Month: February 2015

Japan’s Economy Emerges From Recession, Growth Weaker Than Forecast

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Japan’s economy rebounded from recession to grow at an annualized of 2.2 percent in the fourth quarter of last year, giving a much-needed boost to Premier Shinzo Abe’s efforts to shake off decades of stagnation even as the global outlook deteriorates.

Gross domestic product (GDP) grew by 0.6 per cent in the fourth quarter, up from -0.6 per cent in the previous three months, but below predictions of a 0.9 per cent increase. GDP rose at an annualized 2.2 per cent in the three months ended last year December 31, well below analyst (Reuter’s poll) expectations of a 3.7 per cent increase. Nominal GDP, which is unadjusted for price changes, rose an annualized 4.5 per cent from the previous quarter. Private consumption, which makes up about 60 percent of the economy, rose by 0.3% in the final quarter, less than median market forecast for a 0.7% increase.

The softness of the rebound shows Prime Minister Shinzo Abe’s challenge to revive the world’s third-largest economy from two decades of stagnation. Wage rises and increased consumer spending are likely to be crucial this year to spur activity beyond the export sector, where the lower yen has contributed to surging profits at companies like Toyota.

The rebound from recession, however, will allow the Bank of Japan (BOJ) to hold off on expanding monetary stimulus for now even as slumping oil prices push inflation further away from its 2 percent target.

I hope that you have enjoyed reading this post.

Stuart Yeomans

CEO

Farringdon Group

Kuala Lumpur : Malaysia

Precious Metal Prices Flat as All Eyes on Greece after Parliament Vote

Greece may be one of the smaller members of the Euro zone, but it continues to command the attention of world markets, as the bailout crisis continues. After the New Greek government said it would not renew the EUR 240 billion bailout under the current terms, the ECB announced that it will no longer accept Greek government bonds as collateral for ECB loans as of February 11. Greece wants a new deal that removes the harsh austerity steps required under the bailout. However, Germany and Greece’s international creditors do not want to rewrite the bailout agreement. Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras and Angel Gurria, chairman of the OECD, will meet on Tuesday to try and narrow the gap between the parties.

Greece’s Parliament approved the government’s economic plan in a vote on February 10, 2015 which sets up a showdown with country’s international creditors beginning this week in Brussels. With 162 ‘yes’ votes against 137 ‘no’ with one absentee lawmaker, Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras earned approval for a plan that rolls back many of the austerity measures agreed by the former government of Antonis Samaras. On the Comex division of the New York Mercantile Exchange, gold futures for April delivery rose 0.02% to trade at $1234.20 a troy ounce. Besides, silver futures for March delivery rose 0.07% to trade at $16.915 a troy ounce. However, copper for March delivery fell 0.20% to trade at $2.545 a pound.

Gold briefly hit the lowest levels of the session after rumors surfaced that the European Commission could propose a six-month extension to Greece’s bailout program, which is due to end on February 28. Athens main stock index rallied nearly 7%, while the yield on Greek 10-Year bonds tumbled sharply to trade below the 11%. Expectations of higher borrowing rates going forward is considered bearish for gold, as the precious metal struggles to compete with yield-bearing assets when rates are on the rise.