U.S. Overview: Big Markets, Big Politics
More than a year after the election of Donald Trump, much of the political world in United States has turned upside-down, while financial markets seem to have turned ever-upwards. What has the record of rhetoric versus fact been for policy making in the areas of free-trade, globalization, and security relationships? And what are the economic prospects for the U.S. in the coming year, especially in light of corporate tax reform and a major deregulatory push by the administration?
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Open Exchange: The Future of Money
Massive disruptions to financial payments and cross-border transactions are imminent as non-financial companies employ new technologies and digital currencies to supply financial services to large networks of individuals and businesses. National and international regulators are scrambling to balance the efficiency gains with potential increases in systemic risk as they update supervisory and regulatory frameworks. How will digital and national currencies be used for national and cross-border transac...
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Innovation Hubs: Revolutionizing Urban Frameworks
What moves urban centers from being business-friendly to business-exciting? Beyond the basics--a stable economic and political regime, supportive regulatory, legal, and financial institutions, good infrastructure, and a pool of talent--cities are increasingly integrating technology and urban design to improve efficiency, enhance sustainability, and boost competitiveness in an already competitive global market. How can urban planners, developers, and governments find an optimal blend of technology an...
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Global Overview
While the global economy continues its decade-long growth, market participants increasingly worry about visible cracks on the surface. Interest rate developments, trade worries and political insecurities, have raised downside risks across the world economy. Will accommodative policies from central banks be enough to ease investors' worries? What regional problems are most likely to spill over into international financial markets? And what are the key developments that might change the current outlook? ...