Macroeconomics

The NA economy is gradually recovering and is expected to post an economic growth of 2.1% by the end of 2013. Strong corporate finances, rebounding investment, and gradual improvement in consumer demand are expected to support modest growth in the US economy in Q4 2013 and H1 2014. However, high domestic debt and overvalued housing market will rema...

In Australia, weak commodity prices, a strong Australian dollar and low business sentiment will dampen economic activity in H2 2013. Weak investment in mining and manufacturing is likely to keep the Australian economy sluggish. In Argentina, policy easing is expected to boost domestic demand conditions and help rebound the business confidence. Aggr...

Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa are expected to register a moderate growth in H2 2013 owing to restrained industrial growth, sluggish recovery in exports and lackluster domestic demand. The competitive advantage of low costs in the BRICS economies will also continue to decline with the rise in labor costs. Increase in interbank borro...

The Latin American region is expected grow at an average rate of 3.5% in 2013. A fall in global demand and commodity prices has hit the region badly. However, governments in the region are making efforts through trade alliances and stimulus packages, to spur the growth in the region. Trans-Pacific trade alliance talks, which are likely conclude in ...

Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand and Vietnam have evolved strong global economies, owing to rapid industrial development in the last decade. Despite a volatile global scenario, a huge growth potential in low-cost, yet, technology driven manufacturing, will attract massive FDI into the region. Rising middle-class population will provide for stable grow...

The North American region has become a net exporter of energy due to US shale gas and Canadian oil sands explorations. The region is attracting substantial foreign direct investment in energy, automotives, and chemicals. Real GDP growth for US in Q1 2013 was mainly driven by increased consumer spending and augmented construction activity, mainly in...

In 2013, Western Europe will not be characterized by an immediate recovery. The region is showing some signs of stability, with growth prospects relying more on external trade. High unemployment levels are expected to affect domestic demand and consumer spending. Germany will heavily influence the region's growth possibilities and recovery, support...

The Western European economy is likely to recover at a very slow pace in 2013, as economic uncertainty continues to loom. The Government of France needs to focus on reducing the fiscal deficit, increasing tax on companies, and reducing public spending in Q1 2013. Germany has succeeded in maintaining a positive trade balance and this is expected to ...

The emerging countries of the Latin American region—Chile, Colombia, and Mexico—are likely to experience moderate growth during the first two quarters of 2013. Economic growth would be largely dependent on domestic demand, and increasing infrastructure investment. Growth in exports is expected to be moderate due to slow global recovery in 2013....