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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…

The short-term impact of Canada's budget will be small

Location:

CANADA

The budget keeps the deficit just inside prescribed limits despite an increase in new spending, by stepping up measures to boost revenue. Initiatives designed to target the…

Americas Act seeks to recover US role in Latin America

Location:

LATIN AMERICA/US

US concerns have been growing over China’s increasing presence in Latin America. To date various US initiatives have failed to present an alternative to China’s expanding trade…

Macron faces political risks over French fiscal woes

Location:

FRANCE

The government is highly dependent on steady GDP growth to meet its pledges on deficit-reduction and tax cuts. It was forced to implement EUR10bn (USD10.7bn) in emergency cuts in…

Mexico candidates’ economic plans are overly ambitious

Location:

MEXICO

Their economic proposals are intended to impress voters but seem largely uncosted and risk generating unrealistic expectations of the winner. Polling points to a clear victory for…

Brazil food security improves but inequality persists

Location:

BRAZIL

Of those, 8.7 million, or 4% of the population, went hungry. This represents a substantial drop from recent years, thanks to a mix of policy action and positive economic…

Morocco will struggle to lift growth rates

Location:

MOROCCO

This is below the medium-term target of average annual real GDP growth of 6%, with economic performance largely affected by poor agricultural harvests. There was a modest recovery…

Pakistan will be optimistic about its IMF talks

Location:

PAKISTAN

Islamabad now seeks a larger, longer-term bailout programme with the Fund. Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb has suggested that a staff-level agreement on such a package could…

Bolivia’s nearing elections will shape economic policy

Location:

BOLIVIA

Faced with the diminution of foreign currency reserves, the government has taken steps to encourage exporters to repatriate the dollars they earn abroad and place them within the…

Flat US defence spending puts Pentagon under pressure

Location:

US

While Congress broadly supports existing defence programmes and the current level of spending, an increase below inflation leaves the Pentagon struggling to manage current…