Macroeconomics

Low oil prices will continue to take a toll on the economic health of the gulf economies in the second quarter of 2017. Low energy prices leading to burgeoning fiscal deficit have adversely affected Qatar’s economic prospects. Output in the oil and gas sector remained flat and GDP growth appears to have contracted in Q1 2017. The multi-year $200 ...

The economic outlook for the Middle Eastern countries is challenged by the continued oil price sluggishness. The fiscal consolidation measures will continue throughout 2017 to combat deficit and is expected to ease in 2018 if oil prices uptick. On one hand, the first half of 2017 is being characterized by Saudi Arabia led oil production cut agreeme...

Emerging Latin America's economic growth rebounded to 2.2% in Q1 2017 supported by a strong growth in the manufacturing sector. The Manufacturing Index of Industrial Production growth rate for the region was 3.7% in Q1 2017. Panama registered the strongest manufacturing sector growth of 9.6%, while Chile’s manufacturing sector continued its downw...

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€...

Mounting geopolitical risks dampen the growth outlook for the Middle East countries despite higher oil prices and strong global growth. The intensified political instability in Saudi Arabia with the large scale operation by the Crown Prince to curb corruption led to oil price hitting over two-year high. The economy is expected to stabilize in 2018,...

The year 2016 has been a turnaround year for North America with the new American President having protectionist rhetoric and agenda for revisit of free trade deals. Even though the promised fiscal stimulus in terms of tax cuts favoring the corporates is not likely to come into effect in 2017, there exists a wide range of uncertainty possibilities s...

The economic performance of the Western Europe in the beginning of 2016 could be characterized by moderately improved growth supported by rise in disposable income, better job growth, and low inflation. Germany and Spain are on a solid recovery path and leading the Eurozone growth in 2016. Political uncertainties are being created not only on the U...

Western European economies are on a moderate economic recovery amid the impending risks of Britain’s exit from the European Union. While the consequences are under much debate, this unprecedented economic phenomenon will lead to severe short term volatility throughout the region.