Economic Comment Dutch version
On 19 February, European leaders reached an agreement on reforming British EU membership. Despite some gains, Cameron also had to make concessions and as a result, secured fewer reforms than he had promised ahead of the EU-summit.
Economic Comment
Following a court ruling in new York on 19 February Argentina is one step closer to solving a 15 year old debt saga and to regaining access to international markets. However, several conditions have to be met first.
Column
Het is inmiddels een bekend fenomeen: eenmaal in de zoveel tijd blijkt dat de beurzen toch te optimistisch zijn en de groei tegenvalt. Maar daar zou het niet om moeten gaan. Stagnatie zou best eens de oplossing kunnen zijn.
Country Report
The Australian economy remains resilient. After the mining investment boom, the economy is now primarily driven by net exports and consumption. Meanwhile, the housing market softened due to tightened lending standards to housing investors.
Country Report
Economic growth in Indonesia slowed down in 2015 to a post Global Financial Crisis low, mainly due to weak external demand. We expect a gradual economic recovery in 2016, driven by rising infrastructure investments due to a more decisive government.
Country Report
Growth in Malaysia slowed down as a result of lower commodity prices. The involvement of PM Najib in a large corruption scandal is hurting his position and international investors’ confidence. This has resulted in increased external pressure on the economy and the balance of payments.
Economic Report
Sterke groei in Azië is belangrijk geweest voor de regio zelf en de rest van de wereld. De rol van China neemt toe, hier ligt de kracht, maar ook de kwetsbaarheid. Het perspectief blijft echter goed; we zien onder meer kansen voor voedsel-gerelateerde sectoren.
Economic Report
A balance of payments crisis is unlikely in today’s Asia. Most countries have improved their current accounts and FX reserves. The rising debt load may however pose problems, although it nowadays is mainly local currency denominated.
Economic Report
Strong economic growth has diminished poverty in the region and will swell the ranks of the middle class. But corruption levels are high, China’s influence in the region is increasing and the dispute surrounding the South China Sea may generate stability risks.
Economic Report
Asia Pacific is a decisive component in the global food chain. Asia’s large and growing population and rising incomes will continue to drive demand for food, agricultural commodities and resources. But Asia cannot produce enough to support itself.
Economic Report
Demographics will provide headwinds in the developed countries of APAC and China, and tailwinds in South Asia. While total factor productivity growth has fallen, the innovation outlook for the APAC region is still relatively favourable.
Infographic Dutch version
China plays an increasingly important role in the Asian-Pacific region
Column
Het wordt steeds duidelijker dat de stagnatie en de historisch lage rente de wereldeconomie ontwrichten en zicht op snelle verbetering is er niet. De magie van centrale banken is uitgewerkt en het is daarom hoogste tijd om het monetaire beleid fundamenteel te herijken.
