March Outlook: Navigating the Turbulence

March 27, 2025 10:30 AM UTC

All chapters of the March Outlook are now available and simply click the link below. 

Outlook Overview: Navigating the Turbulence

March 26, 2025 9:30 AM UTC

·       More tariffs will arrive from the U.S. from April with product (car, pharma, semiconductors and lumber) and reciprocal tariffs. President Trump has a 3-part approach to tariffs to raise (tax) revenue; bring production back to the U.S. and get fairer trade deals.  This means some of t

EMFX Outlook: Divergence versus the USD

March 26, 2025 9:16 AM UTC

EM currencies will be helped by the ongoing USD downtrend against DM currencies, but prospects also depend on relative inflation differentials versus the USD and starting point in terms of valuations.  The Brazilian Real (BRL), Mexican Peso (MXN) and Indonesian Rupiah (IDR) should all make modest s

EMEA Outlook: Mixed Prospects Due to Global Uncertainties and Domestic Dynamics

March 25, 2025 7:00 AM UTC

·     In South Africa, we foresee average headline inflation will stand at 4.1% and 4.5% in 2025 and 2026, respectively, despite there are upside risks to inflation such as remaining power cuts (loadshedding), tariff hikes by Eskom, spike in food and housing prices, and global uncertainties. We

Third Straight Cut: CBRT Reduced the Key Rate to 42.5%

March 6, 2025 12:08 PM UTC

Bottom Line: After inflation softened more-than-expectations to 39.1% in February, the lowest in 20 months, the easing cycle continued on March 6 as Central Bank of Turkiye (CBRT) reduced the policy rate by 250 bps to 42.5%. The decision was supported by domestic demand remaining at disinflationary

Turkiye’s Inflation Decelerated More Than Expectations in February, Now Below 40% YoY

March 3, 2025 11:14 AM UTC

Bottom line: Turkish Statistical Institute (TUIK) announced on March 3 that the inflation softened to 39.1% y/y in February from 42.1% y/y in January. We think lagged impacts of previous tightening, relative Turkish lira (TRY) stability, and less-than-expected hike in minimum wage in January contin

EM Europe and CIS: Select Country Risk Ratings

March 3, 2025 11:00 AM UTC

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

As Predicted, Turkiye's 2024 GDP Growth Hit 3.2% YoY

February 28, 2025 12:03 PM UTC

Bottom Line: Turkish Statistical Institute (TUIK) announced on February 28 that Turkish economy expanded by 3.0% in Q4 2024, and 3.2% YoY in full-year 2024, backed by accelerated private consumption and robust investments, despite the weight of high interest rates.

CBRT Increased Its End-Year Inflation Forecast from 21% to 24%

February 10, 2025 3:08 PM UTC

Bottom Line: Central Bank of Turkiye (CBRT) released its first quarterly inflation report of the year on February 7, and revised its inflation forecast for 2025. CBRT now projects that inflation will stand at 24% at the end of 2025, 12% next year and 8% in 2027. CBRT governor Karahan said the revisi

Turkish Inflation Continued to Decelerate in January

February 3, 2025 8:19 AM UTC

Bottom line: Turkish Statistical Institute (TUIK) announced on February 3 that consumer price index (CPI) softened to 42.1% y/y in January with education, health, and housing prices leading the rise in the index. We think lagged impacts of previous tightening, relative Turkish lira (TRY) stability,

Turkiye Inflation Preview: CPI is Expected to Continue Decelerating in January

January 29, 2025 1:24 PM UTC

Bottom line: After easing to 44.4% annually in December, we expect consumer price index (CPI) to cool further down to 41-42% y/y in January, which will be announced on February 3. We think lagged impacts of monetary tightening, relative Turkish lira (TRY) stability, and less-than expected hike in

As Expected, CBRT Continued its Easing Cycle on January 23

January 23, 2025 12:06 PM UTC

Bottom Line: After Central Bank of Turkiye (CBRT) lowered its key policy rate to 47.5% on December 26, the easing cycle continued on January 23 as CBRT reduced the policy rate by 250 bps to 45% backed by the deceleration trend in inflation continued in December, monthly inflation stood below expecta

Turkiye MPC Preview: CBRT will Likely Continue its Easing Cycle on January 23

January 16, 2025 3:09 PM UTC

Bottom Line: After Central Bank of Turkiye (CBRT) lowered its key policy rate by 250 bps to 47.5% on December 26, we believe the rate cuts will continue during the MPC meeting scheduled for January 23. CBRT will likely reduce the policy rate by 250 bps to 45% as the deceleration trend in inflation c

Cyberattacks and AI Misinformation: Market and Economic Fallout

January 13, 2025 8:10 AM UTC

   A major cyberattack is a tail risk, while a huge AI misinformation crisis is a modest crisis in our view.  Russia/China and Iran are less likely to launch a state sponsored cyberattack for geopolitical reasons and also uncertainty over president elect Donald Trump’s response.  A huge AI mis

Unemployment Rate Hits 8.6% in November in Turkiye

January 10, 2025 4:38 PM UTC

Bottom line: According to Turkish Statistical Institute’s (TUIK) figures announced on January 10, the unemployment rate declined to 8.6% in November from 8.7% in October. The number of jobless dropped 84,000 from October to 3.07 million in November, the data showed. As unemployment rate continue

2025 will be Key for CBRT

January 8, 2025 3:06 PM UTC

Bottom Line: After Central Bank of Turkiye (CBRT) lowered its key policy rate by 250 bps to 47.5% on December 26, which was the first rate cut in around two years, we believe the rate cuts will continue in 2025 following inflation fighting drive in 2024 while our end year key rate prediction remains

Inflation Falls More Than Expectations in December: 44.4% YoY

January 3, 2025 11:34 AM UTC

Bottom line: Inflation fell more than expected to 44.4% annually in November supported by benign food prices and relative TRY stability. We envisage that inflation will continue to decelerate in Q1 2025 by moderate slowdown in domestic demand and credit growth, and will likely be helped by lower-t

December Outlook: The Trump Effect- Tariffs, Fiscal Shifts and Geopolitics

December 30, 2024 8:05 AM UTC

All chapters of the December Outlook are now available and simply click the link below. 

First Cut Since 2023: CBRT Lowered Key Rate to 47.5%

December 26, 2024 3:14 PM UTC

Bottom Line: Central Bank of Turkiye (CBRT) lowered its key policy rate by 250 bps to 47.5% on December 26 which was the first rate cut in around two years, but said it would remain cautious about future cuts. In its press release, CBRT cited a flat underlying trend of inflation in November and sugg

December Outlook Webinar on Jan 7: The Trump Effect- Tariffs, Fiscal Shifts and Geopolitics

December 24, 2024 8:30 AM UTC

    The U.S. economy’s momentum remains reasonable before the impact of President-elect Trump’s policies in 2025 and 2026.  While high uncertainty exists on the scale and timing of policy, the strategic bias is clear – sizeable tax cuts that will boost the budget deficit; tariffs (threats

December Outlook: The Trump Effect- Tariffs, Fiscal Shifts and Geopolitics

December 20, 2024 12:15 PM UTC

All chapters of the December Outlook are now available and simply click the link below. 

EMFX Outlook: Hit From Tariffs, Before Divergence

December 20, 2024 10:00 AM UTC

·        EM currencies on a spot basis will remain on the defensive in H1 2025, as we see the U.S. threatening and then introducing tariffs on China imports – 30% against the current average of 20%. China’s response will likely include a Yuan (CNY) depreciation to the 7.65 area on USD/CN

Outlook Overview: The Trump Effect- Tariffs, Fiscal Shifts and Geopolitics

December 19, 2024 9:25 AM UTC

·        The U.S. economy momentum remains reasonable before President elect Trump’s policies impact in 2025 and 2026.  While high uncertainty exists on the scale and timing of policies, the strategic bias is clear – sizeable tax cuts that will boost the budget deficit; tariffs (threats

Jan 7 Outlook Webinar: The Trump Effect- Tariffs, Fiscal Shifts and Geopolitics

December 18, 2024 1:23 PM UTC

    The U.S. economy’s momentum remains reasonable before the impact of President-elect Trump’s policies in 2025 and 2026.  While high uncertainty exists on the scale and timing of policy, the strategic bias is clear – sizeable tax cuts that will boost the budget deficit; tariffs (threats

EMEA Outlook: Rate Cuts in 2025 Despite Global Uncertainties

December 17, 2024 8:00 AM UTC

·     In South Africa, our end-year policy rate prediction remains at 7.0% for 2025 and 6.5% for 2026.  We foresee headline inflation will fall to 4.2% and 4.6% in 2025 and 2026, respectively, considering power cuts (loadshedding) are relieved and the domestic fiscal outlook is moderately stab

EM Europe and CIS: Select Country Risk Ratings

December 10, 2024 11:00 AM UTC

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

Inflation Falls Less Than Expectations in November: 47.1% YoY

December 3, 2024 1:23 PM UTC

Bottom line: Inflation was higher than expected at 47.1% annually in November as food prices and housing costs continued to build. We envisage that inflation will continue to decelerate in December and in Q1 2025 by moderate slowdown in domestic demand and credit growth, but the extent of the dec

Deceleration Continues: Turkiye's GDP Growth Hits 2.1% YoY in Q3

November 29, 2024 3:12 PM UTC

Bottom Line: Turkish Statistical Institute (TUIK) announced on November 29 that Turkish economy expanded by 2.1% YoY in Q3 driven by higher contribution from net exports. As we expected, the pace of the GDP growth decelerated in Q3, when compared to Q1 and Q2, as demand ebbed - especially in the se

No Surprises: CBRT Held Key Rate Stable at 50% on November 21

November 21, 2024 11:48 AM UTC

Bottom Line: Central Bank of Turkiye (CBRT) kept the policy rate stable at 50% for the eighth consecutive month on November 21. In its press release, CBRT highlighted that tight monetary stance will be maintained until a significant and sustained decline in the underlying trend of monthly inflation

Marginal Fall in October: Turkiye’s CPI Cooled off to 48.1% YoY

November 4, 2024 3:30 PM UTC

Bottom line: After CPI plummeted to 49.4% y/y in September backed by the lagged impacts of the tightening cycle, relative slowdown in credit growth, and tighter fiscal stance, inflation hit 48.6% in October as food, education and rental pricing pressures continued to build while the deceleration p

BRICS Summit 2024: Kazan Declaration not a Game Changer

October 28, 2024 11:41 AM UTC

Bottom Line: The BRICS Summit, which was held in Kazan on October 22-24, was the first summit following BRICS has expanded to include Ethiopia, Iran, Egypt and the United Arab Emirates. Despite expectations, Kazan deceleration, which was a joint statement signed after the summit, is not a game-chan

EM Europe and CIS: Select Country Risk Ratings

October 22, 2024 10:00 AM UTC

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

CBRT Continued to Hold Key Rate Stable at 50% for Seventh Consecutive Meeting

October 17, 2024 4:27 PM UTC

Bottom Line: Central Bank of Turkiye (CBRT) kept the policy rate stable at 50% for the seventh consecutive month on October 17. CBRT’s press release remained almost unchanged, as the regulator highlighted that tight monetary stance will be maintained until a significant and sustained decline in th

Turkiye Unveils New Medium Term Program Towards 2024-2027

October 15, 2024 6:30 PM UTC

Bottom Line: Turkiye announced the Medium-Term Program (MTP) for 2024-2027 on September 5. According to the announcement, the main goal of the program aims to bring inflation down to single digits, and ensure price stability. GDP growth aimed to accelerate to 4% next year, 4.5% in 2026 and 5% in 202

Turkiye Inflation Review: CPI Decelerated to 49.4% YoY in September Indicating a Positive Real Interest Rate

October 3, 2024 9:32 AM UTC

Bottom line: As we envisaged, CPI cooled off to 49.4% y/y in September from 51.9% in August backed by the lagged impacts of the tightening cycle, relative slowdown in credit growth, and tighter fiscal stance but the deceleration pace was less-than expected. We continue to think the falling trend wi

Turkiye Inflation Preview: CPI will Continue to Decelerate in September

September 30, 2024 11:40 AM UTC

Bottom line: After easing to 51.9% y/y in August from 61.8% y/y in July due to favorable base effects, the lagged impacts of the tightening cycle, relative slowdown in credit growth, and tighter fiscal stance, we expect the falling trend will continue in September supported by moderate slowdown in

September Outlook: Rate Cuts But How Far?

September 27, 2024 7:44 AM UTC

The 15 chapters of our September 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.

EM FX Outlook: Fed Easing Helps but Divergent Trends

September 26, 2024 8:00 AM UTC

  USD strength is ebbing across the board, which provides a positive force for most EM currencies on a spot basis.  However, where inflation differentials are large, the downward pressure will remain in 2025 e.g. Turkish Lira (TRY).  Where inflation differentials are modest against the U.S., but

Outlook Overview: Rate Cuts But How Far?

September 25, 2024 7:30 AM UTC

·        The U.S. economy is slowing, with the critical question being whether this is a soft or harder landing.  Our broad analysis leaves us inclined to the soft landing view into 2025, though we shall watch real sector data closely over the next 3-6 months to check the trajectory.  Else

EMEA Outlook: Rate Cuts Loading in 2025

September 25, 2024 7:00 AM UTC

·     In Turkiye, we still foresee upside risks emanating from buoyant domestic demand, the stickiness of services inflation, and adverse geopolitical impacts leading average inflation to stand at 58.8% and 35.3% in 2024 and 2025, respectively. We think Central Bank of Republic of Turkiye (CBRT

No Surprises as CBRT Continued to Hold Key Rate Stable at 50% on September 19

September 19, 2024 1:11 PM UTC

Bottom Line: As predictions were centred around no change, Central Bank of Turkiye (CBRT) kept the policy rate stable at 50% for the sixth consecutive month on September 19. CBRT reiterated in a statement that tight monetary stance will be maintained until a significant and sustained decline in the

Sep 27 Outlook Webinar: Rate Cuts But How Far?

September 15, 2024 10:30 AM UTC

    Uncertainty about whether the U.S. economy will have a soft or hard landing is growing as the market approaches Q4.  This is shaping the debate regarding the scale of easing through the remainder of 2024 and 2025 by the Fed.  European easing is underway, but how much further will central ba

Turkiye Inflation Review: CPI Further Cooled Off to 51.9% in August

September 3, 2024 12:18 PM UTC

Bottom line: After easing to 61.8% y/y in July down from 71.6% annually in June, consumer price index (CPI) cooled further down to 51.9% y/y in August backed by the favourable base effects, tightened monetary and fiscal policies, additional macro prudential measures and relative slowdown in credit

Turkiye's GDP Growth Decelerates in Q2 with 2.5% YoY

September 2, 2024 7:39 AM UTC

Bottom Line: Turkish Statistical Institute (TUIK) announced on September 2 that Turkish economy expanded by 2.5% YoY in Q2, after growing by a strong 5.7% in Q1 driven by the buoyant demand and government spending. As we expected, the pace of the GDP growth decelerated in Q2 while we envisage the de

CBRT Remains Cautious Holding Key Rate at 50% Despite Recent Fall in Inflation

August 29, 2024 10:24 AM UTC

Bottom Line: Central Bank of Turkiye (CBRT) recently released its summary of the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) meeting after keeping the policy rate stable at 50% on August 20. CBRT said in its summary that tight monetary stance will be maintained until a significant and sustained decline in the u

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

CBRT Keeps Its End-Year Inflation Forecast Unchanged at 38%

August 8, 2024 12:00 PM UTC

Bottom Line: Central Bank of Turkiye (CBRT) released its third quarterly inflation report of the year on August 8, and did not change its inflation forecasts and policy guidance. CBRT projects that inflation will fall to 38% at the end of 2024, and kept its forecasts for 2025 and 2026 unchanged at 1

Turkiye Inflation Review: CPI Cooled Off to 61.8% in July

August 5, 2024 10:39 AM UTC

Bottom line: After easing to 71.6% annually and 1.6% monthly in June, down from 75.5% in May, consumer price index (CPI) cooled further down to 61.8% y/y in July. As we expected, favourable base effects, tightened monetary and fiscal policies, additional macro prudential measures, and relative Tur

Turkiye Inflation Preview: CPI is Expected to Cool Down in July

August 1, 2024 4:52 PM UTC

Bottom line: After easing to 71.6% annually and 1.6% monthly in June, down from 75.5% in May, we expect consumer price index (CPI) to cool further down to 64-67% y/y in July. We predict favourable base effects, tightened monetary and fiscal policies, additional macro prudential measures, and relat