Asking the Right Questions
The OECD released their latest Interim Economic Outlook, warning that “the global economy is projected to grow at a slower pace this year than in 2015, with only a modest uptick expected in 2017”. This is another case of groundhog day, for years now…
In April I wrote a blog “Central banks and the certain uncertainty paradox”, reminding everyone that these institutions are no more certain than anyone else about how economic conditions will unfold. Still, market participants continue to hang on every word from the leaders of…
While the Bank of England (BOE) surprised markets by holding interest rates steady in July, the Bank announced an aggressive package of measures at their meeting on Thursday that had financial markets salivating once again. This package, intended to lower the cost of borrowing…
“There is something a bit odd about the value we attach to gold. Throughout history people have gone to extraordinary lengths to get their hands on this most precious substance which is strange because it is isn’t particularly useful for anything…but it has got…
Central bank policy remains the predominant theme in financial markets, hence when the leaders of these institutions speak everyone listens. Last week, ECB President Mario Draghi gave a speech entitled “The International Dimension of Monetary Policy”, in which he subtly warned of the risk…
“Uncertainty is an uncomfortable position. But certainty is an absurd one.” – Voltaire US Federal Reserve Chair Janet Yellen lifted markets midweek by pouring cold water on recent comments from a number of regional US Federal Reserve Presidents. In a speech at the Economic Club…
Global equity markets sold off sharply last week, as weak economic data outweighed the recent positivity generated by the prospect of more easing from the Bank of Japan (BOJ) and the European Central Bank (ECB). Much of the focus was on the US, as…
Market Recap Global equity markets enjoyed another positive week, buoyed by further support from the major Central Banks, this time the Bank of Japan (BOJ) with the introduction of negative interest rates. As well, speculation of a possible production cut by OPEC pushed oil…
Market Recap Sentiment in global equity markets last week resembled the atmosphere in Anfield yesterday after the final whistle. Like most equity investors, transfixed by the continuous stream of red as market participants rushed for the exits, Liverpool fans were left with the same…
To raise or not to raise? That has been the question for a long time now for the US Federal Reserve’s monetary policy committee. Year after year, meeting after meeting, the Fed have pushed out the timing for US rate hikes. Well, it appears…