Jamaica's Premier Financial Factsheet: To Enlighten, Enrich, and Engage.
Jamaica Observer: “World Bank exec says remittances rising”
KINGSTON — World Bank executive director for Canada, Ireland and the Caribbean, Marie Lucie-Morin, says remittance flows to developing countries are likely to increase to US$374 billion by 2012.
Jamaica Observer: “Downgrading the rating agencies”
THE pronouncements of rating agencies continue to wield tremendous power over the ability of governments and companies to access international capital markets and the terms on which they secure financing.
Jamaica Observer: “Making the case for economic stimulus”
When we are faced with a slowdown in earnings, it is always natural to seek to reduce spending and hunker down for more difficult times. This reaction is logical when we are faced with uncertainty and is the principle behind business and consumer confidence measures.
Jamaica Observer: “S&P lowers Barbados to brink of junk”
Standard & Poor’s Ratings Services lowered its rating on Barbados to the brink of junk territory, saying the island nation’s debt burden will increase at least in the next two years.
Jamaica Observer: “Only slight US economic gains expected in 2011”
THE new US Congress that begins in January will confront an American economy and a job market that will improve only slightly next year, according to an Associated Press survey of leading economists that found them gloomier than they were three months ago.
Jamaica Observer: “IMF chief: world recovery sluggish”
WASHINGTON DC, USA — THE head of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) says that while the global economy is recovering at a sluggish pace, the recovery remains uncertain because of the risk that not enough jobs will be created to make the rebound secure.
Jamaica Observer: “Corporate bonds: an opportunity for firms and investors”
SINCE February 2010, the yield on the Bank of Jamaica’s (BOJ) six month Treasury Bill (T-Bill) has declined by 3.02 per cent. Consequently, the results of the most recent T-Bill auction came as no surprise to the market as current economic conditions continue to foster a low interest rate environment, at least for Government of Jamaica (GOJ) and BOJ instruments.
Jamaica Observer: “I guarantee it!”
THEORETICALLY, a lender’s comfort with extending financing facilities to a borrower is reflected in the interest rate charged on the loan. A comprehensive collateral coverage and a high level of comfort in relying on this security usually translate into a reduced interest rate charged on the loan.
Jamaica Observer: “US Consumer, business confidence both weaken”
NEW YORK, United States — AMERICANS’ view of the economy turned grimmer in September amid escalating job worries, falling to the lowest point since February.
Jamaica Observer: “Jamaica’s competitiveness ranking falls”
JAMAICA has dropped four places to rank 95 out of 132 countries recording its third year of decline in the annual competitiveness index by the World Economic Forum (WEF).
Jamaica Observer: “Bank of England keeps lending rate at record low”
THE Bank of England kept its key lending rate at a record low level of 0.50 per cent for the eighteenth month running yesterday, as data showed Britain’s recovery from recession is stalling.
Jamaica Observer: “Global recession unlikely — OECD”
The global economic recovery could be slower than expected but another recession remains unlikely — especially if governments don’t overdo their spending cuts, a leading international economic body said yesterday.
Jamaica Observer: “Reviving consumer demand”
Last week I indicated that consumer demand is essential for growth in any economy; and this is whatever market system is in place. In 2008 I had indicated that stagflation was the greatest risk that the economy faced, and still faces.