China’s real GDP growth stabilized in Q1 (+6.4% y/y like in the previous quarter), helped by expansionary policies.

The manufacturing sector continues to stumble. Overall industrial production slipped -0.1% m/m in March vs. expectations of a +0.3% gain, pushing the y/y rate down to +2.8%.

Just as the recession continues to hit the Turkish economy, the credit cycle has tightened markedly and banks face ascending Non-Performing loans (NPLs).

During the last weeks, Zimbabwe, Tunisia, Sudan and Algeria faced significant public demonstrations.

The recently released minutes of the March central bank meeting – in which the policy rate was held steady at 8.25% – show that a majority of board members believe core inflation remains a concern (it is stuck at +3.6%).

Seasonally adjusted industrial production grew by +1.5% m/m in February, following a +3.6% m/m increase in January (which however benefited from a low base after -2.1% m/m in December 2018).

Just 3 weeks before the next general elections, the ANC dominance is expected to remain - and economic stagnation as well.

It is election season in India. The 2019 Lok Sabha elections started on April 11th and by the end of May, the country will have a new government.