Insights
Jul-18 Growth in emerging market commodity importers is expected to remain robust, while the rebound in commodity exporters is projected to mature, says the World Bank. Risks include escalating trade protectionism and rising geopolitical tensions. A slowdown in China is partly offset by the rest of Asia, led by 7% growth in India. Prospects in Latam and the Middle East look positive, though with growth projected at much lower levels than in Asia.
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Insights
31-May-18 China’s trade surpluses are declining in a shift that will see less of its excess savings recycled into global capital markets. With the US Federal Reserve shrinking its balance sheet and raising interest rates, Treasury yields are at their highest since 2011, putting strains on nations that borrowed dollars. Turkey’s central bank has been forced into emergency action to shore up its currency, while Argentina has sought external help. [Image: The Star online]
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Articles
When it comes to growth opportunities for digital payments, Indonesia is in a league of its own. The prospect of tens of millions of new digital payment customers is too much for digital companies and investors to ignore. Looking at the numbers, it comes down to a combination of three factors telling payment companies that the timing is right, right now, to move into Indonesia: E-commerce growth; the size of the prize; familiarity with everything online.
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Articles
In the Middle East, opportunities for innovation in payments are plentiful. More than 80% of brick-and-mortar retail payments and 65% of e-commerce payments are still made in cash. The region has all the makings of an ideal environment for safe, secure and convenient alternative payments. The Middle East presents a rare opportunity for digital payment innovators to access a populous and high-spending region with good levels of connectivity. [Image: ArabNet]
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Insights
Apr-18 Rising geopolitical tensions, increased protectionism and unexpectedly abrupt tightening of global financial conditions pose downside risks to growth market economies, especially in Asia, says the World Bank. Growth in the key Asian region is projected to increase in 2018 and 2019. Indonesia, Brazil and India will all pick up pace, even as China moderates.
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