Ukraine War Update: Surprising Ukraine Incursion in Russia Continues

August 27, 2024 10:51 AM UTC

Bottom Line: Ukraine’s surprise cross-border offensive inside Russia's western Kursk region continues with pace as Ukrainians recently advanced near Sudzha. In response, Russian military deploys forces from lower priority sectors of the frontline in Ukraine to the frontline in Kursk Oblast. We for

EM Markets Divergence with China Harder Landing Concerns

August 14, 2024 3:35 PM UTC

Global market turbulence has had a spillover impact into EM, but also some EM assets have benefitted from rotation away from the U.S.  What are the prospects in the coming months?
We see scope for a 2nd wave of U.S. equity and Japanese Yen (JPY) correction, which are a mixed influence for EM assets

Ukraine War Update: Surprising Ukraine Incursion in Russia

August 12, 2024 4:02 PM UTC

Bottom Line: After Russia executed strong counteroffensive operations in the western regions of Ukraine this summer, aiming to seize more territory before the U.S. presidential elections, Ukraine made a surprise attack in return and conducted a cross-border offensive inside Russia's western Kursk re

Strong Inflation Rally Continued in July: 9.1% YoY

August 9, 2024 6:27 PM UTC

Bottom Line: According to Russian Federal Statistics Service data released on August 9, inflation jumped to 9.1% YoY in July after hitting 8.6% YoY in June, the highest reading since February 2023, due to adverse base effects, strong military spending, high domestic demand, tight labor market, conti

Rally Continues: Russian Economy Expands by 3% YoY in June

August 1, 2024 8:49 AM UTC

Bottom Line: According to the preliminary figures announced by the Russian Ministry of Economic Development, Russia's GDP grew by 3% YoY in June after expanding by a strong 4.5% YoY in May. We foresee Russian economy will expand by 2.5% in 2024 driven by a significant increase in military spending

CBR Hiked Key Rate to 18% as Inflation Soars

July 26, 2024 2:16 PM UTC

Bottom Line: As we predicted, Central Bank of Russia (CBR) announced on July 26 that it increased its policy rate by 200 bps to 18% after four consecutive rate holds, and first time in 2024, to tame the stubborn price pressures stemming from high military spending, tight labour market and fiscal pol

EM Europe and CIS: Select Country Risk Ratings

July 15, 2024 9:30 AM UTC

We provide country risk reviews for EM Europe/CIS countries including Russia/Ukraine and Kazakhstan. 

Russia’s Inflation Continued Its Rally in June: 8.6% YoY

July 10, 2024 6:51 PM UTC

Bottom Line: According to Russian Federal Statistics Service data released on July 10, inflation jumped to 8.6% YoY in June after hitting 8.3% YoY in May, the highest reading since February 2023, due to strong military spending, tight labour market, and fiscal policy igniting domestic demand. The ne

Russian Economy Expands by 4.5% YoY in May

July 5, 2024 11:56 AM UTC

Bottom Line: According to the figures announced by the Russian Ministry of Economic Development, Russia's GDP grew by 4.5% YoY in May. We foresee Russian economy will expand by 2.5% in 2024 driven in part by a significant increase in military spending due to intensified Russian offensive operation

Webinar Recording June Outlook: Cyclical and Structural Forces

July 2, 2024 7:30 AM UTC

June Outlook: Cyclical and Structural Forces

June 26, 2024 7:58 AM UTC

The 15 chapters of our June Outlook have now been published.  See the headlines and weblinks enclosed for links to the articles on economic, policy and markets for the 23 countries that we cover

Outlook Overview: Cyclical and Structural Forces

June 25, 2024 10:15 AM UTC

•    The global economy is showing signs of healing, as inflation comes back towards targets and growth recovers momentum in some economies. Nevertheless, the cyclical headwind of lagged monetary tightening remains in DM countries, and will likely be one of the forces slowing the U.S. economy

EMEA Outlook: Stubborn Inflation Dominates

June 24, 2024 1:00 PM UTC

·     In Turkiye, we expect Central Bank of Republic of Turkiye (CBRT) will likely halt the key rate at 50% until the end of 2024, which is our baseline scenario. We expect a fall in inflation likely after July due to favorable base effects, additional macro prudential measures, public savings

Russia’s Inflation Continued to Surge in May: 8.3% YoY

June 14, 2024 5:40 PM UTC

Bottom Line: According to Russian Federal Statistics Service data released on June 14, inflation surged to 8.3% YoY in May after hitting 7.8% YoY in April, the highest since February 2023, due to high military spending, currency weakening, tight labour market, and fiscal policy igniting domestic dem

CBR Kept the Key Rate Stable at 16% despite Increasing Inflation

June 7, 2024 12:57 PM UTC

Bottom Line: Central Bank of Russia (CBR) announced on June 7 that it decided to keep the policy rate unchanged at 16% for the fourth meeting in a row, but signalled that a rate hike is possible in the near term to tame the stubborn price pressures stemming from high military spending, tight labour

Ukraine War Update: Major Russian Offensive is Expected This Summer Despite U.S. Military Aid

May 8, 2024 12:06 PM UTC

Bottom Line: The offensives at the front lines started to pick up steam after March/April as the Russian forces plan for their larger summer 2024 offensive operation, aiming to seize more territory before the U.S. presidential elections in November. In the meantime, U.S. approved a $61 billion warti

Russian Economy Expands by 4.2% YoY in March, and 5.4% in Q1

May 3, 2024 2:14 PM UTC

Bottom Line: According to the figures announced by the Russian Ministry of Economic Development, Russia's GDP grew by 4.2% YoY in March owing to strong fiscal stimulus, high military spending, invigorating consumer demand and investments. We now foresee Russian economy will expand by 2.6% in 2024

CBR Kept the Key Rate Stable at 16%

April 26, 2024 1:12 PM UTC

Bottom Line: As widely expected, Central Bank of Russia (CBR) announced on April 26 that it decided to keep the policy rate unchanged at 16% for the third meeting in a row. CBR made critical changes in its key rate and inflation forecasts as it lifted its 2024 inflation forecast to 4.3-4.8% from 4-4

EM Europe/CIS: Country Risk Ratings

April 22, 2024 9:00 AM UTC

We provide country risk reviews for EM Europe/CIS countries including Russia and Ukraine. 

Russian Economy Expands by a Strong 7.7% YoY in February

April 11, 2024 7:38 PM UTC

Bottom Line: According to preliminary figures announced by the Russian Ministry of Economic Development, Russia's GDP grew by 7.7% YoY in February after expanding by 4.6% in January, owing to strong fiscal stimulus, high military spending, invigorating consumer demand and investments. We foresee R

Russia’s Inflation Remained Steady at 7.7% in March

April 10, 2024 8:21 PM UTC

Bottom Line: After hitting 7.4% YoY in January and December, the inflation rate remained stable at a one-year peak of 7.7% YoY in March after February. We think stubborn price pressures continue to be strong due to high military spending, currency weakening particularly after March 11, tight labour

March Outlook: Europe in Focus, Then Elections Around the World

April 3, 2024 9:00 AM UTC

Asset Allocation: Pausing for Breath

April 2, 2024 9:00 AM UTC

Into Q2, data and policy (actual and perceived) will dominate DM markets. The ECB will likely take the spotlight with a 25bps cut on June 7, as the Fed face a better growth/more fiscal policy expansion and a tighter labor market than the EZ but also with a better productivity backdrop and outlook to

March Outlook: Europe in Focus, Then Elections Around the World

March 27, 2024 9:00 AM UTC

EMEA Outlook: Elections Set the Scene in Q2

March 25, 2024 2:00 PM UTC

·     Unlike South Africa and Russia, Turkiye continued with tightening monetary policy in Q1 due to stubborn inflation, pressure on FX and reserves. Meanwhile, Russia and South Africa halted their tightening cycles as of 2024 and will likely start cutting interest rates in Q3 depending on how

Outlook Overview: Europe in Focus, Then Elections Around the World

March 25, 2024 11:15 AM UTC

CBR Keeps the Key Rate Constant at 16%

March 22, 2024 10:55 AM UTC

Bottom Line: As we envisaged, Central Bank of Russia (CBR) announced on March 22 that it decided to keep the policy rate unchanged at 16% for the second meeting in a row, despite inflationary pressures remaining elevated, and currency weakening continued. We expect the CBR to hold the key rate stab

Russian Presidential Election: Putin Moves Towards His Fifth Term in Kremlin

March 15, 2024 10:29 AM UTC

Bottom line: We foresee two possible outcomes of Russian presidential election on March 15-17, either a Putin win (99%) or a second round on April 7 (1%), despite the latter has a very small chance to occur. We think Putin will secure his fifth term in Kremlin despite there are alleged concerns that

Russia’s Inflation Remained High at 7.7% in February

March 13, 2024 9:33 PM UTC

Bottom Line: After remaining unchanged at 7.4% YoY in January and December, we saw an uptick in the inflation hitting 7.7% in February. We think stubborn price pressures continue to be strong due to high military spending, currency weakening, tight labour market, high salaries and benefits, and invi

Russia Frozen Assets, Ukraine Reconstruction and G7-BRICS

February 29, 2024 10:55 AM UTC

Bottom Line: A number of proposals to seize or use Russia frozen assets for Ukraine reconstruction are not getting overwhelming support within the G7 and a decision could be delayed until the G7 summit in Italy June 13-15.  Concerns over the legal standing and reputational risk (China has been shif

Strong Growth Trend Continues in Russia

February 28, 2024 5:59 PM UTC

Bottom Line: The Russian economy continued its strong growth trend, and expanded by 4.6% YoY in January 2024, thanks to high defense spending, continued consumer demand and lending, and growing wages, which also ignite increased demand and prices for products and services.

As Expected, CBR Keeps the Key Rate at 16%

February 16, 2024 1:49 PM UTC

Bottom Line: As we predicted, Central Bank of Russia (CBR) announced on February 16 that it decided to keep the policy rate unchanged at 16% after lifting the rate in the last five consecutive MPC meetings, despite inflationary pressures and expectations remaining elevated, domestic demand still out

Russia’s Inflation Remains High at 7.4% in January

February 14, 2024 7:22 PM UTC

Bottom Line: After increasing seven months in a row till December 2023, inflation remained unchanged at 7.4% YoY in January after December. We think stubborn price pressures continue to be strong due to high military spending, currency weakening, tight labour market, high salaries and benefits, and

Ukraine War Update: The Struggle for Western Support

February 13, 2024 9:39 AM UTC

Bottom Line: As we expected, the deadlock in Ukraine continues to hold as of the winter months, and protracted conflict remains active as both sides continue to failure to gain ground. The support to Ukraine from the Western Block remains fragmented despite European Union (EU) leaders unanimously ag

Russian Economy Expanded by a Fast 3.6% in 2023, Rosstat Reports

February 9, 2024 8:47 AM UTC

Bottom Line: According to Russian Statistics Service’s (Rosstat) announcement, the Russian economy grew by a strong 3.6% in 2023 from a revised 1.2% drop in 2022, thanks to fiscal stimulus, increased defense spending to boost industrial production, continued consumer demand and lending coupled wit

Military Spending is Expected to Boost Russian Economy in 2024

January 31, 2024 1:08 PM UTC

Bottom Line: Russian war spending continues to boost Russian economy as military analysts expect Russian spending on defense will rise to around 6% of GDP in 2024 from 3.9% in 2023. We foresee Russian GDP to grow by 1.3% in 2024 since strong monetary tightening is expected to suppress demand and s

January 18, 2024 10:00 AM UTC

We provide country risk reviews for EM Europe/CIS countries including Russia, Ukraine and Turkey. 

Russia’s Inflation Slightly Slows Down to 7.4% in December

January 12, 2024 10:21 PM UTC

Figure 1: CPI (YoY, % Change) and Policy Rate (%), January 2022 – December 2023
Source: Datastream, Continuum Economics
According to Rosstat figures, prices of food, non-food products and services rose by 8.16%, 5.96% and 8.33% on an annual basis in December, respectively. The consumer price index (

Webinar Recording December Outlook: Rate Cuts Into 2024

January 11, 2024 8:22 AM UTC

You can now access the webinar for the December Outlook here. 
To read the individual chapters please see the weblink below.  
Outlook Overview: Rate Cuts Into 2024 (here)
U.S. Outlook: Slower Growth to Sustain Improved Inflation Picture (here)
LatAm Outlook: Diverging Paths in 2024 (here)
China Outloo

Charting our Views December Outlook

January 8, 2024 9:05 AM UTC

Outlook Overview: Rate Cuts Into 2024 (here)
Economic Scenarios 
U.S. Outlook: Slower Growth to Sustain Improved Inflation Picture (here)
LatAm Outlook: Diverging Paths in 2024 (here)
Brazil Policy Rate and CPI Inflation (YoY, %)
China Outlook: Headwinds To China Growth (here)
Japan Outlook: Normalizing

December Outlook: Rate Cuts Into 2024

January 2, 2024 9:53 AM UTC

Outlook Overview: Rate Cuts Into 2024 (here)
U.S. Outlook: Slower Growth to Sustain Improved Inflation Picture (here)
LatAm Outlook: Diverging Paths in 2024 (here)
China Outlook: Headwinds To China Growth (here)
Japan Outlook: Normalizing Monetary Policy Soon (here)
Asia/Pacific (ex-China/Japan) Outlook:

December Outlook: Rate Cuts Into 2024

December 19, 2023 3:15 PM UTC

Japan Outlook: Normalizing Monetary Policy Soon (here)
DM FX Outlook: The Year of the Yen (here)
EM FX Outlook: USD Decline v Inflation Differentials (here)
Technical Analysis Quarterly Chartbook (here)

EM FX Outlook: USD Decline v Inflation Differentials

December 19, 2023 9:59 AM UTC

·        In spot terms, we see the Indonesian Rupiah (IDR) and Malaysian Ringgit (MYR) rising against the USD as Fed rate cuts narrow interest rate differentials and a move away from an overvalued USD occurs.  Brazilian Real (BRL) and Mexican Peso (MXN) will likely be stable against the USD

Outlook Overview: Rate Cuts Into 2024

December 18, 2023 3:42 PM UTC

·     Uncertainty still prevails around this central view.  The impact of lagged monetary tightening could be greater than our estimates and deliver mild recessions in some DM countries.  We also feel that the disinflationary process could be stronger and this would help bring inflation back

EMEA Outlook: Inflationary Pressures Remain Strong

December 18, 2023 10:01 AM UTC

Our Forecasts
Source: Continuum Economics
Risks to Our Views
Source: Continuum Economics
EMEA Dynamics:  Inflationary Concerns Remain High
EMEA economies continue to be squeezed by macroeconomic problems such as elevated inflation and financial pressures. We think country specific factors, geopolitics,

Concerned with Accelerating Inflation, CBR Lifted the Key Rate by 100bps to 16%

December 15, 2023 3:47 PM UTC

Figure 1: Policy Rate (%) and CPI (YoY, % Change), December 2021 – December 2023
Source: Datastream, Continuum Economics
In order to reduce inflation and inflation expectations, and to anchor inflation at the target level, CBR continued its tightening cycle in the fifth consecutive MPC meeting, and

Russia’s Inflation Accelerates to 7.5% in November

December 8, 2023 7:47 PM UTC

Figure 1: Inflation Rate (%, YoY), November 2022 - November 2023
Source: Datastream, Continuum Economics
According to Rosstat on December 8, prices of food, non-food products and services rose by 1.55%, 0.53% and 1.23% on a monthly basis in November, respectively. The consumer price index (CPI) edged

Russian Economy Grows by 5% in October

November 29, 2023 7:11 PM UTC

Figure 1: Industrial Production (%, YoY), October 2020 – October 2023
Source: Datastream, Continuum Economics
The Russian economy continues to grow fast in 2023 so far, after partly relieved from the negative impacts of the war in Ukraine in 2023. The Russian economy grew by a strong 5% YoY in Octob

Ukraine War: Western Support Weakens, Elections on the Horizon, Peace Negotiations Remains Unlikely

November 20, 2023 11:28 AM UTC

Market Implications: The war continues to create an increasing financial burden on Russia due to high military spending in addition to aggravation of staff shortages, elevated inflation, and trade income diminishing due to sanctions. Ukraine's economy continues to contract, inflation surges, and inf