Articles

What The Consumer Team is Watching In The Week Ahead 

On March 29 2024, our Country Risk Team will be watching the Polish inflation print. We forecast Polish inflation to decline in March, falling to 2.2% y-o-y (Bloomberg Consensus: 2.3%) from its February rate of 2.8%. Disinflation remains a function of a high 2023 base, falling fuel prices

Latest Development: Bulgaria is set to improve access to over-the-counter (OTC) medicines in underserved communities through the introduction of medicine vending machines. The Ministry of Health's recent amendments to the Medicinal Products in Human Medicine Act will allow pharmacy owners to place vending machines in areas lacking pharmacy

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• After growing only 0.2% in 2023, we expect Chilean growth to rebound to 1.8% in 2024 on the back of stronger private consumption and a recovery in the mining industry.
• Economic activity is expected to increase gradually through the year as the Banco Central de Chile cuts rates, easing pressure on businesses and consumers.
• We see

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• We hold a negative view on the realisation of the proposed Kuala Lumpur-Singapore High Speed Rail line, despite strong investor interest, and thus refrain from including it in our Malaysia rail infrastructure forecast.
• Although considerable investor interest and a strong use case bodes well for the rail line, the lack of public

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• Aruba’s economy expanded more quickly than we had previously expected in 2023, with real GDP growth rising by an estimated 5%, owing mainly to the robust performance of the tourism sector.
• Nevertheless, we forecast real GDP growth slowing to just 1.2% in 2024, due partially to high statistical base effects.
• Slower growth in 2024

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• Policymakers will continue to introduce supportive measures to promote generic drug uptake in the APAC region to drive cost savings. 
• Governments across APAC will continue to introduce reshoring initiatives to boost domestic generic drug manufacturing, however, enhanced access to generic drugs will only be realised in the medium

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• Europe's coal-fired power generation will steadily decline as markets replace coal-fired power with preferred alternatives such as gas, wind and solar that can provide cleaner power.
• Declining coal generation across Europe as markets decarbonize their power sectors will reduce coal emissions in the region. We expect rising carbon

Key View: As awareness of ingredient safety and environmental impact grows, North American consumers are increasingly demanding clean beauty products. Social media plays a crucial role in this shift, with influencers educating and advocating for transparency and higher quality, toxin-free ingredients. Amidst concerns over greenwashing

This article is the first in a three-part series focusing on the markets that are becoming increasingly active in Sub-Saharan Africa. In this article, we will spotlight the UAE, analysing its growing economic and political ties with the region.

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• Historically, the US and Mainland China have accounted for the bulk of trade and

Latest Development: In March 2024, Peru's government issued Emergency Decree No. 005-2024, taking a significant step to secure the health of its citizens during a health emergency. Under this new decree, private sector pharmacies and health establishments are now required to maintain a minimum stock of 30% for essential generic medicines