Global systemic crisis - LEAP/E2020’s analysis of 39 countries’ risks 2010-2014: A collective but contrasting dive into the phase of world geopolitica

GEAB N°48 is available! Global systemic crisis - LEAP/E2020’s analysis of 39 countries’ risks 2010-2014: A collective but contrasting dive into the phase of world geopolitical dislocation

In this issue, our team introduces the annual "country risk" update in the light of the crisis. Based on an analysis incorporating eleven criteria this year, this decision-making tool has already demonstrated its relevance in faithfully anticipating developments over these past twelve months.

LEAP/E2020 – Public announcement GEAB N°48 (October 16, 010)

La pénurie de carburant prend de l’ampleur en France

Plus d’un millier de stations-service sont en rupture de stock de carburant, a indiqué l’Union des importateurs indépendants pétroliers. Le ministre de l’intérieur a activé le centre interministériel de crise. « On peut penser que sur les 4.000 stations de la grande distribution qui distribue 60 % du carburant en France, il y en a quelque 1.500 en rupture d’un produit ou totalement à sec », a déclaré à l’AFP Alexandre de Benoist, délégué général de l’UIP (grande distribution).

Le Soir

Chicago Fed President Warns of Liquidity Trap

A senior member of the Federal Reserve has warned that the US economy is in a “liquidity trap” and signaled support for more action to boost the recovery. Charles Evans, president of the Chicago Fed, said that “in my opinion, much more policy accommodation is appropriate today” because “the US economy is best described as being in a bona fide liquidity trap”, a point where ultra-low interest rates and high savings rates conspire to make monetary policy ineffective.

CNBC

Sentiment Data Suggest Major Inflection Point in the Dollar

Here is this week's summary of sentiment data for the markets: The weekly AAII survey of US retail investor sentiment continues to show there is a healthy degree of optimism about the stock market. Those who believe the stock market will be higher 6 months from now decreased slightly from 49% to 47.1% but those who were pessimistic also declined (27.7% to 26.8%).

Seeking Alpha

Half of public sector workers are 'prepared to strike' over pay cuts

State workers are prepared to strike in the event of a pay cut and changes to their pensions, a major report revealed. Some 49pc of state workers surveyed by the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development agreed with the statement "workers have to do what's necessary to protect their jobs and if that disrupts public services, that's the price of living in a democratic society", compared with just 27pc of those in the business world.

Telegraph

No increase in Social Security benefits for second year

For the second consecutive year, more than 58 million retired and disabled Social Security beneficiaries won't get a raise. As expected, the Social Security Administration announced Friday that beneficiaries won't get a cost of living allowance (COLA) in 2011. Social Security made the announcement after the government reported that the consumer price index rose just 0.1% in September.

USA Today

US Is 'Concerned' by UK, Europe Defense Cuts

The US expressed “concern” over defence cuts in the UK and other European countries, as Britain’s defence chiefs demanded last-ditch talks with David Cameron in an attempt to avoid the Treasury’s axe. With the defence negotiations in near deadlock over about £1bn of cuts, the heads of all three armed services met the prime minister in Downing Street on Thursday to raise the alarm over the dangers of such a tight settlement.

CNBC

The weapons and tactics of a currency war

Although the US and China have recently traded harsh words over exchange rates, experts say currency manipulation and protectionism is nothing new. If escalated, though, the fight could have disastrous consequences.

Deutsche Welle