Worldfocus » stock markets

Despite gloom and doom, world markets surge

Worldfocus — Mon, 04 May 2009 20:11:57 +0000

U.S. stocks are up, and they are joined by markets in Asia and Europe — a trend that has occurred almost continuously over the past two months.

John Authers, the Financial Times’ investment editor, joins Martin Savidge to discuss positive notes about consumer spending, home refinancing and lending as well as the anticipated release of “stress tests” on U.S. banks this week.

U.S. stocks are up, and they are joined by markets in Asia and Europe — a trend that has occurred almost continuously over the past two months. John Authers, the Financial Times’ investment editor, discusses what’s behind the market surge as well as positive signs about consumer spending, home refinancing and lending. http://worldfocus.org/files/2009/05/th_global_authers.jpg http://worldfocus.org/files/2009/05/th_global_authers.jpg

China positions itself to emerge financially sound

Worldfocus — Tue, 14 Oct 2008 21:24:08 +0000

China’s central government believes the worldwide financial crisis will have limited impact, according to a new report. But since China has invested in American assets, China has lost over half of their holdings in the financial storm.

George Ugeux, chairman and chief executive officer of Galileo Global Advisors LLC and former senior managing director of the New York Stock Exchange’s international division, speaks with Martin Savidge about claim of China emerging unscathed from the crisis. Ugeux also examines American and European financial rescue efforts.

George Ugeux comments on reports that China may take a more prominent role in the world economy’s emergence from the financial crisis. /files/2008/10/th_stocks_ugeux.jpg /files/2008/10/th_stocks_ugeux.jpg

Economies salvaged, but likely to shrink

Worldfocus — Mon, 13 Oct 2008 20:20:17 +0000

The recent “bailouts” of banks are historic, with the U.S. buying out $700 billion worth of assets and European governments committing nearly $1 trillion to the purchase of equity stakes in their banks.

Brad Setser, a fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations, speaks with Martin Savidge about the historic government response to the international credit crisis. While these investments and policies will buffer the collapse of financial institutions, they cannot guarantee the market’s robust return.

Setser writes the blog “Follow the Money.”

Brad Setser, a fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations, discusses the historic government response to the international credit crisis. /files/2008/09/th_intv_setser.jpg /files/2008/09/th_intv_setser.jpg

Iceland freezes stock market amid crisis

Worldfocus — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 22:43:29 +0000

Today, Iceland suspended trading on its stock exchange for two days and the government took control of the country’s largest bank. The prime minister says the collapse of the banking system is putting Iceland at risk of “national bankruptcy.”

Central banks including the U.S. Federal Reserve and the European Central Bank have cut interest rates, and even China has now followed suit.

Marcus Mabry, international business editor of The New York Times, speaks with Martin Savidge about worldwide attempts to find relief and Iceland’s over-leveraged banking sector. Mabry predicts a global recession will persist for several years.

Marcus Mabry of The New York Times discusses Iceland’s economy and predicts a global recession for years to come. /files/2008/10/th_1009_mabry.jpg /files/2008/10/th_1009_mabry.jpg