Macroeconomy & Globalization

Milestones | France
The French government temporarily increased its stake in French carmaker Renault to nearly 20% ahead of the company’s annual general meeting in April.

Milestones | Singapore
During the state funeral cortege of Lee Kuan Yew, Singapore’s founding prime minister, Singaporeans were urged to salute rather than take photos using their smartphones, a vivid reminder of the government’s preoccupation with political correctness.

By deciding to devote our cover story to compliance this month we focus on a key element in the DNA of this magazine: Managing compliance is increasingly a global issue for corporates and financial institutions.

Country Report | Turkey
The country’s economy has stalled, just in time for a crucial parliamentary election.

Regional Report | Central & Eastern Europe
Although geopolitical risks are still keeping executives awake at night, there has been a remarkable turnaround in some countries of the region, thanks in large part to structural reforms—implemented early and strongly. 

Milestones | Iran
It may have taken 12 years to reach, but the framework agreement struck between the so-called P5+1 (Russia, China, France, Britain, and the US, plus Germany), the European Union and Iran has enough momentum, say analysts, to yield a full accord by June 30.

Country Report | Morocco
With a diversified economic base and improving fundamentals, Morocco has a sound fiscal strategy and well-thought-out reform program to cut red tape and boost trade. But further reform, says the IMF, is needed.

Milestones | Cyprus
The enormous economic challenges faced by Greece have overshadowed a different kind of drama elsewhere in the Mediterranean.

Banking | Europe
In its first round of QE, the ECB said that the bonds of only seven European financial institutions were eligible—until further revision, which won’t happen until at least April 15.

Table Of Contents

Overview
The drop in oil prices is having varied effects in the Middle East. How countries respond could determine their long-term prospects.      

Central Asia Focus
Western and Asian efforts to boost relations with the five Central Asia countries is good news for companies and banks wanting to penetrate these big, yet largely unexploited, markets.

Newsmakers | Estonia
Estonians handed victory to 35-year-old Taavi Rõivas and his center-right Reform Party in parliamentary elections on March 1.

Frontier Markets Report | Lithuania
Dogged by high unemployment, Lithuania is losing young people at an alarming rate.

Dear Reader:
The strength of the US dollar is keeping many executives busy these days both in the corporate and the financial world.

Country Report | India
Indian growth and development hold great promise. And policymakers look set to unlock that potential.

Country Report | Brazil
Brazil is fighting to restore economic growth and its international standing, as the Petrobras bribery scandal continues to wreak havoc on the economy and investment.

Management | Corporate Reporting
For Petróleo Brasileiro, or Petrobras, as the giant Brazilian oil company is called, the time to present audited 2014 results, including the write-downs associated with the highly publicized historical corruption scandal, is running out.

Milestones | Greece
On March 3, the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development approved a request from Athens to invest directly in Greece.

Country Report | Taiwan
The nation’s banks have benefited from a strengthening economy, but now they must look overseas for growth. And there lies more risk.