Global Central Banks: Taking 2019 Off!

21 March 2019 At its March meeting, the US Federal Reserve signaled it would keep interest rates unchanged in 2019. In a similar fashion, the European Central Bank (ECB) at its recent gathering signaled interest rate hikes will be delayed until next year, and additional monetary support was forthcoming. But, that's not the end of … Continue reading Global Central Banks: Taking 2019 Off!

India: Long Growth Runway Still Lies Ahead

6 March 2019 Following the BJP's dramatic 2014 electoral victory, Prime Minister Narendra Modi enjoyed a mandate to implement economic reform. From the beginning, however,  the program faced criticism. On the one hand, Hindu nationalist believe the changes do not go far enough in promoting their interests, whereas non-Hindus charge the  benefits have not been … Continue reading India: Long Growth Runway Still Lies Ahead

Turkey: Boom, Bust, What Comes Next?

22 February 2019 Last year's Turkish financial market crisis emanated from the confluence of several domestic and international factors. To be sure, Turkey is no stranger to boom-bust economic cycles.  And, fueled by overly expansive macroeconomic policies, the Turkish economy was overheating and inflation rising sharply by mid-2018.  Against this already challenging backdrop, the Erdogan … Continue reading Turkey: Boom, Bust, What Comes Next?

Fed Pauses: In Search of a Soft Landing

6 February 2019 During these Winter months,  my breakfast typically consists of a big, steaming bowl of porridge! As in the Goldilocks fairy tale, however, getting the recipe right requires some experimentation. Often the same is true of monetary policy decision-making. In search of a soft landing for the US economy -- neither too hot, … Continue reading Fed Pauses: In Search of a Soft Landing