The notion that economies generating current account surpluses are necessarily better positioned than those running deficits is commonplace. This flawed thinking has become more noticeable of late in relation to China and Germany, which are revered for their strong growth and debt metrics. However, in a special feature article in Business Monitor Online today, we… [Read more]
The ‘epic crisis’ scenario which we outlined in a recent podcast appears to be in full swing. With much riding on the decisions policymakers make in the very near term, Business Monitor’s Chief Economic Strategist Tim Cooper and Head of Europe Country Risk & Financial Markets Mark Schaltuper believe that the probability of a Greek… [Read more]
Global markets are once again under pressure as eurozone policymakers continue to duck launching a sufficient policy response to the region’s debt crisis, despite encouragement to do so from US Treasury Secretary Tim Geithner. Another game of chicken between the Greek government and eurozone leaders is currently underway, with a decision over whether to disperse… [Read more]
The title of a recent Business Monitor International report highlights the view that the eurozone is expected to muddle through. However, as Bruce Jeffery, Global Markets Strategist at Business Monitor, explains, a resolution to the ongoing sovereign debt debacle will require a crisis of epic proportions. While implausible at this juncture, alternative scenarios cannot be… [Read more]
Time is fast running out for German Chancellor Angela Merkel to display a greater sense of leadership in the ongoing eurozone debt crisis. My colleagues and I believe that market reactions will grow increasingly violent unless decisive steps are taken to fast-track fiscal integration and strengthen existing bailout facilities. But we also note the growing… [Read more]
My concerns about a sharp slowdown in economic activity in the eurozone are rising following the release of disappointing Q2 2011 real GDP growth figures for Germany on August 16. Following hot on the heels of flat French Q2 GDP data on August 12, Germany’s economy posted just 0.1% quarter-on-quarter (q-o-q) growth (seasonally adjusted) in… [Read more]
Mark Schaltuper, Head of Europe Country Risk and Financial Markets, and Tim Cooper, Chief Economic Strategist, come together to discuss Business Monitor’s latest Special Report titled “Market Meltdown: Global Economy On The Edge”. With the US reeling from debt concerns after losing its AAA credit rating, the eurozone dogged by the ongoing sovereign debt crises,… [Read more]
