Each week Frontier Strategy Group’s global team shares their view on key media stories, and what the implications are for businesses that operate in emerging markets. For more information about how to contact our analysts, send us an email.
Dalia Naguib on “Benkirane to Meet Party Leaders to Discuss Election of President of Parliament”
“Negotiations to form a coalition government in Morocco, which began October 10, have so far been unsuccessful and are now at a standstill. Failure to form a new government soon could result in the delay of important economic reforms, such as exchange rate liberalization and restructuring the subsidy system. ”
Link to article | Read More of Dalia’s Commentary | Have a Question for Dalia?
Cheng Siew Chua on “Samsung to seek more Vietnamese vendors in 2017”
“The recent news of Samsung increasing investment in Vietnam highlights confidence in the country’s business environment. MNCs, specifically those in the technology sector, are investing heavily in Vietnam. As companies move their low-end manufacturing facilities away from China, Vietnam – with its lower wages and young labour force – is well positioned to attract more FDI.”
Link to article | Read More of Cheng Siew’s Commentary | Have a Question for Cheng Siew?
Mark McNamee on “Trump confronts firestorm over Russia allegations”
“Whether true or not, the latest scandal clouds US-Russian relations going forward and only increases animosity. More specifically, continued political concerns over the Kremlin’s relationship with Trump further reduce the likelihood of sanctions removal in 2017, particularly in the face of strong bipartisan support for sanctions in the US Congress.”
Link to article | Read More of Mark’s Commentary | Have a Question for Mark?
Zeynep Kosereisoglu on “Kuwait Says OPEC, Russia to Fulfill Pledged Oil-Output Cuts”
“The initial compliance to the OPEC deal by its key members, as well Russia have pushed oil prices higher, but not high enough to derail their fiscal reforms. Meanwhile, although the increase in revenues is a good incentive for countries to abide by the deal, executives should remain suspicious of ongoing compliance if countries begin to lose market share to each other or to US shale producers.”
Link to article | Read More of Zeynep’s Commentary | Have a Question for Zeynep?
Josef Jelinek on “Dollar hits three-week low as U.S. data fails to override yuan surge”
“The focus and challenge for Chinese authorities this year will be on stabilizing the yuan against mounting pressure for it to depreciate given the stronger dollar outlook, capital outflows and worries of US trade tariffs against Chinese goods.”