Moody’s downgrading 21 Spanish banks, EUFN falls near 52-week low
The other shoe has dropped on the Spanish banking sector and the heel-print has “Moody’s” on it.
Politics
How an emerging market treats its women is one of the single best predictors for its growth
There are many factors for emerging market investors to consider in buying a stock, bond or exchange traded fund. According to New York Times op-ed writer Nicholas Kristoff, how well a nation treats and educates its female populace is “…the single most cost-effective kind of aid work” that leads to economic development.
Flash note: Possible upside surprise on Greek coalition
The socialist leader of Greece’s Pasok party and former finance minister Evangelos Venizelos may be close to forming a coalition government.
Is the new Netanyahu coalition bullish for the Israeli economy?
This week Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu salvaged a coalition government in the Israeli Knesset, obviating the need for early elections.
India delays tax law; what this means for investors
The government of India’s decision to delay a controversial tax law Monday sent markets higher, even as other Asian markets fell due to concerns over Europe. However, while the tax law postponement may boost markets in the short term, this outcome is indicative of a lack of resolve by the Indian government that will hurt the Indian economy (EPI, quote) in the long run.
Greek electoral upset raises real specter of default
Up-and-coming Greek politician Alexis Tsipras says today’s voting gives him the power to cancel the austerity programs the International Monetary Fund and the European Union mandated as part of their bailout of the country.
Is there an emerging market model the developed world could learn from?
An extraordinary dialogue took place recently at a Moscow investment conference between representatives of the Russian and American economic elites.
What Bo Xilai’s ouster means for China going forward
Since March, Bo Xilai’s dismissal from his post as the head of Chongqing municipality and subsequent excommunication from the Communist Party of China (CPC) has dominated headlines in China. For Western observers and investors somewhat unfamiliar with China (FXI, quote), it has been difficult to discern what impact these events will have going forward.
Can India climb out from the downgrade?
Ratings agency Standard and Poor’s has cut India’s credit outlook to negative over multiple structural concerns plaguing India’s economy.
Massive fee hike hits Indian phone networks hard
The Indian telecom industry is known for being both scandal-ridden and expensive, but the latest license fee hike plan proves once and for all that this business — and the market around it — is not built for amateurs.