Economic Tracker

In Q2 2017, growth in Latin America slowed to 1.9% compared to the growth of 2.2% in Q1 2017, as manufacturing sector shrank by 0.5% and external demand declined. Colombia, Mexico, and Panama’s economic growth declined registering 1.2%, 2.2%, and 5.4% growth, respectively, in Q1 2017. However, Panama continues to remain the fastest growing econom...

Economic growth remained stable in Q3 2017 with the region recording growth of 1.9%. Chile and Colombia registered higher growth compared to Q2 2017, while Mexico and Panama’s growth slowed slightly. Decline in manufacturing and mining sector in Mexico had adversely affected the country’s economy which recorded 1.6% growth in Q3 2017. Mexicoâ€...

The North American energy renaissance has taken a back seat in 2016 due to plunging oil prices. Canada is suffering from an economic downturn due to its heavy reliance on the oil and gas industry. The Chinese slowdown and a rising dollar will further create economic headwinds in Canada. Even though the United States stays resilient because of stron...

Emerging European economies are gradually registering a positive economic growth, stemming from a sensible monetary policy from the European Central Bank. However, the reliance of the Ukrainian and Turkish economies on external financing, as a result of the ongoing critical period in these countries, has remained a major area of concern in 2014.

Strong GDP growth supported by resilient domestic demand, prudent fiscal policies, and improved business sentiments is expected for the North American countries in Q1 2015, regardless of the slowdown and uncertainty in the global economy

Western European countries are experiencing a slowdown in economic growth, but the trend is uneven across the region. Purchasing Manager’s Index gave a reading of 52.1 in October 2014 (a reading above 50 signifies an expansion in output). Although major economies such as Spain and Germany reported an increase in new business opportunities, others...

Western Europe is expected to maintain its growth momentum in the latter half of 2014 but high inflation, high unemployment, and political instability prevalent in some major countries will hamper growth. Increase in domestic and external demand is expected to further improve manufacturing production, thus stimulating growth in the next two quarter...

North American growth continued to accelerate in Q3 2014 following the strong Q2 performance. The energy sector boom, resulting in low fuel-prices and strong public-sector spending—despite modest consumer spending growth, supported strong economic expansion of the region in Q3 2014. The rise in real wages and dwindling unemployment will keep cons...

As recovery continues in this region, growth trends have been observed to be uneven across the economies, while domestic demands remain a key growth driver in major countries. Reforming labor market conditions remain top priority, which will be instrumental in enhancing business confidence and competitiveness. Weaker Euro area recovery and market i...