Bipartisan dislike of U.S. budget deal a good sign 1 Aug 2011 If a sign of compromise is a frown from both sides, then Congress is close to an equitable agreement. Members of both parties have major gripes about the debt deal cooked up by their leaders. Importantly for markets, the compact would maintain momentum for further fiscal fixes.
Can non-violent struggle bring down Syria’s Assad? 1 Aug 2011 Maybe not if it was purely spontaneous. But, in Syria, the campaign shows it can think strategically and organise effectively. In a style that departs from the typical Breakingviews approach, Hugo Dixon tells the tale through the eyes of a leading activist, Ausama Monajed.
Syria matters beyond Syria 1 Aug 2011 Unlike in Egypt and Tunisia, protestors are facing tanks. Unlike in Libya, they are barely resorting to violence. If Syria’s nonviolent demonstrators can topple such a repressive regime, many non-democratic governments - including Iran and even China - will feel vulnerable.
Rajoy needs to tell Spain some home truths 1 Aug 2011 The country’s probable next PM shouldn’t wait until after November’s election to level with the Spanish people about the actions needed to avoid getting sucked into the euro zone crisis and to restore competitiveness. Here’s the speech he should give now.
Pemex scandal highlights need for restructuring 1 Aug 2011 Long treated as a cash machine by the Mexican government, the national oil group also now appears to have been milked by criminal gangs to the tune of $600 mln just last year. Though imperfect, Latin rivals like Petrobras and Ecopetrol offer models Mexico should emulate.
HSBC supertanker will take time to turn around 1 Aug 2011 CEO Stuart Gulliver wants to make the bank more efficient, but emerging market wage inflation means costs are still rising. Factor in new capital rules, and HSBC’s return on equity is also well below target. It’s no surprise the bank is planning to slash another 25,000 jobs.
Foreign borrowing undermines China’s tightening 1 Aug 2011 Better-than-expected factories data shows China hasn’t over-tightened. Beijing has curbed domestic loans, but Hong Kong banks are lending and offshore bond issuance also surged. The practice adds risk for foreign investors, and hinders China’s efforts to squash inflation.
Can non-violent struggle bring down Syria’s Assad? 1 Aug 2011 Maybe not if it was purely spontaneous. But, in Syria, the campaign shows it can think strategically and organise effectively. In a style that departs from the typical Breakingviews approach, Hugo Dixon tells the tale through the eyes of a leading activist, Ausama Monajed.