IMF Working Papers-A New Strategy for Korea's Fiscal Policy in a Low Growth Environment
April 24, 2018--Summary
Adverse demographics and other structural weaknesses impinge on Korea's long-term fiscal outlook and potential growth. Moreover, inadequate social protection is creating poverty and dampening consumption. The paper presents projections of Korea's fiscal outlook, using new estimates of potential growth obtained with a novel multivariate filter.
It shows that keeping fiscal revenues-to-GDP constant would result in an explosive public debt dynamic in the long term. Then, through simulations of the Flexible System of Global Models, the paper analyzes policies to preserve fiscal sustainability, while boosting potential growth and social protection. It concludes that with greater revenue mobilization, Korea can stabilize debt-to-GDP well below “dangerous” levels. Policies to address Korea's challenges include higher targeted transfers to the most vulnerable and fiscal measures to support female labor force participation and employment, accompanied by product and labor market reforms.
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Source: IMF
These Are the Stocks to Buy If the Two Koreas Reunify, Says Nomura
April 19, 2018--'You might think it's a bit early,' Nomura's McCafferty says
Leaders of two countries to hold historic summit next week
Some might say Nomura Holdings Inc. is getting ahead of itself.
Before an historic meeting between North and South Korean leaders next week, the brokerage has a list of stocks to buy should the countries decide to reunify.
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Source: Bloomberg
4 Reasons Why Investors Should Consider Commodities
April 18, 2018--While the majority of Australian investors' portfolios tend to be very equity-heavy, in the current economic environment there may be a case for diversifying across asset classes and increasing commodities exposure.
This article looks at four of the key factors supporting a bullish view on commodities in the near-term.
1. Reflation and Releveraging
Economic reflation (a fancy word for stimulating the economy by doing things like increasing the money supply or by reducing taxes) is now in full swing globally, with synchronised growth being seen across both developed and emerging economies. The expansion in global manufacturing and industrial activity to 4 year highs drove demand for commodities through the second half of last year and should continue to provide a supportive backdrop for commodity fundamentals-with periods of higher inflation and global growth having historically benefited commodity prices relative to stocks and bonds.
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Source: BetaShares
China first-quarter GDP grows 6.8% on private investment rebound
April 17, 2018--Groups, record spending on fixed assets powers economic gains after 2017 slowdown
China's economy grew 6.8 per cent in the first quarter over the same period last year-above the government's 6.5 per cent target-as a rebound in private investment compensated for a declining trade surplus.
An emerging trade war with the US, in addition to Beijing's efforts to restrain debt and runaway property prices, were expected to hamper growth this year.
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Source: FT.com
World Bank-Philippines Economic Update: Investing in the Future
April 16, 2018--ECONOMIC AND POLICY DEVELOPMENTS
In 2017, the Philippines was among the top three growth performers in the region. Only Vietnam and China did better. The Philippine economy grew from 6.9 percent year-on-year in 2016 to 6.7 percent year-on-year in 2017.
Growth was anchored in strong exports, while investment growth significantly slowed and consumption growth moderated. The Philippines' annual exports rose sharply in 2017 and became the main engine of economic growth, while imports continued to grow by double-digits. Investment growth slowed in 2017, following two consecutive years of rapid expansion, and climbing inflation slowed real wage growth and contributed to a moderation in private consumption growth.
view the World Bank
Philippines Economic Update: Investing In The Future
Source: World Bank
Lifted by India, South Asia Regains Growth Lead, Still Lags on Jobs
April 15, 2018--South Asia has regained its lead as the fastest growing region in the world, supported by recovery in India. With the right mix of policies and reforms, growth is expected to accelerate to 6.9 percent in 2018 and 7.1 percent next year.
The twice-a-year South Asia Economic Focus (SAEF) finds that the region could even extend its lead over East Asia and the Pacific. Much of the progress, however, is driven by India's growth rebound and is not consistent across countries. Despite accelerating global growth and trade, exports remain weak. Progress on fiscal consolidation is slow, and deficits are high.
view the World Bank South Asia Economic Focus Spring 2018 Jobless Growth? report
Source: World Bank
IMF Working Papers-Intergovernmental Fiscal Reform in China
April 13, 2018--Summary:
China is the most decentralized country in the world in terms of expenditures shares, with subnational governments responsible for 85 percent of government spending. Limited revenue autonomy and insufficient intergovernmental transfers have led to large unfunded mandates and a build-up of debt outside the budget.
The government has recently announced an ambitious intergovernmental fiscal reform, which will increase the role of the central government. Comprehensive reform is needed to improve public service delivery, increase overall social spending levels and reduce regional disparities. Revenue reforms are also necessary to improve efficiency and reduce vulnerabilities from excessive subnational borrowing. These reforms are challenging, but are crucial so that the government can support China's continued development and prosperity.
view the IMF Working Papers-Intergovernmental Fiscal Reform in China
Source: IMF
Brown Brothers Harriman (BBH) ETF Opportunities in Greater China Infographic
April 13, 2018--Brown Brothers Harriman (BBH) 2018 Greater China ETF Investor Survey Infographic-ETF Opportunities in Greater China.
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Source: Brown Brothers Harriman (BBH)
Brown Brothers Harriman Supports CICC's Pioneering Hong Kong ETF
April 12, 2018--Brown Brothers Harriman & Co. (BBH) today announced its appointment as the custodian and administrator for the new ETF domiciled in Hong Kong launched by China International Capital Corporation (CICC) and Krane Funds Advisors, LLC (KraneShares).
Brown Brothers Harriman Trustee Services (Hong Kong) Limited serves as trustee and registrar.
An extension of CICC KraneShares' flagship U.S. listed ETF, the CICC KraneShares CSI China Internet Index ETF, is focused on investing in internet technology companies based in China and listed overseas.
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Source: publicnow.com
Growth Prospects for Developing East Asia and Pacific Remain Strong but Risks Need Attention, World Bank Says
April 12, 2018-- Growth in developing East Asia and Pacific (EAP) is expected to remain strong and reach 6.3 percent in 2018, according to the latest World Bank economic report on the region.
Prospects for a continued broad-based global recovery and robust domestic demand underpin this positive outlook. Still, emerging risks to stability and sustained growth require close attention.
Enhancing Potential, the April 2018 edition of the World Bank East Asia and Pacific Economic Update released today, underscores that even with favorable prospects, policy makers in the region will be well advised to recognize and address emerging challenges.
view the World Bank East Asia and Pacific Economic Update, April 2018: Enhancing Potential report
Source: World Bank
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