The former Portuguese colony has developed from an agriculture-based economy into one of Sub-Saharan Africa’s main oil and mineral producers and its third largest economy, with strong growth potential. Relative political stability after a 27-year civil war ending in 2002, high foreign investment (current FDI inflows are estimated at USD 15 bn) and strong government spending have propelled Angola onto a robust growth path: annual real GDP growth has averaged 11% over the past decade, it is estimated at over 8% in 2012 and around 7% in upcoming years. The government has embarked on a series of reforms towards economic diversification and more inclusive growth [more]

ASEAN, a bloc of 10 nations with an aggregate economic size of USD 2.3 tr, is preparing to go through profound changes. Already today, ASEAN is the 3rd pillar of growth in Asia in addition to China and India, with average GDP growth over the past 15 years at around 6% p.a. The region’s prospects will be much enhanced by an ambitious integration effort which seeks to achieve a single market and production base. The ASEAN Economic Community (AEC)'s envisaged launch at the end of 2015 will be a potential game changer for ASEAN. [more]

This study reviews how Japanese banks have responded to the adverse macroeconomic environment during the past ten to twenty years. The experience of Japanese banks provides some valuable insights into the effect of a prolonged phase of low interest rates on bank balance sheets and profitability. Banks have adapted both the cost and income drivers of their business. Profitability and efficiency gains have been limited though. While Japanese banks have reduced their bad loan problem, they have also become increasingly exposed to their home sovereign. [more]