Vanguard FTSE Developed Markets ETF

With commodity prices recovering and major developed markets (EFA) (VEA) caught in the lull, Latin America should see sunnier days ahead.

The IMF cut its global economic growth forecasts, according to the latest IMF World Economic Output Update dated July 19. The cut in forecasts was expected.

The contrasting movement among the global markets was primarily due to caution ahead of the Bank of England’s monetary policy release on July 14.

Carl Icahn is one of the first activist investors to voice his opinion against share buybacks. He believes that companies are increasingly putting money into buybacks instead of using them for much-needed capital improvements.

GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) is a leading player in the global respiratory market with a major focus on the asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (or COPD) segments.

In December 2017, Novartis (NVS) presented updated results from the Juliet clinical trial, which demonstrated sustained responses of Kymriah (tisagenlecleucel) for the treatment of adults with relapsed or refractory diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (or DLBCL).

For 4Q17, Alcon is expected to report growth in revenues, driven by the increased demand for contact lenses and surgical products.

Roche’s (RHHBY) Zelboraf (vemurafenib) is indicated for the treatment of individuals with unresectable or metastatic melanoma with the BRAF V600 mutation.

Roche’s (RHHBY) Hemlibra is used for the prevention and reduction of the frequency of bleeding episodes in individuals with hemophilia A with factor VIII inhibitors.

In December 2017, Roche (RHHBY) presented the results of its randomized phase two GO29365 trial.

Novo Nordisk’s (NVO) Xultophy (insulin degludec and liraglutide combination) is used as an addition to diet and exercise for improvement of blood sugar levels in adults with type-2 diabetes mellitus whose blood sugar level could not be controlled adequately with basal insulin.

Wall Street analysts estimate that GlaxoSmithKline’s (GSK) top line could fall 0.8% to ~7.5 billion pounds in 4Q17.

In 3Q17, Roche’s (RHHBY) Gazyva generated revenues of 69 million Swiss francs, which reflected ~34% growth on a year-over-year (or YoY) basis.

In 1H17, Novartis (NVS) reported revenues of around $23.8 billion, a ~1% decline on a year-over-year (or YoY) basis.

Demand for fixed income securities will likely be subdued because of excess supply this week, which would mean additional support for bond yields.

In this series, we’ll compare yields across various developed markets (EFA) (VEA). We’ll also look at how a steepening yield curve affects the financial sector (XLF).

A low rate of inflation doesn’t guarantee a favorable exchange rate. But a high inflation rate is likely to have a negative effect on a currency’s value.

On July 6, major European indexes were trading lower for the second day. The fall in the indexes was led by the Italian FTSE MIB and the UK-based FTSE 100.

Mexico is known for its industrial base. In 2015, vehicles constituted about 23.7% of Mexican exports, followed by electronic equipment at 21.3% of exports.

Israel’s government debt as a proportion of gross national product has declined steadily this century.

The young Brazilian population could revive the economy. A younger population is a key demographic indicator to watch out for.

On December 1, 2014, Moody’s Investors Service, a business unit of Moody’s Corporation (MCO), downgraded Japan’s debt rating by one notch, from Aa3 to A1, with a stable outlook.