Economics, Policy & Regulation Archives

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Economics, Policy & Regulation

THE INTANGIBLE INVESTOR

Indeed, there are those who think that the IP wars will continue to have no clear resolution or winners. The only real beneficiaries: lawyers. But commentators such as Bruce Berman argue that unless and until we can quickly sort out the real issues in the IP imbroglio, almost everyone –even the patent trolls – will lose out.

Economics, Policy & Regulation

BALTICS BOUNCE BACK

Although hit hard by the global financial crisis, Latvia, Lithuania and Estonia recovered quickly. The three countries are building ever-closer EU ties to separate themselves economically from Eastern neighbors.

Economics, Policy & Regulation

BRAZIL’s MANTEGA TAKES A HIT, STILL STANDING

Brazilian Finance minister Guido Mantega may be dealing with both internal and external headwinds, but he—and Brazil—are still standing.

Economics, Policy & Regulation

CANADA: NEW FINANCE MINISTER HAS BIG SHOES TO FILL

When, on March 18, longtime Canadian Finance minister Jim Flaherty unexpectedly announced his resignation, few were perhaps more surprised than his soon-to-be successor, Joe Oliver, the 73-year-old minister of Natural Resources.

Capital Raising & Corporate Finance

ECONOMIC REFORMS FINALLY PAY OFF FOR MEXICO

Recent economic reforms in Mexico and upgrades by rating agencies have strengthened Mexico’s position in global markets. The country’s economic performance is improving as well.

Economics, Policy & Regulation

ESCALATING SANCTIONS COULD HIT GROWTH

An escalation of sanctions on Russia stemming from its actions in Ukraine could pressure Russia’s overall economic growth. Some companies, particularly those perceived to have close ties to president Vladimir Putin and his inner circle, may have difficulties tapping the international capital markets for funding.

Capital Raising & Corporate Finance

INDONESIA REBUFFS FOREIGN INVESTORS: REVIEWS TRADE TREATIES

Only two weeks ahead of the April 9 parliamentary elections and under pressure from a billion-dollar lawsuit, the Indonesian government announced it would terminate some 67 bilateral investment treaties—which regulate investment in the country by foreigners—as they come up for renewal.

Capital Raising & Corporate Finance

SANCTIONS THREATEN RUSSIAN DEALS

Mergers and acquisitions involving Russian companies, including Morgan Stanley’s planned sale of its global oil-trading unit to Rosneft, are threatened by Western sanctions on Moscow over the Ukraine crisis.

Capital Raising & Corporate Finance

SRI LANKA: LIBERALIZING FOR GROWTH

Sri Lanka has an open business environment, but challenges—not least its recovery from the civil war that ended in 2009—remain.

Capital Raising & Corporate Finance

THE AFRICAN LIONS ROAR

REGIONAL REPORT <br /> Sub-Saharan Africa’s economic lions are pulling the continent into an unprecedented era of wealth creation and prosperity. With year-on-year growth of between 7% and 9%, Ghana, Angola, Mozambique, Zambia and Ethiopia have played a pivotal role in helping Africa’s economy triple in size since 2000.

Economics, Policy & Regulation

TURKEY: CRACKS ARE STARTING TO APPEAR

Financial markets may initially have reacted well to the reelection of the AKP and prime minister Recep Tayyip Erdoan, but his success belies deep-seated political and economic problems.

Banking

US VS THE WORLD: ROUND ONE

The fight has just begun, as newly enacted Fed rules start to cramp long-accepted operating styles of global banks. The banks are weighing what to do about it—as are global policymakers.