I've been asked a lot in recent weeks (and especially in the last week) about the potential economic implications of a major US-led sanctions package on Russia. Economic impacts depends not only on US and allied economic policies, but also on Russia's response, including counter-economic measures and military choices, and of course on the decisions… Continue reading Some thoughts about the Potential Economic Impacts of Sanctions on Russia
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Sanctions, Export Controls and Potential Commodity Impacts from Russia Ukraine crisis
In late January I had the pleasure of appearing on the Doorstep Podcast to share my views about the risks of sanctions, commodity market disruptions and other trends. What's the willingness to impose sanctions and costs on consumers in Europe and Globally? In a sense, I think the mixed messaging we have seen—particularly out of… Continue reading Sanctions, Export Controls and Potential Commodity Impacts from Russia Ukraine crisis
OPEC+ Balancing Act: Auto Pilot Can’t Go Much Longer
The February OPEC+ meeting went off without a hitch, with members reiterating their prior plan to stay on track with the 400K/d production increase and doing so in "record time". The quick agreement, reflecting the benefit of monthly meetings and forward guidance, may be one of the last such smooth meetings as OPEC+ run into… Continue reading OPEC+ Balancing Act: Auto Pilot Can’t Go Much Longer
Talking Sanctions, Commodity Disruption and Global Growth Risks
In late January, I was delighted to chat with the hosts of the Doorstep podcast. we covered what's likely in terms of sanctions, how effective they might be, what risks of commodity disruption (energy, grains and fertilizer) and why I'm concerned more about a growth crisis than a debt crisis as the policy mix shifts… Continue reading Talking Sanctions, Commodity Disruption and Global Growth Risks
Some thoughts on Kazakhstan, commodity prices and policy Space
The protests in Kazakhstan have increased the focus on the impacts of rising food and fuel prices across many countries. The spike in natural gas prices and power costs across Eurasia has strained many countries, and amplified the impact of already increasing prices that related to supply chain disruption. While a badly executed fuel price… Continue reading Some thoughts on Kazakhstan, commodity prices and policy Space
Thought provoking reads: 2021 edition
With the end of the year comes time to review what books spoke to me this year. There's a good chance if I know you well that I may well have waxed on about one of more of the books below. Let me know what you liked (or didn't like) last year and what should… Continue reading Thought provoking reads: 2021 edition
OPEC+ Sticks to Plans, Avoids Difficult Decisions for Now
As expected, OPEC stuck to its plan of gradual increases at the December meeting, but left its options open by failing to adjourn the meeting. This allows the group, if necessary to make inter-meeting adjustments, or even for individual members to unilaterally decide to make adjustments. Ultimately, oil is likely to remain in the current… Continue reading OPEC+ Sticks to Plans, Avoids Difficult Decisions for Now
An Update on Gulf Sovereign Wealth Funds
On October 14, I was pleased to join the Arab Gulf States Institute in Washington and Abana for a panel on Gulf Sovereign Funds. While sovereign funds have been key actors in the region for decades, their role takes on even more importance as Gulf countries navigate towards economic and energy transition and seek to… Continue reading An Update on Gulf Sovereign Wealth Funds
Iran’s Economy, Sanctions and key Scenarios
On October 7, I was pleased to join the Middle East Institute and Amwaj Media for a discussion about Iran's economy under sanctions and the trend ahead. The discussion coincided with stalled nuclear talks, as maximum pressure sanctions remain mostly in effect, Iran has built up additional nuclear capabilities. Read on or watch the video… Continue reading Iran’s Economy, Sanctions and key Scenarios
Some Questions About Evergrande, Chinese Real Estate and Global Growth
This week speculation about the possible default of Chinese property company Evergrande contributed to a notable if brief sell-off and much florrid commentary about whether this was a 'Lehman moment'. China-linked assets (especially Iron ore and AUD) sold off as did most risk assets, but the move was quickly reversed at a global level. These… Continue reading Some Questions About Evergrande, Chinese Real Estate and Global Growth
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