The traditional feudal society behind the façade of a modern liberal democracy has been revealed after the Delhi rape. It has also highlighted the increasingly bitter clash of civilisations within a civilisation. Although column inches, candles and slogans have been liberally expended over yet another tragic case, it is far from a turning point in India’s inexorable slide towards... Continue Reading
Northern European strength is not infinite and neither is its patience, reflects Shashank Khare as Germany reacts to recent political developments The market has given two thumbs up to the European summit concluded last week. Those of a cheerful and optimistic nature have argued that this is the watershed which marks the beginning of a transfer union, a fiscal union and a United States of... Continue Reading
A single-pronged approach is unlikely to solve the problems inherent in the current model for credit rating agencies. A cynical colleague once remarked that credit rating agencies (CRAs) were like cockroaches; distasteful, but with an unmatched ability to survive. This flippant remark had the weight of experience behind it. But to a young trader near ground zero of the nuclear blast that was... Continue Reading
Germany’s hesitancy in signing a blank cheque to end the Eurozone debt crisis bewilders the world but is understandable in light of the German experience. The G-20 has told Europe that it is on its own. And the poor Germans find themselves in the unenviable position of being made the scapegoat. European solidarity and panicked governments demand that the rich nation of Germany lend... Continue Reading
Despite denials, Portugal looks to follow the precedent laid down in the Greek debt restructuring. “Never believe anything until it is officially denied.” – Rt. Hon. James Hacker “Feb. 6 (Bloomberg) -- Portugal “expressly” denies that it’s sounding out advisers on options to restructure its debt, the Finance Ministry said in an e-mailed statement... Continue Reading
Overview of trade strategy for the European crisis. The dream of European integration lies in tatters as the original sin of a pure monetary union without a fiscal union has been compounded by a series of policy errors. This has allowed the bond market vigilantes to reach the gates of Rome after the sack of Athens, Lisbon and Dublin. However, the air of inevitability that hangs heavy over... Continue Reading
The economics behind the financial crisis. ‘Don’t fix it if it ain’t broke’ is a maxim that neatly encapsulates human tendency to stick to a strategy which has proven successful in the past and to apply it to new situations. The problem is not that it isn’t true but when it’s finally ‘broke’ the failure can be catastrophic. Individuals develop... Continue Reading
