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Euro area countries need to coordinate their economic policies better to prevent macroeonomic imbalances. The proposed set of policy indicators would identify such imbalances and indicate action to be taken if thresholds are too high or low. But this system has structural problems related to timing, response and proactive planning.

Allowing private debt to rise has been an easy short-term solution, but the countries of Western Europe, the United States and Japan now have to address the internal conflicts hidden by rising debt. Taking corrective action earlier would be easier while creditors are still friendly, but a broader financial crisis may be needed to spur such action.

We believe one of the most important economic developments to monitor is whether the U.S. economy can wean itself off government stimulus before bond vigilantes take the matter into their own hands. In short, we are in the midst of a cyclical recovery that could be overshadowed at some point by the longer term structural challenges.

It is our view that inflation should be moderate over the near term. However, we recognize that portfolios of different investors have different sensitivities to sharp increases in inflation. To that end, the discussion here centers on methods to hedge unexpected inflation in those specific portfolios.

While political upheaval in the region is a legitimate concern for investors, the tumult provides an entry point into what may become an increasingly important market. Economic fundamentals are strong, the regional GDP is improving, and governments are supporting programs and infrastructure to facilitate growth.

We continue to recommend that investors focus on high-quality general obligation and essential services municipal bonds as the core of their bond portfolios. We also continue to recommend that investors maintain shorter-than-benchmark durations in order to dampen the risks of rising interest rates.

Researchers examine the trade, economic and financial linkages between China and the rest of the world and consider the implications of those linkages if growth in Chinese gross domestic product should slow in the future.

Investors and consumers typically adopt a wait and see attitude toward investing and spending in the nascent days of a recovery. That timidity should be history by now, says the author, who explores the reasons behind the ongoing lack of confidence.

The intent of this piece is to communicate the economic indicators that help to monitor in real time whether approaching deflation or accelerating inflation is on the horizon.

Researchers measure differences in wealth across countries and the extent of change during the past decade. They examine patterns of wealth geographically and by gender, as well as differences in household portfolios.

Venture capital shows signs of recovery. Short-term returns have improved and investment volumes have increased to almost pre-crisis levels in the U.S. Analysis supports the notion that a vibrant VC market is conducive to technological progress and, thus, growth.

The financial crisis has altered the investment landscape for investment managers as well as for investors. This paper from BNY Mellon looks at the results, such as increased regulatory oversight and demands for greater transparency.

Deutsche Bank researchers examine the impact of speculative trading on the price of crude oil, based on variables in weekly market reports from the U.S. Commodities Futures Trading Commission and econometric procedures. Researchers conclude that speculators' dispersion in beliefs, not their activities, drive crude oil prices.

While the global economy picked up again in the third quarter, economists remain divided about the nature of the recovery and, thus, the best course of action for policymakers. This research report looks at the arguments behind the debate.

This comprehensive research report sizes up current and future economic activity and the outlook for inflation in seven major regions of the world and then examines in detail the implications for investments in equities, fixed income, currencies, commodities and real estate globally.