Latest articles from Analysis & Opinion

Technological debacles suggest Japan’s recovery is still shaky

February 6, 2006

A series of unfortunate events at the Tokyo Stock Exchange may be symptomatic of the weakness of Japan’s economy as a whole.

Bundle of reasons to be cheerful about the year ahead

February 6, 2006

In the old adage about whether a glass is half full or half empty, The Banker tends to go for the half full version. As a champion of the industry we are mindful of the difficulties and problems that beset the world but we also believe there are mainstream solutions that do not involve tearing everything up and starting again.

IMF's managing director explains the Fund's new priorities

January 2, 2006

With demographic change and globalisation presenting fresh challenges, Rodrigo de Rato explains how the 60-year-old International Monetary Fund is adapting itself to new paradigms.

China’s rural mission

January 2, 2006

Most of China’s population live in the countryside and these are also its poorest citizens, making rural development one of the government’s top agenda items. Finance minister Jin Renqing explains.

Will EMU survive 2010?

January 2, 2006

Daniel Gros assesses the likely consequences of a downturn in the fortunes of some eurozone members.

Rating agencies need some pre-emptive ideas

January 2, 2006

Moody’s and Standard & Poor’s start 2006 facing charges of running a duopoly – and some tough questioning. Their only hope? To come up with a solution before the US government imposes one.

Will a three-year profit run stretch to four?

January 2, 2006

A fourth consecutive year of economic growth would be remarkable, but a US slowdown could spoil the run.

The octogenarian that’s as sharp and savvy as it ever was

January 2, 2006

Editing a magazine that has reached the venerable age of 80 demands a certain amount of humility. A publication can last 20 or 30 years with founders’ enthusiasm and connections still pushing it along.

Responsible for more than the bottom line

January 2, 2006

Companies that recognise corporate responsibility as a driver of performance will be the successful global companies of tomorrow.

The role of oil: past, present and future

January 2, 2006

Lessons from the 20th century teach the oil industry how to deal with the challenge of volatility and rising demand, says Opec president Sheikh Ahmad Fahad Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah.

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