19. February 2024
The primary task of the ECB is to create space for the defence industry. The consequence is lower private consumption - and higher real bond yields
16. February 2024
The EU Commission is now paving the way for massive military rearmament. The Weimar Triangle opens up for a European military alliance with Britain without any 'stumbling blocks'
15. February 2024
The US labour market will continue to bump against the ceiling in 2024
What drives the Japanese stock market? There are many factors, but the primary explanation remains the same
13. February 2024
The current level of US unemployment and fiscal policy 'out of control' do not support a policy of rate cuts
Western Europe is heading towards a semi-war economy now that politicians understand the gravity of the geopolitical situation. Tight labour markets
12. February 2024
China's monetary statistics show no signs of an accelerating economy. 'Japanificantion' continues unabatedly
9. February 2024
Podcast interview [English subtitles included] with former Danish Military Attache in China: Have we also misjudged China? [English and Danish]
8. February 2024
USA: Two-thirds of the US federal deficit is now interest payments. The next administration will be forced to act forcefully to the disadvantage of the EU
7. February 2024
The industrial downturn continues in Germany. Policy change in Berlin is needed. ECB's room of maneuvring is limited
6. February 2024
A brief note on the Chinese bazooka, which does not exist. Xi Jinping's credibility is at stake
5. February 2024
The US ISM survey confirms Friday's strong labour market report and increases the likelihood of a new inflation leg
Could Germany call a national election in 2024? Yes, the coalition government in Berlin is no longer working
Turkey must now pay the price for Erdogan's failed economic policy. The cleanup is left to others
2. February 2024
What to expect from the US labour market in a world facing the worst geopolitical and demographic challenges since the Second World War
1. February 2024
Eurozone: To keep inflation down requires a completely different political approach. There is no room for political fumbling
31. January 2024
Beijing now has two options
30. January 2024
The Eurozone economy is weak - but not enough to pave the way for significant policy rate cuts
Podcast interview [plus VIDEO] with AI expert: Could Artificial Intelligence turn out to be the panacea to the EU's problems? [English and Danish]
26. January 2024
ECB's Lagarde talks about policy rate cuts - but the room of maneuvring is limited
25. January 2024
Strikes and Berlin in disarray are reflected in yet another weak IFO survey, indicating a deeper recession in 2024
Beijing's dilemma: More of the same that created the current problems or real economic reforms 'without Chinese characteristics'?
23. January 2024
There will not be any updates on January 23 and 24 due to a business trip
22. January 2024
Social and political chaos in Germany should not be a surprise. More is in the pipeline
USA: The University of Michigan consumer sentiment survey once again shows the difference between today and 2008-2010
19. January 2024
Is artificial intelligence a panacea for the EU? Yes, to a large extent, provided politicians do not create obstacles
16. January 2024
'Virtual China visit' - January 29 or 31 - Michael R. Chang, GM Yara Marine Technologies, Shanghai: Is China changing in the wrong direction? Register Now - 'First come, first served'
EU and Britain: Artificial Intelligence provides an excellent possibility to reduce headwinds from geopolitics and demographics if the politicians do not create obstacles
PBOC appears to be boosting liquidity - but it is not being utilised
12. January 2024
China's problems could soon belong to the EU unless Brussels acts. Why doesn't Beijing protect the main route to Europe?
11. January 2024
This time, Donald Trump will do it the 'right' way. What does that mean?
9. January 2024
Eurozone: Low growth no longer necessarily means higher unemployment. This will have significant consequences for monetary policy
The consequences of the erosion of free speech and information flow in China
8. January 2024
The EU business and consumer survey underscores why the ECB faces a different environment than in 2008-2010
A short note about an unusually sharp decline in the employment index in the ISM service survey
5. January 2024
USA: The labour market report does not give the Federal Reserve reason to change its strategy - but should instead lead the bond market to temper its optimism
Eurozone: Demographic changes mitigate the economic downturn but will create huge fundamental problems in the next phase
3. January 2024
Germany: More consequences loom after decades of misguided foreign and industrial policy. Many companies behave as though we are still in a sweet spot. Next problem - Iran
2. January 2024
The new geopolitical reality: Massive military build-up, renewed pressure on tight labour markets, higher fiscal deficits - and China forced to go out 'on thin ice'
18. December 2023
There will be no updates from December 20 to January 1, 2024, due to the holiday period
German IFO survey indicates a deeper recession. New elections becoming more likely. CDU-CSU is larger than the current coalition combined - poll
15. December 2023
Chinese economic statistics show no signs of relief, as Beijing seems bewildered about what to do. Second-hand house prices drop at the fastest annual rate since 2015
14. December 2023
The Federal Reserve projects what the financial market already projected before the FOMC meeting - but central banks' freedom of maneuvering is no longer the same as before
12. December 2023
USA: Service price inflation is falling far too slowly. NFIB survey indicates a sharp re-acceleration in wage pressure in the first half of 2024
What If? - including audio-video
11. December 2023
A short note on Eurozone unit labour costs statistics: ECB needs positive productivity growth or significantly higher unemployment
Chinese disinflation would have been worse without Beijing kicking the can down the road. Turkey targets Chinese EVs
8. December 2023
USA: Unemployment will increase in 2024 but at a painfully slower pace than in the past
Why European politicians' perception and the 'closing window of opportunity' matter for the bond market in 2024
Podcast interview with Jacob Funk Kirkegaard, PIIE and German Marshall Fund: What kind of Washington are we facing in the coming years?
7. December 2023
China's trade balance report highlights the extent to which Beijing needs the EU - and vice versa
5. December 2023
USA: ISM service survey shows no signs of recession. The Federal Reserve needs higher unemployment or significantly lower inflation to cut policy rates
Faltering support for Ukraine will be costly for EU countries in 2024 and beyond. Poland reiterates the warning from the German Council on Foreign Relations
4. December 2023
A short note on the bond market rally
1. December 2023
US ISM survey: The Federal Reserve will start a slow process of policy rate cuts when unemployment increases 'more significantly'
30. November 2023
Eurozone inflation: The low-hanging fruits are gone. Now, energy prices (just) need to remain stable, and unemployment needs to rise
A weak Chinese economy makes the outcome of the upcoming EU-China summit even more interesting
29. November 2023
EU Commission survey continues to show a very tight Eurozone labour market - but falling inflation expectations
28. November 2023
Eurozone: The French Insee consumer survey reflects the complexity of the Eurozone's many headwinds. AfD and BSW hit a combined 31% in today's German opinion poll
27. November 2023
China's capital balance data underscore the extent of foreign companies' mistrust in Beijing, regardless of recent attempts of moderation
24. November 2023
Chaos in Berlin and the Dutch election do not bode well for the EU-China summit. The air is being let out of von der Leyen's balloon
Podcast interview with Anders Overvad, Think Tank Europa: De-risking is an existential necessity for the European Union [language: Danish]
23. November 2023
The EU's 'political centre' has only one shot left. What does a strong shift to the right mean for the financial market?
20. November 2023
Eurozone: Falling inflation does not change the storyboard. Factory gate prices are still up by 40% since 2019 - and de-risking is coming
17. November 2023
EU Commission: De-risking from China or face trouble
15. November 2023
The Xi-Biden meeting is paramount, but less so than the interpretation of 'true intentions' in Washington and Beijing
14. November 2023
What keeps the US economy going - and what does it mean for 2024? Unfortunately, even more concerns
13. November 2023
Different forecasts for the Eurozone are based on fundamentally different geopolitical scenarios
9. November 2023
De-risking is deflationary in China and inflationary in the EU, but Brussels maintains a hawkish stance towards Beijing
7. November 2023
The European Union faces an 'auto tsunami' from China. Will Brussels act? Yes, but not due to corporate interests in Europe
The two pillars of the Insightview storyboard remain valid for the Eurozone - Headwinds from geopolitics and demographics
3. November 2023
What is the impact of 'high policy rates for longer' when investors believe central banks are wrong?
1. November 2023
The Federal Reserve needs a significant increase in unemployment to change policy. The federal debt maturity structure does not look good
Beijing considers a 'more friendly' approach to the private sector - forced by economic reality. But for how long? India raises the level of trade tensions with Beijing
30. October 2023
No Updates on Oct. 30-31 - Business Trip
27. October 2023
French economic statistics show why the European economy is amidst an entirely different situation than in the past
A short note on the rising risk of a trade war between the EU and China
26. October 2023
Sweden's NIER survey reflects what the ECB is facing - but also raises questions about monetary policymakers' credibility
25. October 2023
Germany's road to recovery will be bumpy but necessary. Soon, Brussels is expected to provide 'help'
24. October 2023
Germany: Consumer sentiment declines. The political centre is 'under siege' by AfD, and now a new party on the far-left
23. October 2023
China's excess capacity challenge: Has the 'mother of all global dumping' just started?
20. October 2023
The growing concerns about China - and why the European Union finally sees the writing on the wall
A brief summary in English of opinions expressed by Klaus Anker Petersen in yesterday's podcast interview about China
19. October 2023
Are US Treasuries a screaming buy?
Podcast interview with Klaus Anker Petersen: China remains lucrative for European companies - but it has become a more difficult market [Language: Danish]
18. October 2023
Deciphering China's economic growth and Xi Jinping's vision. Beijing has not demonstrated maturity in its new role as a global superpower
17. October 2023
Strengthening Europe's defence - bypassing the EU's bureaucratic interference
16. October 2023
Navigating turbulent times: The impact on consumer sentiment and monetary policy
13. October 2023
Beijing is 'supposed' to react more forcefully to economic headwinds - but Xi Jinping has a different agenda
12. October 2023
USA inflation: The same monetary tightening as in 2004-2006 but with a different outcome due to a fundamentally different environment
11. October 2023
USA: Inflationary pressure will rise without a significant increase in unemployment
Beijing plans to launch a 'symbolic growth package' - but households let down again
10. October 2023
US NFIB survey: Despite significant monetary tightening, labour shortages are prevailing. Loan availability is declining
A brief summary in English of opinions expressed by Camilla T.N. Sorensen in yesterday's podcast interview about Hama's terror attack in Israel
9. October 2023
Podcast interview: The Middle East is a powder keg that could explode anytime. Is it really in the interest of the Chinese and Americans? [language: Danish]
Israel's 'September 11': The Middle East powder keg could ignite any moment. Hamas terrorist attack will cast global immigration in an even less favourable light
6. October 2023
An analysis of the future yield curve and bond yields based on three assumptions
5. October 2023
Germany at a dangerous crossroads: The window of opportunity for Berlin could close rapidly. Several headwinds are now hitting the economy
4. October 2023
A follow-up chart: US corporate debt, higher interest rates and falling corporate net-interest payments
3. October 2023
Yield curve steepening: There is no room for political missteps in the bond markets
2. October 2023
The Bank of Japan will find it challenging to prevent a steeper sell-off in the long end of the bond market
A bad weekend for the European Union and Ukraine - but unfortunately, not the last. The 'Danish case' does not give cause for optimism among voters
29. September 2023
The public sector debt crisis: Not just America's problem, but the West's looming headache
28. September 2023
The ECB's task of reining in long-term inflation expectations has only just begun - and this will be painful. The EU risk of becoming 'too French'
26. September 2023
Germany: The probability of a huge fiscal stimulus package increases as the 'IFO message' transforms into facts on the ground
25. September 2023
Inflation: Why the focus should shift 'permanently' from inflation to real bond yields
22. September 2023
Is the EU acting according to its size? Paris-Berlin aims for a 'multi-speed Europe'
21. September 2023
US Philadelphia Fed survey underscores a complex environment for the Federal Reserve. Inflation pressure increases, but the headline index declines
France's leading business survey reflects ECB's dilemma: The 'labour shortage problem' will not go away despite slower growth
20. September 2023
The Federal Reserve will likely choose 'unchanged' - and 'higher rates for longer'. The monetary normalisation process has been a success despite the usual grumbles
19. September 2023
Germany: Bundesbank warns about too slow de-risking from China, as 'deindustrialisation' prevails
18. September 2023
Taiwan-China: European investors and companies should prepare for a Chinese 'blockade of Taiwan' shortly after the US election
15. September 2023
China's economic data shows a hint of life. The problems remain the same, but investors might expect a different solution than what Xi Jinping has in mind
Podcast interview with Rhodium Group, Washington: Beijing has no fiscal leeway. What does it mean for Xi Jinping's China?
14. September 2023
ECB hikes policy rates again, navigating a different reality than 2008
13. September 2023
US inflation report: The looming risk of a long-term inflation problem
The risk of a new inflationary leg in the Eurozone and the United States remains significant
4. September 2023
There will be no updates on September 4-8 and 11-12 due to holiday
1. September 2023
US employment report: Monetary policy is working - but the task of the Federal Reserve will be challenged by demographics and geopolitics - and politicians who are not lending a helping hand
31. August 2023
Revisiting monetary policy: Why central banks prefer to err on the 'hawkish' side
China's economic quagmire: Beijing still shows no convincing signs of comprehensive support for the economy because it cannot and does not necessarily want to
30. August 2023
The EU Commission survey supports the ECB's current hawkish monetary stance despite slowing economic momentum. Households are upbeat about the labour market
The geopolitical reality is unfolding at the worst possible time. Therefore, the EU needs to show strength on all fronts now and not tomorrow
29. August 2023
Macroeconomic and Political Update Web Presentation
German households are slowly starting to fear the risk of unemployment despite significant wage increases, but the fear is still far from the levels seen in 2008
28. August 2023
Eurozone contraction: The ECB needs to clean up after two crises because there was a lack of timely action following the Great Recession
25. August 2023
Podcast interview with the President of the EU Chamber in China, Jens Eskelund: Lack of action from the Chinese leadership adds to insecurity [Language: Danish]
Germany: The IFO survey shows signs of the 'Perfect Storm', but the ECB needs to see higher unemployment to end the tightening process
A brief summary of opinions expressed by Jens Eskelund, President of the EU Chamber in China, in today's podcast interview
24. August 2023
France: Insee's business survey indicates declining employment expectations - but households do not see a high risk of becoming unemployed
23. August 2023
USA: Existing Home Sales report underscores the big difference to 2008. The Federal Reserve has a tough task, as fiscal policymakers need to focus on geopolitical risks
22. August 2023
As expected, Beijing disappoints the financial market due to 'well-meaning' but ill-timed policy intentions. Stubbornness can hit the economy hard
21. August 2023
Germany: Factory gate deflation will not change the ECB's monetary stance - even as Beijing's stimulus measures undershoot expectations
18. August 2023
How will China's economic crisis impact inflation in the West?
17. August 2023
USA: The Philadelphia Fed survey shows the challenges facing the Federal Reserve - and its task is far from over
16. August 2023
China's housing market shows no signs of relief. The 'core leader' can forget all about military ambitions without a dynamic and strong economy
Britain: In the midst of a demographic hurricane, inflation will be a recurring issue all over Europe
15. August 2023
The point of no return: Russia and China intensify military cooperation. European politicians, companies, and investors are in the midst of a dangerous geopolitical paradigm shift
A paralysed Beijing reacts reluctantly to economic headwinds because there is a growing fear of more than just a cyclical problem. The answer is more 'Xinomics'
11. August 2023
China's bank lending statistics are yet another blow to Xi Jinping's leadership. There is not much room for many more policy mistakes
10. August 2023
USA: The easy part of 'controlling inflation' will soon be over. The ingredients to create a new inflation leg are present and gaining momentum
Britain: The RICS housing survey shows the complex challenges facing central banks. House prices plunge, and rents increase
9. August 2023
China: 'De-risking' is just another word for 'decoupling' invented in Europe to avoid even more anger in Beijing'. Xi Jinping's next U-turn around the corner?
Central Banks on a tightrope: Why lowering their guard is not an option in an environment of aggressive fiscal spending and demographic headwinds
8. August 2023
USA: The NFIB small business sentiment survey shows tentative signs of bouncing back - but from a low level
China's foreign trade plunges. 'It is the economy, stupid'
4. August 2023
US Employment Report in July: The labour shortage problem will persist in 2024. The bond market needs to adjust the yield curve
Germany: Rising industrial orders in June do not change a grim outlook for the economy. The political centre needs to get its act together, but political disarray prevails
3. August 2023
France: A looming fiscal crisis in the West finally gets the attention of the financial market, but there will be no 'cutting corners' this time
2. August 2023
A short note on why the downgrading of the US credit rating is not an isolated phenomenon but could be a foreboding reality for several EU member states
Beijing sees spies everywhere: Another warning for foreign companies in China?
1. August 2023
USA: ISM manufacturing index shows no signs yet of a rebound, but a 'recovery' is just around the corner, supported by the Chips Act and the Inflation Reduction Act
Eurozone labour market: This time is markedly different although the difference is still ignored by the bond market
31. July 2023
Germany's economic overhaul: The monetary consequences of a German 'recovery plan'. Without stimulus, the political centre will disappear
China: Weak PMI signals persist. A reluctant Beijing to unveil a huge economic stimulus plan today - but not the same as in 2008
28. July 2023
Eurozone survey: Households' inflation expectations decline. Optimism for the job market persists despite zero economic growth
The Bank of Japan lets the genie out of the bottle by allowing more ten-year bond yield flexibility - adding upward pressure on global bond yields
27. July 2023
ECB lifts key interest rates despite clear signs of slower growth. Does this make sense?
The US Federal Reserve lifts policy rates to the highest since 2001. The new minimum policy rate will be significantly higher than in the past
26. July 2023
Eurozone: The real test of the ECB has just started. Will policymakers maintain the long-term focus?
25. July 2023
USA: More evidence of another growth leg, according to the Conference Board consumer survey
China: New measures to stimulate the economy: A desperate turn or a calculated manoeuvre? Are private entrepreneurs and foreigners willing to bite the hook?
Germany: The IFO survey casts a shadow on the economy. Soon a new party could pull even more votes from the centre - but this time from the far left
21. July 2023
Podcast interview with Marlene Wind, Special Advisor for Josep Borrell: The need for a strong and united EU is greater than ever, but is it possible? [language: Danish]
USA: Philadelphia Fed survey underscores the probability of another 'growth' leg. How does this align with an inverted yield curve?
20. July 2023
A steep decline in Taiwan's export orders and South Korea's trade figures show a gloomy economy. China's economy needs more than words
France: Insee survey shows no signs of an upcoming recession. The labour market is tight, and the fiscal deficit is on the rise
19. July 2023
Britain: Inflation is easing, but Prime Minister Sunak has let the genie out of the bottle
18. July 2023
China's looming economic challenges: Will Xi Jinping continue to disregard a significant risk of asset price deflation?
17. July 2023
Podcast interview with commodity expert Ole S. Hansen: Europe - Is the energy supply secured for the coming winter?
14. July 2023
USA: A strong University of Michigan Consumer Sentiment Survey is more evidence of another 'growth leg' coming - in an economy without idle workers
The unusual monetary policy of the Bank of Japan amid global tightening, private consumption and 1989-1990
13. July 2023
Germany's complicated relationship with China and Russia in an environment with AfD now at 22% and with 'moral backing' in Beijing
China's declining trade figures are a reflection of mounting challenges. Mexico is now the largest supplier of the United States
12. July 2023
USA: Falling inflation will not change the monetary stance of the Federal Reserve, considering a historically tight labour market
A short note on the NATO summit in Vilnius: Geopolitics leave little room for ECB manoeuvring despite falling inflation
11. July 2023
Spain: Households feel good, but the voters could move the country significantly to the far right on July 23, as 'Spanish values are at risk'
Britain needs more than just luck to escape the long-term consequences of an irresponsible fiscal and monetary policy since 2008
10. July 2023
China's deflationary problem: A consequence of policy choices. 'Young people need not be sent to the countryside to understand the world'
7. July 2023
USA: Higher wage inflation and weaker-than-expected employment growth in June - or maybe companies cannot find qualified workers
Central banks and 'robust' house prices: The difference compared to 2008 makes monetary policy far more challenging
6. July 2023
US ISM service survey: The Federal Reserve is forced to err on the hawkish side due to a different environment compared to 2008 and the 1970s
Germany: Military equipment demand helps boost industrial orders, but the outlook remains grim. AfD [21%] could soon become the largest party. Is a CDU-CSU-AfD coalition possible in the future?
5. July 2023
Eurozone: Disinflation continues, but the ECB focuses on the labour market. Germany needs 1.5 million immigrants per year to maintain the size of the workforce, according to 'wise men'
China's 'solution' to the economic challenges is more ideology and nationalism - in sharp contrast to the financial crisis in 2008
3. July 2023
USA: ISM survey shows no signs of a rebound in the manufacturing sector. Disinflation intensifies
France: Paris is running out of fiscal ammo as the budget deficit moves closer to the pandemic level
The stock market: Artificial Intelligence expectations and falling headline inflation versus inverted yield curves
28. June 2023
France: Insee consumer survey shows a tighter labour market in the coming months despite slower growth. Wages are rising
There will be no updates on June 29-30
Eurozone: ECB's Monetary Development Report shows further monetary weakness and slowing loan demand
Germany: An unpredictable future and political chaos in Berlin cause consumer sentiment to drop despite short-term tailwinds
27. June 2023
USA: The yield curve says recession, but the economy has not 'surrendered' yet. New home sales skyrocket in May - and consumer confidence bounces back
A historically right-wing shift in Germany and the rest of the EU will have consequences in all areas
26. June 2023
IFO survey: Germany faces a double-dip recession as geopolitics pulls the carpet under the economy. AfD sees more gain in the latest opinion poll. Also, a short note on Russia
23. June 2023
Britain: The renewed surge in consumer confidence indicates, to no small extent, that fiscal and monetary policymakers are not in control of the inflation situation
Japan: Core inflation hits the highest since the early 1980s - but BOJ does not believe inflation has gained a firm foothold
22. June 2023
France: Insee survey shows weak growth. The labour shortage problem remains the same as one year ago. Higher ECB policy rates for longer
21. June 2023
The Bank of England is slowly learning the lesson: More tightening is the only option in an economy running out of workers
20. June 2023
China's changing social landscape requires younger leadership better in touch with the people
Germany: Falling factory gates inflation is not a surprise. The ECB will stay the course of bringing policy rates and bond yields back to the 'old normal'
19. June 2023
USA-China rivalry: 'Two steps backwards, one step forward - followed by another two steps backwards'
16. June 2023
USA: UoM survey shows households benefiting from lower inflation and higher wages. Are there tentative signs of a new growth leg in Q4?
Eurozone: According to the ECB, wage pressure remains far too high for comfort. It will become worse in 2024 - with or without Artificial Intelligence
Japan: The central bank stays the course as if nothing has happened, triggering more yen weakness
15. June 2023
China: The economy has a significant growth problem - but the biggest problem is a stubborn political leadership
14. June 2023
USA: Factory gate inflation slows, but the Federal Reserve will stay the course until 2% has been reached
Germany: Wholesale inflation indicates a sharp decline in headline inflation in H2, but the labour market tells a different story
13. June 2023
USA: NFIB small business survey shows significant demand-side impact from monetary policy - but the labour market remains very tight and price pressure persists
The Chinese seek solutions from a clueless centre: 'Ten basis points interest rate cut'! Imbalances created in a semi-capitalist system now need to be solved in a Marxist state-capitalist system
Britain: Zero growth and a buoyant labour market say everything about the problems facing Europe
12. June 2023
Eurozone: Why today is different from 2008 and the 1970s. You ain't seen nothing yet when it comes to demographic headwinds
9. June 2023
China: The May inflation statistics indicate a very weak domestic demand side. The provinces seek solutions from a pressured leadership at the centre, but it has no clear answers
8. June 2023
Podcast: What does 'hundred years of humiliation of China' mean for Beijing and the rest of the world today? More than you think [language: Danish]
The Eurozone recorded a mild recession in Q1, but bond yields are still headed higher despite lower growth in the coming years
7. June 2023
China: The economy sees pressure from 'containment measures' and monetary tightening in the West. 'Self-reliance and a strong military' is Beijing's answer
6. June 2023
The lessons from Australia: Monetary normalisation is here to stay for an extended period despite declining inflation
Germany: The economy's fragile 'reconstruction' has just started, but the coalition government in Berlin is already in big trouble
5. June 2023
USA: ISM service survey shows falling growth, lower inflation and employment contraction
Turkey needs to do the opposite of Erdoganomics, now and not tomorrow. The unavoidable outcome will be a deep recession
2. June 2023
USA: The labour market remains buoyant despite slow growth. The Federal Reserve will continue on a path of monetary tightening
1. June 2023
USA: ISM manufacturing survey shows no signs of an upcoming recovery. The price index drops sharply
German workers lost within 18 months what they had gained since 2010. Now, they want compensation
31. May 2023
Germany: The inflation report continues to benefit from a mild winter. Is there too much self-complacency in a more dangerous world?
China is at a crossroads: Western corporate leaders with significant interests in China have many good reasons to be concerned about the future
30. May 2023
USA: Consumer survey shows tentative signs of weakness in the labour market but still elevated inflation expectations
Eurozone: A weak EU survey and ECB Monetary Development Report will boost market expectations of a more dovish ECB
Sweden: The lack of credibility in the previous decades hangs over the Swedish krona like a dark cloud
26. May 2023
USA: Inflation expectations will not go away in the current tight labour market environment
25. May 2023
France: The economy will soon come to a standstill
A short note on the US debt limit crisis: One cannot ignore the fact that the Republicans have a valid concern that the United States needs to address now
24. May 2023
Germany: IFO survey confirms the Eurozone struggle is far from over. It has only just begun
British CPI report: This is neither '2008' nor 'the 1970s' - the long-term task of central banks is far more challenging
23. May 2023
US new home sales report: No signs of 'economic contraction' will force the Federal Reserve to err on the hawkish side
A short note on the latest geopolitical events: The course of events has taken control away from politicians around the world
22. May 2023
'Virtual China visit' - Steffen Schiottz-Christensen from Chengdu, China. Register Now - 'First come, first served'
Japan: 'Back-sourcing' and increasing wages require significantly higher productivity, corporate spending and inflow of foreign workers
USA: Philadelphia Fed survey shows more disinflation and manufacturing contraction. The starting point in the next recovery phase is a tight labour market
17. May 2023
Japan: The economy surprises by showing strong growth in the first quarter of 2023, but labour shortages put a lid on the economy
A strong French labour market report is not good news but underscores an EU problem that will become significantly worse in the future
16. May 2023
Podcast interview with Anders Overvad, Think Tank Europa: The EU faces a fiscal and demographic hurricane [language: Danish]
China's economy stumbles, but Beijing has no intentions of supporting households. The main focus is SOEs and defence spending
15. May 2023
Eurozone: A mild winter is not enough to support manufacturing activity. Many European manufacturers face an existential crisis without subsidises
Germany: Falling wholesale price statistics indicate CPI inflation close to the 3%-4% range. Nonetheless, 'monetary normalisation' continues
12. May 2023
The European Union faces an unprecedented demographic and fiscal hurricane
11. May 2023
China: A benign inflation report underscores structural weakness in the economy. Will Beijing bail out distressed provinces?
10. May 2023
USA: Annual inflation is slowing, but still a long way to go with a different labour market than in 2008 - and higher 'normalised policy rates'
Italy: Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has, so far, been a positive surprise. However, pragmatism will soon be tested as Italy faces unprecedented demographic headwinds
9. May 2023
USA: NFIB small business sentiment survey underscores the decisive difference between 2008 and today
USA: CBO report shows soaring interest payment boosting the budget deficit. Investors need to get used to a new normal - the end of central banks sponsoring fiscal expansion
8. May 2023
Is Turkey still a democracy? If so, the upcoming election provides hope for the future and a sharp lira appreciation
Germany: Industrial orders and production plunge. Berlin moves to 'Plan B' - subsidised energy price of 6 cents. The slow demolition of the Single Market continues
USA April Employment Report: Secular forces will limit the rise in unemployment despite lower growth. Consequence: Elevated policy rates for longer
4. May 2023
USA: The financial market interpretation is 'pause' or 'easing', but the press conference shows Powell intends to err on the hawkish side
3. May 2023
USA: ISM service survey neither indicates an upcoming recession nor contraction in the labour market
France: Public sector imbalances deteriorate. The ECB will no longer sponsor fiscal irresponsibility, leading to higher real bond yields
The Federal Reserve is aware that a premature reversal of monetary policy will have the same catastrophic consequences as in 1980
2. May 2023
Not an easy task for the ECB: Another weak German retail sales report, more deposits outflow from Eurozone banks and falling 'lending standard'
Australia: The RBA's decision to raise policy rates is a reminder to the financial market of a long-term monetary normalisation process
1. May 2023
USA: The manufacturing sector still shows economic contraction but not enough to change the course of monetary policy
The Bank of Japan stays the course despite increasing core inflation. Reindustrialisation and rearmament will make the impact of adverse demographics even worse
China: Growth momentum slows as the impact of the reopening process fades. Beijing exploits geopolitics to make life even harder for foreign brands on the mainland
14. April 2023
No updates from April 17th to April 28th
Falling inflation is precisely what central banks and the bond market predicted. But it will be challenging to fulfil investors' next expectations leg in the Eurozone
13. April 2023
USA: The March producer price report shows what the ISM survey has predicted for some time. Investors forecast rate cuts, but a policy of 'monetary normalisation' will prevail
China's trade report is yet more evidence that Beijing is betting on one of the 'old tools' - exports. Beijing will launch more aggressive infrastructure spending
12. April 2023
USA: Falling energy prices pull headline inflation lower. Service price inflation slows but remains far too high
The Bank of Japan faces a dilemma - but its freedom of manoeuvring is limited
11. April 2023
China turns to the same policies that President Xi Jinping despised in the past. State-sponsored asset managers bail out state banks. Chinese manufacturers move production closer to the United States
'Mission Accomplished' for Beijing: President Macron's catastrophic kowtow in Beijing divides the EU even more, and the transatlantic alliance is now at risk
5. April 2023
USA: ISM service survey shows broad-based weakness - and significantly lower inflation pressure
The US labour market shows tentative signs of weakness - but this will not change the task of the Federal Reserve because the situation is different from 2008
4. April 2023
Beijing's efforts to internationalise the yuan are bearing fruit. The United States cannot overestimate the consequences of losing the dollar's status as a reserve currency
Eurozone: German trade report underscores that dependence on China keeps increasing - directly and indirectly
3. April 2023
USA: ISM manufacturing PMI index dropped deeper into the contraction zone - and Opec+ throws a spanner into the works
The Bank of Japan's Tankan survey shows a tightening labour market, stronger service sentiment and a weaker manufacturing sector. Still waiting for 'monetary normalisation'
31. March 2023
Germany: Retail sales in real terms plunge, as workers do not care about falling annual inflation. Workers need falling consumer prices or higher wages
President Xi Jinping is no longer trying to hide where China is headed. History shows that it pays to listen to authoritarian leaders
30. March 2023
EU survey shows lacklustre growth, no further improvement in CPI inflation, but falling factory gate price pressure - and a tight labour market
Eurozone: Preliminary reports show a sharp decline in the inflation rate. Nonetheless, the ECB does not base monetary policy on 'base effects'. Policy bias remains hawkish
29. March 2023
Sweden: A small bounce in business and consumer sentiment, but households' inflation assessment skyrockets to a new all-time high
Germany and France: Consumer surveys underscore the challenges facing the ECB. Wage increase calls are supported by demographic 'tailwind'
28. March 2023
Bank deposit outflows accelerated in the Eurozone in February. Commercial banks will be forced to raise deposit rates
France: Insee business survey shows lacklustre growth - and sticky prices. ECB says tightening will continue
27. March 2023
Eurozone: ECB's Monetary Development shows tightening conditions - but the ECB is expected to stay the course of 'overkilling' the economy
Germany: IFO survey significantly reduces the risk of 'recession' - so far
24. March 2023
Japan: The quality of being 'long the yen' - even without monetary tightening
23. March 2023
USA: The banking crisis and Wall Street investors distract the Federal Reserve, but Chairman Powell will stay the course
22. March 2023
Britain: Inflation will not go away as central banks face a totally different environment than in 2008
A short note on the 'frenemies meeting' in Moscow: Deglobalisation, RMB internationalisation and more geopolitical tensions confirmed
21. March 2023
US existing home sales jumped much-faster-than-expected in February - house prices dropped for the first time since 2012
The big difference between the '2008 bank run' and today: There is political and public support to rescue the banking system - but not for bailing out bank shares
20. March 2023
Germany: Factory gates inflation declines, but the absolute level of producer prices is still 50% higher than in 2019 - and the next inflation leg has already hit the shore
Podcast interview with foreign policy expert Camilla Tenna Nørup Sørensen: War or peace? Is China's President Xi Jinping a peacemaker or Moscow's ally? [language: Danish]
17. March 2023
Xi Jinping as peacemaker in Europe? Yes, if China benefits
Eurozone: Labour costs jumped in the last quarter of 2022. Q1 will be even stronger as the EU faces a secular labour supply problem
China cuts the reserve requirement ratio. The economy needs growth drivers. Xi Jinping could act as a peacemaker in Europe if China benefits. China and USA could benefit
16. March 2023
USA: Philadelphia Fed survey continues to show a weak manufacturing sector - but activity in the service sector is far more important
A short note on today's ECB Meeting: Monetary tightening is needed because today is not 2008
China: House prices 'bounce' back in February - but housing fundamentals are weak
