Markets: Rate Cuts or Geopolitics?

October 2, 2024 9:36 AM UTC

Israel will likely counteract Iran, which will prompt a further missile attack by Iran.  However, our bias remains that Israel main aim is to have a buffer zone in southern Lebanon up to the Latani river and not fight a prolonged war with Iran.  This limits the economic fallout globally and on oil

Futures & Options Frenzy: Retail Investors Suffer as SEBI Plans Rescue

October 1, 2024 10:05 AM UTC

Retail investors in India’s futures and options (F&O) market incurred losses of USD 21.6bn over three years, with 93% of traders losing money. SEBI is planning new measures, including raising the minimum contract size and tightening risk management rules, to curb speculative trading and protect in

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

Israel/Hezbollah Scenarios

September 30, 2024 9:26 AM UTC

The most likely scenarios between Israel and Hezbollah are Israel/Hezbollah intermittent attacks/counterattacks (40%) or significant ground invasion Southern Lebanon (45%).  Both would be difficult in human terms and raise geopolitical tensions, but are unlikely to cause a lasting impact on global

Banxico Review: 25bps Cut as Expected, But Not Unanimous

September 27, 2024 12:58 PM UTC

Banxico cut the policy rate by 25 bps to 10.5%, but the decision was not unanimous, with one dissenter favoring a higher rate. Weak domestic growth and softening core CPI suggest further cuts are likely, though caution is needed due to market volatility. Banxico’s minutes will provide more clarity

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.

Outlook Forecasts to download in Excel

September 26, 2024 12:30 PM UTC

Below is an Excel file that contains our headline forecasts for GDP, Inflation, Monetary Policy, and Exchange Rates.

Asia/Pacific (ex-China/Japan) Outlook: Shifting Gears for Growth

September 25, 2024 7:57 AM UTC

Emerging Asian economies are poised to remain the fastest growing globally. India and Southeast Asia will drive regional resilience amid China’s cooling growth engine in 2025. For India, while the external environment remains challenging due to weaker global demand and geopolitical tensions, domes

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

LatAm Outlook: Diverging Patterns

September 24, 2024 12:54 PM UTC

·       Brazil and Mexico started to diverge in terms of growth. While we see Brazil GDP growing above 3.0% in 2024 (pushed by the internal demand), we see Mexico’s growth decelerating to 1.3%, due to weaker demand from U.S. and contractionary monetary policy. In 2025, we see Brazil growing

China Outlook: Unbalanced Growth and Slowing

September 24, 2024 8:54 AM UTC

      Growth is benefitting from momentum in public investment/exports and high tech production.  However, domestic demand is slower and this is a drag on H2 2024 and 2025 growth prospects.  Aside from the ongoing negative drag from the residential construction crisis, consumption is also softe

China Steps Up Support, But Not a Game changer

September 24, 2024 8:39 AM UTC

China has surprised and cut the 7 day reverse repo rate by 20bps to 1.5%, with a 50bps cuts in the RRR rate.  Combined with other measures this is a step-up in support and could help GDP on the margin, but the measures are not game changers as monetary policy is currently ineffective.  While furth

Commodities Outlook: Fragile Foundations

September 23, 2024 9:30 AM UTC

Oil prices in the short to medium term will be shaped by demand in China and the U.S. In particular, we expect weak data in China to continue weighting on oil prices in Q4 2024, with limited upside risks from supply-side developments. In 2025, demand growth will likely remain slow in the first half,

South Africa’s Inflation Dips Below Midpoint Target with 4.4% YoY in August

September 18, 2024 9:01 AM UTC

Bottom Line: After inflation decreased to 4.6% YoY in July due to slowdown in costs for food, fuel, housing and transportation, the downward trend continued in August and CPI hit 4.4% YoY given suspended power cuts (loadshedding), a relatively stable Rand (ZAR), decrease in inflation expectations co

China Banking Stress Tests: The Good, The Bad and the Ugly

September 18, 2024 8:05 AM UTC

The good news is that China’s 19 major domestic systemically important banks (D-SIB’s and 72% of loans) hold up well under most solvency and liquidity tests, though some capital shortfalls start to appear with a moderate or severe NPL sensitivity shock scenario.  The safety net would likely be

China: Weak August Data

September 16, 2024 6:58 AM UTC

China August data was worse than expected and confirms the weak trend in H2, with retail sales a real worry. The government risks missing the 5% growth target for 2024 and targeted fiscal policy moves are likely, but need to be implemented quickly.  10bps cut in the 7 day reverse repo rate is also

India CPI Review: India's Inflation Edges Up to 3.65% in August, Staying Below RBI Target

September 16, 2024 6:55 AM UTC

Bottom line: India’s August rose to 3.6% yr/yr, rising marginally from 3.53% y/y in July, reflecting higher food prices. Anticipate increased inflation over Q4, as festive demand drives up prices and the high base effects drop out of the equation. 

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

Brazil CPI Review: Drop on Electricity Prices Warrants Stability in August

September 11, 2024 10:31 PM UTC

In August, Brazil’s CPI remained stable at 0% month-over-month, with the year-over-year rate dropping to 4.2% from 4.5% in July. This stability was driven by declines in the Housing group and food prices. Education and household expenditures increased by 0.7%, while the Transport group stayed unch

High Inflation Continues to Dominate Russian Economy: 9.1% YoY in August

September 11, 2024 6:44 PM UTC

Bottom Line: According to Russian Federal Statistics Service data released on September 11, inflation stayed at 9.1% YoY in August after July, the highest reading since February 2023, due to adverse base effects, strong military spending, high domestic demand, tight labor market, continued expansion

India CPI Review: Easing Prices, but Monsoon Risks Loom

September 10, 2024 9:14 AM UTC

Bottom line: India’s August inflation level is expected to trend down to 3.5% yr/yr, from 3.53% y/y in July, reflecting higher base effects. Interest rate cut is unlikely though as the RBI perceives this as a temporary reprieve. 

China Equities: More of the Same or Game changing Policies

September 9, 2024 9:15 AM UTC

 We remain strategically underweight China Equities in global and EM equity baskets, due to the structural slowing of growth and low EPS prospects. Event risk around the U.S. presidential election will also start to be considered.  Further targeted policies from China authorities could cause inter

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

Country Risk in MENA

September 3, 2024 10:00 AM UTC

Country risk in Middle East and North Africa is impacted by the ongoing war in Gaza, alongside reviews of Bahrain, Egypt, Iran and Qatar.     

China Harder Landing Scenario

September 2, 2024 10:55 AM UTC

 We see a 30% probability of a harder landing in China GDP growth in 2025, which we most likely be in the 3-4% region but could persist into 2026 (Figure 1).  A large than projected slowdown in consumption would be a key concern, alongside persistently moderate negative deductions from residential

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

India GDP Review: A Sobering Start to FY25

September 1, 2024 1:53 PM UTC

India’s GDP growth slowed to 6.7% yr/yr in Q1 FY25, falling short of expectations, as reduced public spending during the election period weighed on economic activity. Strong private consumption and investment provided some support, but a decline in manufacturing growth and weak external trade damp

Strong Military Spending and Investment Growth Help Russian Economy Expand by 3.4% YoY in July

August 30, 2024 12:13 PM UTC

Bottom Line: According to the preliminary figures announced by the Russian Ministry of Economic Development, Russia's GDP grew by 3.4% YoY in June after expanding by 3% YoY in June driven by military production and investments. We foresee Russian economy will expand by 2.5% in 2024 despite aggress

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

Asia Country Risk Ratings

August 29, 2024 10:00 AM UTC

We provide country risk reviews for Asia countries including China and Taiwan.  

China Consumer Volatility

August 28, 2024 1:30 PM UTC

China consumption patterns are divergent; slowing and becoming more volatile at a sub sector level.  Less certainty over new employment and wage growth, plus wealth worries over housing are some of the causes.  We forecast GDP to slow in H2 and be 4.0% in 2025.

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

Israel/Hezbollah War Risks

August 26, 2024 8:02 AM UTC

The probability of an Israel/Hezbollah war in the next 12 months has move up from low to modest probability, but would be a high impact event geopolitically and for global markets.  For global markets, a distinction would be drawn between an Israel/Hezbollah war that did not involve Iran/U.S. and o

Hajj Surge and Trade Squeeze Drive Indonesia's Q2 Deficit Higher

August 26, 2024 6:58 AM UTC

Indonesia's current account deficit widened to US$ 3.0bn in Q2 2024, driven by a higher services deficit from increased Hajj travel and a narrowing trade surplus. Strong portfolio investment inflows helped offset some pressures, but FDI inflows fell sharply. The H1 deficit reached US$ 5.4bn, up from

India GDP Preview: Slowing Growth, Solid Prospects

August 26, 2024 6:04 AM UTC

India’s Q1 FY25 (Apr-Jun) GDP is expected to moderateto 7% yr/yr. The slowdown is expected on the back of limited government spending and sluggish urban demand. Additionally, high interest rates and inflation are expected to have been a drag on growth. 

Rupiah Gains Ground: BI Stays Cautious on Rate Cuts

August 22, 2024 11:26 AM UTC

Bank Indonesia held its key interest rate at 6.25% to stabilise the rupiah and attract FX inflows, while maintaining interventions in the FX and bond markets. Inflation remains within target, and GDP growth forecasts are steady. Future rate cuts depend on US Federal Reserve actions. A 25bps cut is e

China Housing Bailout: More Needed

August 21, 2024 9:00 AM UTC

Though China’s authorities have taken some action to help the residential construction sector, the negative drags from the huge excess completed housing and uncompleted projects continues to weigh directly on the construction/steel and cement sector and consumer confidence. Aggressive policy actio

China Data: Soft Start to Q3

August 15, 2024 6:40 AM UTC

Overall, the July data is consistent with our forecast of a weaker H2 and we still look for 4.7% GDP growth for 2024.  The data is also consistent with our forecast of 4.0% in 2025 GDP growth.  Consumption behavior could stall further and cause more of a drag than we anticipate and we now see a 30

South Africa’s Inflation is Expected to Continue its Downward Trend in July

August 14, 2024 1:56 PM UTC

Bottom Line: After inflation decreased to 5.1% YoY in June due to slowdown in costs for food, fuel and transportation, we now foresee that the downward trend will continue in July and CPI will further slow down to 4.9% - 5.0% Yr/Yr given suspended power cuts (loadshedding), a stable Rand (ZAR), fall

India CPI Review: Cooling Inflation - Will India’s RBI Shift Gears?

August 13, 2024 8:02 AM UTC

India's inflation cooled to 3.54% yr/yr in July, marking its lowest in nearly five years and slipping below the RBI's 4% target. With food prices driving the decline, the central bank may now consider a rate cut. However, future inflation risks remain amid uncertain monsoon patterns and global price

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

Banxico Review: 25bps Cut Amid the Risk

August 9, 2024 1:08 PM UTC

Banxico narrowly voted (3-2) to cut the policy rate by 25bps, despite rising headline inflation and peso depreciation. Core inflation is declining, standing at 4% year-over-year, with expectations of further decreases. Inflation is projected to hit the 3% target by Q4 2025. Future rate decisions wil

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

India's Budget FY25: Assessing the Promises and Pitfalls

August 4, 2024 3:40 PM UTC

India’s FY25 budget presented by the Finance Minister continues the trend of incremental reforms, with a focus on predictable continuities. Anchored in themes of poor, women, youth and farmer, the budget aims to balance fiscal prudence with targeted growth initiatives. However, the budget's cautio