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In Europe 24th March 2015

Uncertainty hits global economy

MADRID | March 24, 2015 | By J.P Marín-Arrese | On face value, Europe is recovering from a bad spell while the US is growing at an invidious rate. However, the wild currency swing may yet destabilise the global economy. Janet Yellen’s remarks on the threat of an overvalued dollar were designed to preserve a balanced performance, and indeed sparked a quick reaction in exchange rates. Yet, as the ECB unfurls its massive quantitative easing programme, volatility in the currency markets could inflict further damage. 

General Motors 3 TC

Markets 18th March 2015

GM races to placate shareholders

WASHINGTON D.C. | March 18, 2015 | By  Pablo Pardo | On December 19, 2008, George W. Bush announced that the US would allocate $13.4 billion to rescue General Motors. Between April 22 and June 1, 2009, Barack Obama provided the company with $36.1. In the end, the state ended up with a 61% of the stake of what is still the second largest car manufacturer in the world.

coffee with beans

In Europe 16th March 2015

Morning briefing: US Fed language will focus attention

The Corner | March 16, 2015 | The week ahead is likely to be dominated by the FOMC meeting in the US.  Market watchers are expecting some movement on the semantics of pronouncements by the US Fed. In essence, any change in language will signal that a rates hike from the central bank is drawing closer.

A close up of a dollar note

Markets 15th March 2015

The dollar’s unsettling upsurge

MADRID | March 15, 2015 | By JP Marín Arrese | The markets have discounted an unchallenged drift upwards of the US currency, after the ECB embarked on its ambitious asset-buying scheme. Yet few anticipated the move might come so soon and reach such a rapid pace. As the Euro turns its retreat into a disorderly rout, emerging economies like Brazil are falling under unbearable pressure. The dollar’s swift upsurge has pounded global markets. 

debt ceiling word cloud1

Markets 27th February 2015

Inflation figures and Greek GDP under the spotlight on Friday

MADRID | February 27th, | The Corner | Negative inflation is likely to be of more concern to German policy makers than it is to their Spanish counterparts today, with low prices being seen as good news for Spanish consumers and the economy as a whole. Elsewhere, attention will focus on Greek GDP, with the possibility that the latest data may underline some of the lingering difficulties between Greece and its EU partners.

Fed's chairwoman Janet Yellen

World economy 26th February 2015

Janet Yellen may soon run out of patience

MADRID | February 26, 2015 | By JP Marín Arrese | The FED is back in business after years of loose monetary policy aimed at redressing an ailing economy. With the business climate markedly improving, the time is ripe to raise rates. Yet, Janet Yellen has repeatedly warned against a swift hike, instead emphasising the need for patience until the upward trend is solidly anchored. In her testimony before the Senate Committee, she noted that policy would only cover the next two FOMC meetings, sparking speculation that the move could well start in June. 

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Companies, Markets 25th February 2015

EU markets opening

MADRID | The Corner | February 25, 2015 | Spanish telecom giant Telefonica reported a drop of 34.7% in net profit, although investors celebrated revenue picture  brightening up. Elsewhere, the Spanish Producer Price Index falls again, registering a drop of 2.8% for January.

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Markets 2nd February 2015

Greek odyssey to dominate the week ahead

MADRID | By Sean Duffy | Markets will be looking to how relations between the new Greek Government and European creditor nations play out in the week ahead. After a week of tense negotiations, the stakes are increasing all the time. Greek claims of insolvancy have irked its eurozone partners, but can all sides find a middle ground in the coming days?