Wouter joined RaboResearch Global Economics & Markets in 2020, where he focusses on ASEAN, Australia and New Zealand.
Wouter analysed the ASEAN, Australian and New Zealand economies from a macro-economicperspective. In addition Wouter covered FX of Indonesia, Philippines, Malaysia, Thailand & Vietnam. Providing short & long term view on these currencies. This included writing reports on the latest developments in the region as well as on global topics impacting aforementioned countries.
Previously, Wouter worked for Rabobank as Strategic Advisor on public private networks and international trade development. Wouter holds two master degrees: Urban, Port & Transport Economics and Strategy & Entrepreneurship Economics, both at Erasmus University.
Special
The economic effect of Omicron will be contained in Q1 before growth accelerates from Q2 onwards. However, higher prices and lower global growth, fuelled by the war in Ukraine, drag on economic growth in the second half of 2022. As such, the recovery is likely to be not as strong as it looks at face value.
Special
Developing economies are more vulnerable to new virus strains due to lower vaccination coverage, slower pace of vaccination and the nature of their vaccines. Global economic recovery and rising interest rates by major central banks increase pressure on domestic policymakers and country balance sheets.
Special
On the one hand, we expect high labour demand and labour market scarcity to increase the likelihood of wage growth. On the other hand, this upside potential is being eroded by an increased supply of labour from overseas, international competition, and structural shifts. As such, we believe it will take some time before “significant” wage growth will occur.
Special
The Australian economy is set to contract in Q3, modestly rebounding in Q4. Inflation risk are likely, as gas and freight prices rise steeply. Australia must balance existing economic ties to China with increasing geostrategic ties to the west.
Economic Update
Growth of 20.1% in India in Q2 is misleading, as economic output was disrupted by a second Covid-19 outbreak. Going forward, we expect an economic recovery as restrictions ease and mobility increases, fostering consumption and investments.
Economic Update
The transmission of the delta variant and low vaccination rates in Australia, have turned Australia from a frontrunner into a laggard. We have revised our economic forecast for 2021 downwards, as a result of the economic spillover effects of the current wave of, and projected, infections in Q3 and Q4.
Economic Report
Australia is facing new lockdowns due to the spread of the Delta variant. Nonetheless, we expect the economic impact to be less severe than last year. Inflation reached a high point of 3.8%. However, the central sees this as temporary and the RBA doesn’t expect to hike rates before 2024.
Economic Report
India’s economy rebounds quickly and economic pain of the second wave will be concentrated in the second quarter. Inflation number were above inflation target of the RBI in May and June but seem to have peaked. We expect the RBI to remain its accommodative stance for some time to come.
Special
Strong economic recovery by advanced economies is leading to increasing inflation expectations. Tighter monetary policy in advanced economies potentially threatens emerging market economic recovery. Our vulnerability Heatmap provides a comprehensive overview of important economic indicators to signal potential vulnerabilities in 18 economies.
Economic Report
The Australian economy continues to perform well and is back at pre-Covid levels, although the delta variant currently poses new challenges. The RBA doesn’t expect wage growth to occur for long despite the tightening labour market, which would make the continuation of very accommodative policy no surprise.