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Articles by JP Marin Arrese

About the Author

JP Marin Arrese
Juan Pedro Marín Arrese is a Madrid-based economic analyst and observer. He regularly publishes articles in the Spanish leading financial newspaper 'Expansión'.
Spanish economy's challenges

Spanish economy 25th October 2013

Spain steps out of recession

MADRID | By JP Marin Arrese | The gloomy angst triggered by the most prolonged recession ever witnessed by the Spanish economy in modern times is over. After nine successive quarters of GDP decline, the Central Bank gauges national production might have increased at a meagre 0.1% in the last quarter. This announcement has come as a bolstering relief for government. Ministers openly claim that growth is firmly back on track, the reform plans implemented last year being granted full credit in propelling the economy out of trouble.

 

usa y europa1

World economy 21st October 2013

Dysfunctionality in both sides of the Atlantic

MADRID | By JP Marin Arrese | In the aftermath of the last minute deal brokered in Congress to avoid a devastating US default, Obama warned against turning disagreement into highly disruptive “dysfunctionality”. A rather mild way to portray the utter economic wreckage any further delay in solving the debt ceiling deadlock would have prompted. Faced with a similar challenge in a couple of months, he chose to play down the reckless Republican attitude in the House, praising instead the bipartisan efforts to prevent the worst from happening.

credit rating

World economy 17th October 2013

U.S. creditworthiness at stake

MADRID | By J.P. Marín Arrese | US Congress brokered a last-minute deal to prevent sovereign default and shutdown. Yet a deep damage has been inflicted on the country’s image. Holding Medicare as a hostage happened to be a bad movement that backfired on hard-line Republicans. Unable to implement their doomsday bet, they’ve been confronted to a great amount of public pressure.

In Europe, Spanish economy 14th October 2013

Spain’s debt trap

MADRID | By JP Marin Arrese | The IMF’s warning on the hefty pile-up of corporate debt has triggered angry comments from top Spanish companies. The Washington-based institution has voiced concern about its destabilizing effect on financial solvency. A lingering recovery is likely to turn liabilities into soaring non-performing assets in banking balance sheets.

The ECB waits for Merkel

In Europe 4th October 2013

The ECB waits for Merkel

MADRID | By JP Marin Arrese | These days, the EU institutions remain on standby mode till Angela Merkel steps in. The ECB is no exception. It is switched on but not actually working. Europe is waiting for the new German government to set the new agenda’s content and rhythm.  Only then, substantive decisions could be taken.

US shutdown

World economy 3rd October 2013

No money to pay the bills

MADRID | By JP Marin Arrese | Markets are largely disregarding the Tea Party zealots’ threat to shut down both the Federal administration and the country’s ability to honour its obligations. They bet a last-ditch attempt to find a compromise, will break the current deadlock.

pensions

In Europe, Spanish economy 30th September 2013

Balancing the Spanish public pension scheme

MADRID | By JP Marin Arrese | The Spanish government is about to reform the pension system so as to improve the budgetary balance. However, the current policies will not yield results in the short or medium-term and they won’t prevent deficits from emerging.

Banking union

In Europe 24th September 2013

Don’t hurry; the banking union won’t start tomorrow

MADRID | By JP Marin Arrese | Angela Merkel is now more powerful as chancellor than before, and the Euro-sceptics have lost their influence over the future of Germany’s and Europe’s issues. However, despite all the good intentions, it is more than likely that Banking Union and the European integration will be relegated to a mere supervisory exercise.

No Picture

World economy 18th September 2013

Fed’s Wavering Mood

MADRID | By J.P. Marin Arrese | When it comes to make a decision, a central banker is not supposed to hesitate, otherwise bewilderment and dismay will take in and lead to utter economic disarray. Mr Bernanke is bound to keep his word about tapering. And he has very little time to deliver before leaving office.

barroso

In Europe 16th September 2013

State of the Union shows EU’s tied hands

MADRID | By J. P. Marin Arrese | As Barroso recently delivered his yearly “state of the Union” speech, only staunch believers in the European dream think he is in full command.  His so-called executives act as bell boys ready to carry the luggage to those national governments that run matters, especially Berlin. Managing a tiny 1% GDP budget, the Commission proves quite unable to exert any influence on the area’s economy.