October 9, 2017— On October 1, the pro-independence government of Catalonia in Spain (Europe’s fourth-largest equity market) held an independence referendum: Ever since Spain became a democratic Kingdom in 1975, Catalonia, the nation’s wealthiest region, has agitated for increasing autonomy Catalans speak their own language, distinct from Spanish The quest of many Catalans for
September 27, 2017— On Sunday, Germany held general elections for the Bundestag, its lower house of parliament. This election was the last in a series of 2017 European elections in which right-wing, anti-immigrant parties and candidates challenged centrists. Earlier this year, centrists soundly defeated extremists in both the Netherlands and France. In the campaign for German
June 22, 2017—What did MSCI decide? MSCI, the principal international equity benchmark index provider, has decided for the first time to include some Chinese “A” shares in its emerging markets (EM) index. The decision goes into effect June 2018. “A” shares are listed on the Shanghai and Shenzen stock exchanges. Historically, the EM index has
