EMEA

Barclays’ targets still look a stretch

2 Aug 2011

Falling bad debts helped the UK bank meet forecasts for H1, and underlying return on equity has jumped to 9 pct. But to achieve its 13 pct goal in 2013, Barclays will need strong top-line growth as well. That’s challenging given euro zone woes and regulatory uncertainty.

Can non-violent struggle bring down Syria’s Assad?

1 Aug 2011

Maybe not if it was purely spontaneous. But, in Syria, the campaign shows it can think strategically and organise effectively. In a style that departs from the typical Breakingviews approach, Hugo Dixon tells the tale through the eyes of a leading activist, Ausama Monajed.

Syria matters beyond Syria

1 Aug 2011

Unlike in Egypt and Tunisia, protestors are facing tanks. Unlike in Libya, they are barely resorting to violence. If Syria’s nonviolent demonstrators can topple such a repressive regime, many non-democratic governments - including Iran and even China - will feel vulnerable.

Rajoy needs to tell Spain some home truths

1 Aug 2011

The country’s probable next PM shouldn’t wait until after November’s election to level with the Spanish people about the actions needed to avoid getting sucked into the euro zone crisis and to restore competitiveness. Here’s the speech he should give now.

HSBC supertanker will take time to turn around

1 Aug 2011

CEO Stuart Gulliver wants to make the bank more efficient, but emerging market wage inflation means costs are still rising. Factor in new capital rules, and HSBC’s return on equity is also well below target. It’s no surprise the bank is planning to slash another 25,000 jobs.

Can non-violent struggle bring down Syria’s Assad?

1 Aug 2011

Maybe not if it was purely spontaneous. But, in Syria, the campaign shows it can think strategically and organise effectively. In a style that departs from the typical Breakingviews approach, Hugo Dixon tells the tale through the eyes of a leading activist, Ausama Monajed.

Can Iceland be saved?

29 Jun 2009

Bankers need to learn from bakers

27 Nov 2008

The baking business runs very smoothly. Bread is delivered in the desired quantities, technology advances (sliced bread was not the last word) and consumer tastes are satisfied. But add an “n” and the picture changes. As a business, banking is much less healthy.

Ponzi nation

8 Feb 2007