN

Europe is increasingly interested in accessing large Turkmen gas reserves, potentially via Turkey, which has reached agreements with Turkmenistan on possible swap deals via Iran…

Kenya’s new budget targets significantly lower deficit

Location:

KENYA

After redeeming much of its USD2bn Eurobond in February, the government has effectively dispelled fears of a default. Nevertheless, it remains under pressure to consolidate public…

Iraq’s Sunnis and Kurds face a more peripheral future

Location:

IRAQ

Discussions on the future of the US-Iraq security relationship will be followed with intense interest by both Iran-backed Shia forces in Iraq and their increasingly sidelined…

Interest rate uncertainty keeps pressure on US bonds

Location:

INTERNATIONAL

The Fed and ECB seem set to diverge, with the latter expected to cut rates in June. There is a rising prospect, bolstered by the resilient US labour market and Middle East…

Qatar-US ties could strengthen despite Hamas relations

Location:

QATAR/UNITED STATES

Qatar has played an important mediating role during the ongoing Gaza conflict. Doha was granted Major Non-NATO Ally status in March 2022 in recognition of its contribution to US…

South Africa may oppose world’s largest mining deal

Location:

SOUTH AFRICA

Although Anglo American’s board promptly rejected the bid, BHP is expected make a revised offer. This would have major implications for Southern African mining, as BHP has…