In 2009, companies around the world raised US$892bn in initial public offerings (IPOs), which was 41% higher than in 2008. Of that amount, a sizeable US$314bn was raised in Q4 2009, creating the impression that the year-end momentum would likely spill over into the new year. Indeed, a variety of banks and analysts produced bullish… [Read more]
The short-term bounce in commodity prices has continued this week in line with firmer global equity markets and a slightly weaker US dollar. Greenback weakness has notably benefited precious metal prices, which are particularly sensitive to US dollar strength. My colleagues here at BMI see further upside potential for gold prices in the short term,… [Read more]
With the improvement in financial market conditions seen over the last few months, a number of African countries are reviving or devising plans to launch US dollar denominated bonds – or Eurobonds. While the majority of the volume will come from the larger, better established economies like Nigeria, Kenya and Angola, smaller players are also… [Read more]
With the announcement on February 11 by President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad that Iran has produced its first batch of uranium enriched to 20%, the Islamic Republic has moved a step closer to being able to produce a nuclear weapon. Tehran insists that its nuclear programme has no military applications, and that the 20% enriched uranium will… [Read more]
On this week’s podcast, Business Monitor Chief Economist Tim Cooper, Head of Europe Analysis Justin Patrie and Senior Europe Analyst Bruce Jeffery discuss European investment strategy on the back of the Greek fiscal crisis and news of an EU support package for Athens. In addition to providing analysis on the most recent market developments in… [Read more]
After a rough 2009, Mexico’s economic fundamentals look set for a breather over the next couple of months, as exports, manufacturing and unemployment levels continue to benefit from unprecedented fiscal stimulus north of the border. If the US Federal Reserve opts to keep the monetary floodgates open for a while longer, this could translate into… [Read more]
When global stock markets were rising in 2009, and government co-operation was thought to have saved the world from economic catastrophe, the continued deterioration of trade ties between the US and China went largely unnoticed. However, rising protectionism is now here, and I think this issue will rise in significance over the coming months. After… [Read more]
