Month: July 2012

Australia’s big cities are now less different (or more similar) to their neighbours in the Asia-Pacific. Not only are they becoming more ethnically Asian but Asia’s cities have become wealthier, more productive, and more Western. […]

Looking at France from over the Rhine, the Germans may well ask themselves what the much celebrated friendship between Paris and Berlin is still worth with a French president like Hollande. He openly sides with those southern European governments that expect unconditional bailouts and call for an end to Berlin’s austerity demands. […]

Instead of interacting across borders, why can’t we withdraw and enjoy the safety of home? Why risk becoming ‘‘tenants in our own country’’ for dubious benefits derived from foreign direct investment? […]

It is laudable to have a government committed to improving education. Let’s not tarnish the goal with a $2.1 million gimmick. […]

Germany’s highest court is currently considering an injunction to stop the German president from signing international treaties to establish a permanent European rescue fund and new fiscal rules for EU members. Markets are watching anxiously as they fear that constitutional difficulties will prevent the next bailout rounds and an eventual mutualisation of European debt. […]

By better synchronising important sports events with the publication of relevant market data or new policy announcements, it seems many a stock market meltdown could be averted. […]

After last week’s decisive EU summit (the 20th of its kind), and after the German parliament’s support for the latest bailout plans, the euro is saved! Again. The usual sigh of relief was heard at bourses across the continent, and once more politicians congratulated themselves on their historic achievements. […]