Is Japan manipulating the yen through negative interest rates?
Why does the Bank of Japan want to lower the exchange rate? Most obviously it seeks improvement in export competitiveness — the beggar-thy-neighbor effect. Continue Reading
Currency conspiracy? No new Plaza at play
Did the Shanghai G-20 meeting lead to a secret agreement to push the major currencies back toward their 2014 levels? The current U.S.-China monetary/exchange rate policy approaches is not so much a new Plaza Accord but more a meeting of the minds. Continue Reading
Obama in Argentina: The relaunch of bilateral relations
We hope this re-launched relationship between Argentina and the United States involves safeguarding mutual respect, expanding business opportunities and ensuring human rights. Continue Reading
What’s in a name? From DF to CDMX
Many welcome Mexico City’s historic restructuring because they believe it will help curtail the influence of the federal government. However, Mexico City must also focus its efforts on its political and fiscal autonomy, including improving local tax revenue collection, supporting efforts that engage its citizens in local issues and elections and improving transparency and accountability to its residents. Continue Reading
Student blog: Unaccompanied alien children in the United States, Mexico and the Northern Triangle
Immigration is not just an issue for the U.S. to deal with. It requires the U.S. and Mexico to work together, alongside the countries in the Northern Triangle, to regulate and/or address the flow of Central American children migrants passing through both countries. Continue Reading
Low oil prices mean trouble for Mexican government’s finances
Despite the recent oil prices slump, Mexico may indeed fare better, and if the country’s leaders make an effort, Mexico will emerge in better shape than most, especially now that oil prices appear to be rebounding. But if they tinker with the solid macroeconomic foundations of the last three administrations for too long, the country may be headed for trouble. Continue Reading
Obama in Cuba: Un nuevo día?
I was in Cuba earlier this month, traveling with a group of students from Rice University. During my trip, I had the opportunity to talk to bus and taxi drivers, owners of casas particulares (Cuba’s version of a bed-and-breakfast), artists,… Continue Reading