Latest articles from Policy

Latin America's economic prospects in 2014

March 3, 2014

Lower growth in Latin America and a lack of reforms in areas such as education, infrastructure and taxation are not inviting propositions, but the region still shows some areas of great promise in 2014.

Jordan defies regional unrest

Jordan's banks defy regional unrest

March 3, 2014

Political instability in the Middle East has taken a toll on Jordan’s economy, but those on the inside maintain that the country remains politically and economically stable, and open for business. 

EU effect fails to ignite Croatia

EU effect fails to ignite Croatia

March 3, 2014

EU accession was meant to bolster Croatia’s economic prospects, but it is yet to have a positive effect on the country's flagging economy. Meanwhile, its banks are facing poor asset quality and a difficult operating environment.

German coalition

German coalition tensions over banking union

March 3, 2014

The new 'grand coalition' of conservatives and socialists in Germany may have a huge majority in the Bundestag, but there are already disagreements over the extent of national powers in the functioning of the eurozone banking union.

Fai-nan Perng

Why great power demands great responsibility

January 2, 2014

Advanced economies such as the US and the eurozone enjoy enormous privilege as issuers of international currencies, says Taiwan’s central bank governor. This power needs to be tempered with a responsibility to promote economic stability on a global scale. 

Spotlight switches back to the debt burden in Ukraine

Spotlight switches back to the debt burden in Ukraine

January 2, 2014

Even if the Ukrainian government rides out popular protests against its decision to turn away from the EU, the sovereign and state gas company debt repayments due in 2014 will challenge its financial position.

The new bridges of world trade

The new bridges of world trade

January 2, 2014

Trade is changing. Flows between emerging markets continue to develop, high wages are sending some production back to Europe and the US, meanwhile Africa is making a bid to stem its reliance on raw commodities.

Emerging markets look to SWFs for stability

October 1, 2013

A new generation of sovereign wealth funds – from resource-rich economies in Africa and Latin America – has emerged over the past few years. While these new funds are still relatively small, their impact could be sizable if they enable their source countries to secure stable economic growth and mitigate future risks associated with the booms and busts of the commodity cycle.

Turkey's ambitious 10-year plan

May 1, 2013

Turkey has set itself some ambitious targets for the next 10 years, not least wanting to become one of the world's 10 largest economies. There are a number of obstacles that it must overcome first, however, with a significant savings gap, a deep current account deficit and a poor record in attracting foreign direct investment.

Nicolás Maduro

The world watches post-Chávez Venezuela

May 1, 2013

President Hugo Chávez revolutionised life for some of the poorest in Venezuela, but also placed a heavy burden of foreign debt on the country’s economy. How will his successor approach these issues?

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