Category: Top stories: Local

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.

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.

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 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).

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.

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.

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.