Looking at recent economic data and leading indicators, such as the Ifo Business Climate Index, I get the impression that the economic recovery of Europe’s largest economy knows no bounds. Indeed, after posting its fastest economic growth rate since re-unification (at 2.2%), my colleagues at Business Monitor International have upgraded their real GDP growth forecast… [Read more]
That the long awaited results from the EU bank stress tests (released late on July 23) failed to move the markets substantially should come as little surprise. For the stress test results to cause a major re-pricing of assets in the short run, one of two scenarios would have had to take place. On the… [Read more]
It is now over 9 months since Greece’s sovereign debt crisis brought the Eurozone’s stability to the forefront of investor concerns. With a trillion dollar bailout fund in place, and the recent bounce in the euro (some 5% against the US dollar), can we assume that the worst is now behind us. Justin Patrie, Head… [Read more]
In response to Iran’s non-compliance with the UN over its nuclear programme, and its continued support for terrorist organisations, the US Congress on June 24 passed the Comprehensive Iran Sanctions, Accountability and Divestment Act of 2010 – an amendment to the original Iran Sanctions Act of 1996. As expected, the act tightened restrictions against Iranian… [Read more]
The European private equity industry looks to be fighting a losing battle against regulators. The introduction of a new regulatory framework, that will most likely undermine the recovery in PE activity just as it has started to gather traction, is set to go to a vote in the European Parliament this week. While my colleagues… [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]
We are now seeing the first major effects of the ratification of the Lisbon Treaty. National governments have finally decided on the appointments for the new roles of president of the European Council and High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy. Both are going to be filled by politicians, who, to put it charitably,… [Read more]
