Articles

The global auto industry is ripe for disruption as a result of changing global demographics, increased urbanization, heightened environmental awareness, growing safety concerns and rapidly evolving technologies, according to Fitch Ratings. These changes are likely to create winners and losers and as technologies advance, there is an increased

Volvo and Audi's decisions to use Android-based infotainment systems provided by Google is a big step forward in the connected car space. It offers carmakers the opportunity to greatly enhance the appeal of their new models to today's consumers while cutting costs and allows Google to gain a stronger foothold in the valuable connected car market

The recent global ransomware attacks highlight the importance of robust information technology (IT) security in loan servicers' operational risk frameworks. Because servicers rely on technology, the robustness of IT security, disaster recovery and business resumption plans are an important part of Fitch's servicer assessments.

In Fitch's view, the

States will continue to increase transportation taxes and fees and seek alternative financing mechanisms to meet infrastructure challenges as federal investment remains uncertain, Fitch Ratings says. However, hurdles to realizing the full benefit of such measures include political risk, lower gas consumption, and resistance to creating and raising

In 2017 the US will be the largest construction industry globally in nominal USD terms, with China losing its top spot due to yuan weakness. China does have the largest pipeline of infrastructure projects in value terms, relative to the size of its construction industry; Japan has the smallest. Indonesia, India and China will be the fastest growing

India and Indonesia are our top markets for ports in Asia in terms of growth outlook and industry size, with strong demand for maritime facilities and a sizable transport infrastructure deficit driving investment. Overall, the region's port infrastructure industry is expected to nearly double by 2026.

Asia's ports infrastructure sector is among

BMI View : Autos production in India will grow 8.6% in FY2017/18 and average growth of 8.5% over our FY2018/19-FY2021/22 forecast period, spurred by healthy domestic demand for both passenger and commercial vehicles as well as investments by major OEMs into local manufacturing facilities.

We hold a bullish outlook for vehicle production in India

Exploration activity in Gabon looks set to pick up pace over the coming quarters, supporting by rising oil prices, returning appetite for risk and planned licensing reform. New discoveries are needed, to offset chronic production declines at the country's legacy producing fields.

Gabon is a mature market with production on a general downward

South Africa's nuclear agenda will face headwinds over the coming years - stemming from legal obstacles, public opposition, the financial constraints at Eskom and construction delays typically associated with nuclear power plants. We believe that the government will remain committed to its nuclear expansion; however, we do not expect any new

South Korea's presidential election will result in a shift in energy policy with a greater emphasis on renewables at the expense of coal and nuclear power. The pharmaceuticals and healthcare sector will receive greater support, driven by the need to cater to an ageing population, while the ICT sector stands to benefit from greater R&D spending, as