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Economics

Chief economist update: Amber alert

BENJAMIN ONG  |  WEDNESDAY, 17 FEB 2021
If there's one thing that matches (well, nearly) the exponential rate of infection from the coronavirus, it's the vertigo-inducing rally on Wall Street.

Chief economist update: Red metal turning red hot

BENJAMIN ONG  |  TUESDAY, 16 FEB 2021
The latest GDP growth updates show that the world's major economies remain in contraction, and the lingering uncertainty provides fodder for a bearish narrative for 2021.

To keep or not to keep JobKeeper

BENJAMIN ONG  |  MONDAY, 15 FEB 2021
Many are calling for an extension to the JobKeeper scheme, but recent statistics simply don't support that view. So what's a government to do?

Chief economist update: Light at the end of the Euro tunnel

BENJAMIN ONG  |  FRIDAY, 12 FEB 2021
It's beginning to look a lot like the Eurozone economy wouldn't be able to dodge a double-dip recession given tighter and/or extended coronavirus restrictions and lockdowns remain in place in many of its member countries.

Chief economist update: Money plus confidence

BENJAMIN ONG  |  THURSDAY, 11 FEB 2021
Would improved consumer and business confidence set off a virtuous cycle of increased household spending, higher corporate profits, create more jobs and boost consumer confidence?

Chief economist update: Nikkei not so fine

BENJAMIN ONG  |  TUESDAY, 9 FEB 2021
This disconnect between the real economy and stockmarket pricing has led to growing criticism that the Bank of Japan (BOJ) is distorting market pricing.

Chief economist update: The US inflation dilemma

BENJAMIN ONG  |  TUESDAY, 9 FEB 2021
While measured US inflation have certainly firmed from the lows recorded in the middle of last year, they still haven't reached pre-pandemic levels.

Chief economist update: Disappointing jobs results raise Biden's stimulus bid

BENJAMIN ONG  |  MONDAY, 8 FEB 2021
There will always be pockets of profit-taking on Wall Street but the road to the end of 2021 is looking up, paved by the imperatives of fiscal and monetary policies.

Chief economist update: NIRP embedded in BOE forecasts

BENJAMIN ONG  |  FRIDAY, 5 FEB 2021
There is no need to speculate whether the BOE will take the bank rate below zero or not, the Monetary Policy Report suggests it will.

Chief economist update: Oil gush

BENJAMIN ONG  |  THURSDAY, 4 FEB 2021
The mantra of 2020 is still in play as crude oil prices remain hostage to COVID-19 and its variant.