Sovereign doom loop haunts EU bank stress tests 1 Oct 2014 The euro zone banking union was meant to start with a robust bank solvency test. Yet national regulators have successfully lobbied the ECB to count deferred tax credits as capital. That restores the state/bank dependency the single banking supervisor is trying to sever.
Jimmy Choo investment case is a bet on China 1 Oct 2014 The luxury shoemaker is seeking a London float, giving its private equity owners a partial exit. A mooted $1 bln price tag values Choo at a premium to most peers. The justification could be the potential to grow in Asia. But it’s a market that can spring unpleasant surprises.
Hong Kong harmony hits Beijing’s worst fears 1 Oct 2014 The tens of thousands of protesters occupying Central send a disturbing message to authorities: unrest can be both disruptive and peaceful. That resonates far more than images of violent conflict. Little wonder China is trying to make sure citizens look the other way.
China index: Time to reach for the bottle 1 Oct 2014 Our economic forecasting index slipped to 87.9 in August as the domestic economy struggled to recover. Truck sales plummeted by 25 percent and steel output sunk to a two-year low as home sales sputtered. The only positives: bank lending and the price of expensive spirits.