1150 days ago
While China's trade surplous hit records in 2020, same can't be said for Germany
Steep decline in annual German exports with slightly lesser drop in imports
1154 days ago
Dollar index drops back to big support near 91 after soft NFP
If the USD can hold 91 after weak data will be a bullish sign. If 91 gives way, dollar multi-month downtrend may be reusming
1154 days ago
Global food prices surge
Global food prices have reached their highest price point in seven years. The trend initiated by the Covid pandemic has been supported by a lower US production as well as increase in China's food imports. The disruption of the shipping industry is also a supporting factor, with cargo tending to cost more. While we are not yet at the high levels reached in the 2000s, this trend could be a concern in the long term. “It could become a big issue for less prosperous countries which depend on imports for food,” said Abdolreza Abbassian, senior economist at the UN Food and Agriculture Organization.
1154 days ago
Current State of Democracy
The Economic Democracy Index rates countries every year based on their government form. In the latest data, we find 23 countries that are deemed to be "fully democratic", including Scandinavia, many European countries, Canada, New Zealand, Australia, Uruguay, Chile and more. France and Portugal had to go back to a flawed status after recent events. What's concerning is that the world average dropped to 5.37 from 5.44 last year, with countries like Benin, Laos, Libya, France and Portugal going down the ladder.
1155 days ago
Global manufacturing PMIs are on the rise
PMI is short for "Purchasing Manager Index", which is a prime indicator in the manufacturing sector. It tells us about market conditions from the view of purchasing managers: if they are expanding, contracting or staying at the same level. After a strong fall in April, we can see more and more green spamming towards December and January, which is good news for the industry.
