In The News

Global Sell-off Shows Fed Reach Beyond the US

Nathaniel Popper June 21, 2013
The activities of world’s central banks are intertwined in complex ways that are more apparent. The Federal Reserve, the US central bank, reviews international variables before setting policy and recognizes that its actions affect growth and inflation in foreign economies. Overseeing the largest economy while actively intervening on economic matters, the Federal Reserve is in the position that...

Latin America Reacts to Changes in Fed Spending

Krista Hughes June 20, 2013
Latin America has outperformed other emerging markets in attracting foreign investment. However, the significant liquidity of Latin American currencies means that Latin America is the “high beta,” abruptly reacting to what is happening in the US economy, suggests Krista Hughes for Reuters. The mere hint of reduced spending from the US Federal Reserve, signaling a potential rise in interest rates...

Why India Trails China

Amartya Sen June 20, 2013
India as a democracy has made great strides in education, poverty reduction and economic reform, but the country, destined to the world’s most populous, still lags behind China. “The far greater gap between India and China is in the provision of essential public services — a failing that depresses living standards and is a persistent drag on growth,” writes Amartya Sen in an opinion essay for the...

Ostrich Diplomacy

June 17, 2013
Henrique Capriles came close to winning Venezuela’s special presidential election in April, held after the death of Hugo Chavez. Capriles is challenging the results and seeking support in neighboring countries. Yet they are discovering that they incur wrath in Venezuela by putting out the welcome mat out for him. A one-hour meeting between Colombia’s President and Capriles led to an uproar....

Analysis: Iran Moderate's Poll Triumph Is Mandate for Change

Marcus George June 17, 2013
Iranian voters selected moderate Hassan Rohani to replace Mahmoud Ahmadinejad as president, thus urging a conciliatory tone in world affairs from their leaders. Iranians are “weary of years of economic isolation and tightening political restrictions,” writes Marcus George for Reuters. The election is described as appearing “free and fair,” although leading reformists were not permitted to run....

Brazil “to Write Off' African Debt

June 13, 2013
Amid expansion of economic ties with Africa, Brazil will restructure almost $900 million worth of debt with 12 African countries: oil- and gas-rich Congo-Brazzaville, Tanzania and Zambia as well as Ivory Coast, Gabon, Guinea, Guinea Bissau, Mauritania, Democratic Republic of Congo, Sao Tome and Principe, Senegal and Sudan. The South American giant has also opened 19 new embassies in Africa in the...

The New New World

June 13, 2013
As the debt crisis lingers in Europe, many countries cease to be magnets for mobile hands and brains. Confronting high unemployment rates at home, Europeans are shedding a fear of relocation, and new talent is heading toward developing countries with fast-growing economies like Mexico and Brazil. According to the World Bank, remittances from Brazil to Portugal are now greater than those from...