Economic conditions
The rally in "junk stocks" that characterized 2003 appears to be ending badly, as a clear difference has emerged between higher-quality shares and lower-quality stocks. The primary factor behind the decline of junk stocks - shares in companies with high leverage, lower-quality earnings, and greater profit volatility -
Economic conditions
Mexico's economy has shown a stronger-than-expected recovery, fueled by the high oil price, the US economic recovery, and growth in key sectors such as manufacturing and industrial production. According to recent data, the country's gross domestic product (GDP) grew at an annualized rate of 3.7%
Economic conditions
In a recent article, Ed Crooks and Kevin Morrison made a point about oil prices being comparable to those of the 1980s and 1990s when adjusted for inflation. This argument, however, is built on circular reasoning and fails to account for the real-world impact of rising oil prices on American
Economic conditions
The European Commission's proposal to issue a formal early warning to Italy over its rising budget deficit was delayed, giving Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi's government two months' breathing space. Finance Minister Giulio Tremonti promised to bring forward "timely and specific measures" to
Economic conditions
Mexico's main stock market index, the IPC (Bolsa), has risen 14.4 per cent in dollar terms this year, surpassing US markets, which are roughly flat. This unexpected gain has sparked questions on the reasons behind Mexico's performance, particularly given its economic dependence on the United
Economic conditions
Brazil's economy has been steadily recovering from the financial disaster of 2002, with inflation tamed, interest rates falling, and jobs being created. The country's economic managers are even targeting sustainable growth. According to Henrique Meirelles, Brazil's central bank president, "We have a healthy
Economic conditions
The Chinese economy has grown at an unsustainable rate of 9.9 per cent in the latest quarter, with actual GDP growth last year likely topping 11 per cent. The rapid expansion has led to frenzied investments in the steel, construction, and motor industries, causing concerns about overheating. Despite official
Economic conditions
Italy's budget deficit has become the focal point of a mounting pile of fiscal and industrial problems that the centre-right government, led by Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi, is struggling to address. Labour unrest in the automotive industry, a deepening crisis at the national airline Alitalia, and internal divisions
Economic conditions
The European Union's eastward enlargement comes into effect on May 1, welcoming 10 new countries with 75 million people into the union. This brings with it a wave of economic change, increased growth, and new challenges for both the new member states and the existing EU. The eight
Economic conditions
The London property market experienced a resurgence in the first quarter of 2004, with prices of prime property in the capital rising by 2.5 percent over the year to March, according to Knight Frank, the estate agent. This marked a significant improvement from the 1.9 percent fall recorded
Economic conditions
A rise in commodity prices, fueled by soaring commodity prices and China's growing impact on the global economy, has analysts and economists questioning whether this is a temporary blip or the beginning of a long-term upswing in the prices of commodities. Since October 2001, the Economist's
Economic conditions
China's economic growth accelerated to 9.7% in the first quarter of the year, exceeding last year's full-year growth rate of 9.1%. This rapid expansion is being driven by ambitious local authorities and a booming property sector, despite central government efforts to curb excessive credit
