China’s new year market volatility is overdue 4 Jan 2016 Falling shares triggered new “circuit breakers” on their first day of operation. The yuan is at its weakest since April 2011. Growing signs of an economic slowdown are feeding the jitters. But the turmoil is also a delayed reaction to previous flawed efforts to prop up markets.
Dixon: EU enters brave new world of bank bail-ins 4 Jan 2016 Europe has wasted too much taxpayers’ money rescuing failing lenders. So it is right to try to get investors to help foot the bill in future. But the tough new regime carries political risks which could make the rumpus caused by recent bail-ins in Italy and Portugal look minor.
Luxury slowdown could delay Gucci revamp 4 Jan 2016 The Italian brand is heading into year eight of its makeover. With a sluggish China dragging down personal luxury sales growth to 2 percent, parent Kering has picked a difficult time to bring in new bosses. Resuscitating its most important label could take longer than expected.
Asian bankers will shift from deals to distress 4 Jan 2016 Cheap credit helped drive Asia’s merger boom. As growth slows and debt becomes more expensive, bankers are limbering up for a wave of restructurings. The work can be lucrative, but arranging corporate burials requires a very different set of skills than presiding over marriages.
Breakingviews predicts a rock’n’roll 2016 4 Jan 2016 For some economies and businesses, the year could be a stairway to heaven. For others, it may turn into a highway to hell. From the U.S. election to Britain’s possible exit from the EU, upheaval at Volkswagen and much more, we offer smart financial ideas for the 2016 playbook.