Economic Spotlight

Investors seem increasingly stressed, which is demonstrated through a more nervous financial market around the world, but it might be helpful to find a bit of zen in mega-trends.

Southeast Asia and the rest of Developing Asia need more investments, but there’s a need to be selective to ensure sustainability.

The Philippines is taking a gamble as it sets up its first sovereign wealth fund in the face of high inflation and high interest rates globally, with no cash surplus to spare.

Foreign investors will not be dancing to the tune of the Philippine Congress’ cha-cha, short for charter change, as the economy’s institutional strengths and sectoral configurations will remain the basis of any decision to invest.

Lula's approach to the country’s central bank has worsened both inflation expectations and has sent fixed income yields higher in recent months.

Historically, China started slowly within the AI development, but the sector has grown, and now everyone is rushing into "AI 2.0".

France went another nudge downwards on the rating scale at the rating agency Fitch, though this has happened before without much drama. However, this time, there were new arguments behind the downgrade, and they are worrying.

Some economists had predicted a rather severe recession for the German economy during 2023. The reality is better, though no more than that and most recently, Germany's government missed another chance for improving the situation.

In recent weeks, the fear of the banking crisis spreading in the US has increased, with some once again even talking about the perfect storm - perhaps it is in a glass of water.

Inflation continues to challenge the central banks of Western economies, and right now the outlook remains for several large interest rate hikes in Europe.