Macroeconomics

The economies of Europe and Africa are critically evaluated in a regional briefing. The uncertainty of the European recession and growth opportunities in the European and African regions are discussed. Specific attention is paid to the implications of new energy reforms in Europe on economic growth.

Germany and the United Kingdom are gradually emerging from the ongoing Eurozone debt crisis and are expected to post moderate growth in H2 2013. However, despite positive indications, France, Italy and Spain are likely to experience either negative or flat economic growth in 2013. The European Central Bank (ECB) will maintain low interest rates to ...

Emerging Latin America's growth will remain moderate in Q4 2013 due to slow recovery in external demand. Private consumption demand will remain the main driver for growth in Q4 2013 and Q1 2014. Improvement in current account balances and currency values is unlikely in the short run. Foreign direct investment into the region is likely to remain sta...

Romania and Turkey are gaining momentum, projecting positive growth in H2 2013. Eastern Europe is expected to grow at an average annual rate of 2.2 percent in 2013, with the automotive sector being the key for growth. Hungary and Turkey have completed their debt repayments to the IMF, while Ukraine is in the process of completing it. The region is ...

France, Germany, Italy, Spain, and The United Kingdom have been classified as Western European countries in this study. It is assumed that the economy in this region may post a marginal recovery in H1 2014, following a prolonged economic uncertainty. At present, the business sentiment in France is low, due to a poor Purchasing Managers Index. The s...

The Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland, Romania, Turkey, and Ukraine have been classified as Emerging European countries. The expectations of favourable fiscal and monetary measures by the government in the Czech Republic and the impressive performance of the automotive and agricultural sectors in Hungary are expected to drive the growth in these coun...

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...

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 ...

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...