Manufacturing activity slowed slightly over the summer but output remained well above normal levels as the strong global economy supported activity, according to a closely followed survey. The measure of manufacturers’ order books from the Confederation of British Industry (CBI) fell by four points, with a balance of seven per cent of the 379 firms surveyed saying the volume of work had increased in the three months to August. While weaker than the high points hit at the end of 2017, the sector’s performance remains well above normal, with a long-term average balance of negative 13 per cent. Manufacturers, which account for around 10 per cent of the British economy, enjoyed a strong period after the Brexit vote triggered a big fall in sterling, boosting exporters. While the effects of the devaluation are thought to have all but passed through, strong global growth – in spite of US President Donald Trump’s protectionism – has also contributed to the purple … [Read more...] about British manufacturing strength bolstered by weak sterling and global economy
Global economy
In the US-China trade war, Pakistan and the global economy will be the casualties
By Abdul Ghani Published: August 15, 2018 0 SHARES Share Tweet Email The US has made it a political matter by opposing the IMF’s support to Pakistan, as it would resultantly benefit Beijing. The year 2017 ended on a positive note, with some major economies leading the “broadest synchronised global upsurge since 2010”, according to the International Monetary Fund (IMF). Markets reacted positively to the improved global economic outlook, giving rise to a flare of optimism in the investor community. Halfway through 2018, however, and the global economic scenario now paints a different picture. China just lost its spot to Japan for the second largest stock market in the world, amid rising tension over the trade war concerns between the two major superpowers. Donald Trump seems to be on board to fulfil his promise of bringing back manufacturing to the US, an effort that has sparked controversy, fear and concern over its implication on emerging economies. … [Read more...] about In the US-China trade war, Pakistan and the global economy will be the casualties
China is printing money for countries like Poland and Brazil at ‘full steam’ as it tries to expand its influence on the global economy
source Jianan Yu/Reuters China’s money printing industry is running at “full steam” for foreign clients including Thailand, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Malaysia, India, Brazil and Poland, according to reports. The printing is linked to China’s Belt and Road Initiative which has seen China build infrastructure and invest in around 60 countries from Europe, Asia, and Africa. “A nation must have considerable trust in the Chinese government to allow it to print its banknotes,” Hu Xingdou, a professor of economics at the Beijing Institute of Technology told the South China Morning Post. Beijing has been concerned that its enemies could use fake notes to disrupt its economy and has viewed the money printing capability as important as its atomic bomb programme. China is printing more foreign money as it seeks to expand its influence on the global economy. Money printing plants across the country are running at close to … [Read more...] about China is printing money for countries like Poland and Brazil at ‘full steam’ as it tries to expand its influence on the global economy
China is printing foreign money at ‘full steam’ as it tries to expand its influence on the global economy
China’s money printing industry is running at “full steam” for foreign clients including Thailand, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Malaysia, India, Brazil and Poland, according to reports. The printing is linked to China’s Belt and Road Initiative which has seen China build infrastructure and invest in around 60 countries from Europe, Asia, and Africa. “A nation must have considerable trust in the Chinese government to allow it to print its banknotes,” Hu Xingdou, a professor of economics at the Beijing Institute of Technology told the South China Morning Post. Beijing has been concerned that its enemies could use fake notes to disrupt its economy and has viewed the money printing capability as important as its atomic bomb programme. China is printing more foreign money as it seeks to expand its influence on the global economy. Money printing plants across the country are running at close to full capacity to meet an unusually high quota set by the … [Read more...] about China is printing foreign money at ‘full steam’ as it tries to expand its influence on the global economy
Dr Copper’s grim prognosis for the global economy
By: Marina Gerner 10/08/2018 The price of copper has continued to plummet – a worrying sign for the global economy. Over the past year it slumped by 18% from highs of more than $7,300 per tonne to around $6,100.The red metal is said to have the ability to predict turning points in the global economy, which is why traders refer to it as “Dr Copper” – the joke being that it has a PhD in economics. Because of its widespread applications in homes and factories, electronics and power generation, demand for copper is often viewed as a reliable barometer of economic health. When the global economy is growing, it needs copper, and prices are strong. If copper prices are declining, it suggests that a slowdown might be imminent. Recently, workers at Chile’s biggest copper mine voted to go on strike, which makes the current price drop look even more concerning, says John Dizard in the Financial Times. The metal is giving investors “a clear … [Read more...] about Dr Copper’s grim prognosis for the global economy