Ireland:Tiger Tamed, But No Longer a PIIGS

20 November 2017 I returned recently from Kilkenny, Ireland where I attended Kilkenomics – an engaging mix of global finance and comedy sponsored by the FT and hosted by the irrepressible David MacWilliams. I often found myself thinking only the Irish could pull off this unlikely mix, but then I look at Twitter, and am … Continue reading Ireland:Tiger Tamed, But No Longer a PIIGS

Do Markets Believe Central Banks?

22 October 2017 Investors appear convinced that stimulative G-7 monetary policies lie behind the markets’ record-setting performance.  To be sure, that was the case between 2009 and 2015.  During the past three years, however, I believe the impact of monetary policy has been quite neutral, the key driver of markets more recently has shifted from … Continue reading Do Markets Believe Central Banks?

European Politics: Berlin, Florence & Brexit

26 September 2017 Despite Europe’s recent economic upswing, Germany’s election result provides a stark reminder of the region’s political discontent in the aftermath of the Euro crisis, protracted unemployment, and increasing income inequality.   Following the disappointing elections, can Chancellor Merkel and French President Macron produce the domestic and EU reforms needed to produce European prosperity? … Continue reading European Politics: Berlin, Florence & Brexit