Economic Insights

Jul 30, 2021

Europe’s pent-up demand party is just getting started

Unleashed pent-up demand could provide a boost to sectors hit the hardest by Covid-19 restrictions through 2021, especially in Spain, France and Belgium.

Jul 28, 2021

Australia’s pension system: No reform can replace financial literacy

While Australia’s pension system is rated as one of the best prepared for demographic change, savers’ behavior during the Covid-19 crisis underlines the fact that more financial education and literacy is needed.

Semiconductor shortages and Europe's automotive sector

Jul 27, 2021

Chip shortages to boost carmakers’ pricing power in Europe

A shortage of semiconductors is creating a prolonged supply-demand mismatch in Europe's automotive sector that offers a unique window of opportunity for car makers to raise prices.

Jul 22, 2021

Liquidity matters: Corporates may need half a trillion of additional working capital requirement financing in 2021

Large companies will face a record increase in WCR in a context of a strong demand rebound triggered by the grand reopening, alongside severe shortages in inputs, labor and final goods.

Jul 22, 2021

European central bank: New wording, old problems

The ECB’s new strategy offers more potential for dovish rather than hawkish policy.

Jul 21, 2021

SPACs: Healthy normalization ahead

The SPAC party isn’t over yet, but don’t wait up for another phase of record high offerings as seen in 2020 and Q1 2021 — at least in the US.

Jul 15, 2021

EU CBAM: Well intended is not necessarily well done

The EU carbon border adjustment mechanism will not only become more expensive than anticipated, but likely fall short of its aim to restore a level playing field for industries heavily exposed to carbon pricing.

Postponing motherhood may help narrow the income and pension gaps

Jul 13, 2021

Postponed motherhood may help narrow the income and pension gaps

Postponing motherhood could compound the challenges faced by already aging societies, but at the individual level, it could help narrow the income and pension gaps between men and women.

Jul 08, 2021

Global Trade: Ship me if you can!

Global trade has bounced back stronger than expected so far in 2021, driven by input restocking and shipping constraints rather than supply-demand dynamics.