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Tesla Q4 deliveries

In the World, World economy 14th March 2021

Beyond Tesla: Electric Cars Shift Into The Fast Lane

Kaitlyn Murphy , Wenjie Ge & Chris Buchbinder (Capital Group) | Ladies and gentlemen, start your batteries. Sure, we’ve been hearing about the advent of the electric car for a long time. But evidence is mounting that it has already arrived — ahead of schedule. Consider this: General Motors announced in January that it will stop manufacturing gas- and diesel-powered cars by 2035. This after Volkswagen, Europe’s largest automaker, disclosed plans to invest $86 billion to develop electric vehicles, digital factories and self-driving cars over the next five years.

US american rescue 1

In the World, World economy 13th March 2021

The US Delivers $1.9 Trillion Jolt Of Economic Relief: 4 Essential Reads

Bryan Keogh via The Conversation| The U.S. economy and millions of people struggling because of the pandemic are about to get a US$1.9 trillion jolt of stimulating relief. On March 10, the House of Representatives approved a version of President Joe Biden’s coronavirus package that barely squeezed through the Senate. Both votes were almost entirely along party lines. Biden signed the bill into law on March 11.  We turned to our archive to provide some context on this historic legislation. 

walmart

In the World, World economy 8th March 2021

Walmart Will Earmark $290 Bn Over 10 Years To Buy Products Made In The US

Walmart estimates the acquisition of these products, destined for sale in its stores, will mean the creation of 750,000 jobs in the country over the next few years. The company has specified that its efforts will focus on six main product categories: plastics, textiles, small appliances, processed food, medical and pharmaceutical goods, and products for its own non-sales operations.

world growth

In the World, World economy 3rd March 2021

Is China the New Champion of Globalization?

Vittorio Emanuele Parsi & Valerio Alfonso Brun | On January 25, addressing a virtual World Economic Forum, China’s President Xi Jinping not only strongly advocated for a multilateral approach to the COVID-19 pandemic but insisted on the virtues and systemic benefits of free trade and globalization. Jeopardizing those elements may introduce conflict into the international system, Xi warned, clearly referring to, although not mentioning, the US. Can China credibly profess the virtues of globalization to achieve harmony and balance in an international system if it doesn’t adhere to international law?

JoeBiden

In the World, World economy 1st March 2021

Bond Markets Warm Up To The Approval Of The US $1,9 Tr Stimulus Package In Early March

Olivia Álvarez (Monex Europe) | Joe Biden’s proposed $1,9 Tr stimulus bill will run its race in Senate next week, as House Democrats passed the legislation on Friday. The package includes $1400 direct payments to most Americans, a $400 weekly jobless benefit and an extension of unemployment insurance programs to a larger share of eligible candidates. The bill also includes $20bn for Covid-19 vaccinations, $50bn for testing and $350bn into state and local aids. The plan also aims to hike the federal minimum wage to $15/hour by 2025, although this particular amendment hangs on a thin balance.

climate change north pole

In the World, World economy 28th February 2021

Taking The Temperature On Climate Change – An Investment Perspective

Eva Cairns (Aberdeen Standard Investments) | December 2020 marked the fifth anniversary of the Paris Climate Agreement. For all the promises made during the talks, countries have already fallen woefully behind on their commitments to limit global warming. But could the narrative be shifting? Client demand for Paris-aligned investment solutions is growing rapidly. For example, the UN Net Zero Asset Owner Alliance consists of investors with combined assets of more than US$5 trillion (and growing).

Turkey Levent

In the World, World economy 27th February 2021

Three Reasons Emerging Markets Are Less Vulnerable To Another Taper Tantrum

David Rees (Schroders) | Financial markets in the emerging world suffered a wobble last month. It followed the belated “blue wave” in the US election which appeared to clear the way for a large fiscal stimulus, and sparked a sell-off in the Treasury market. The bout of volatility harked back to the Taper Tantrum that rocked EM markets in 2013. Fears of a repeat, as the US economy recovers this year, have become a major concern among investors.

rare earths

In the World, World economy 24th February 2021

Rare Earths Management: A New Weapon For China

Intermoney | Last week, the Chinese authorities intentionally leaked their consultations to limit rare earth exports in order to see the effects on the armaments sector of rivals such as the US. In particular, China focused on the F-35 fighter-bomber, which requires 417 kilograms of rare earths for its prodcution. Thus, China will manage rare earths as a new weapon, but will be cautious to ensure that restrictions on their access or prices do not generate a crisis like the one caused by oil in the last century seventies.

silicon valley

In the World, World economy 21st February 2021

Tech Exodus: Is Silicon Valley in Trouble?

Hans-Georg Betz | At the end of last year, Elon Musk announced that he was going to leave Silicon Valley to find greener pastures in Texas. To be more precise, Austin, Texas. Austin is not only the capital of the Lone Star State. It also happens to be an oasis of liberalism in a predominantly red state. Recently, there has been a lot of talk about the “tech exodus” from Silicon Valley. Michael Lind, the influential social analyst and pundit who also happens to teach at UT, has preferred to speak of a “Texodus,” as local patriotism obligates.