IESE Insight - Economics

Emerging economies on brink of default

IESE Insight With dollar-denominated debt and weakened local currencies, many emerging economies need international assistance now to avoid defaults. If international institutions don't help, we'll come to question them in this crisis and beyond.

Political economy, or economic politics?

Videla, Pedro Income inequality is a hot topic in the U.S. political debates. But has the income of the top 1% actually soared? Taking a closer look at some widely cited statistics is enough to raise some serious doubts.

What do we have to lose? Risk compensation during a pandemic

Talamas, Eduard In the race to get COVID-19 under control, should we roll out a new vaccine that's perfectly safe but only partially effective? Not so fast: if the less-than-optimal vaccine encourages risky behavior, it may end up causing more harm than good.

Where do we go from here? Economic scenarios

Mas, Núria; IESE Insight How will the economic impact of COVID-19 be felt? With so many unknowns, simulations based on varying assumptions can help leaders prepare for whatever might be next. Here are a few things to look at for the year ahead.

How much will COVID-19 shake the world economy?

Fernandes, Nuno "The potential impacts of the coronavirus crisis are larger than any previously seen in history," warns Nuno Fernandes in a new report. The economies of Greece, Italy, Portugal and Spain are predicted to be among the most affected.

Coping with the coronavirus crisis: A guide for business leaders

IESE Insight How can executives keep calm and lead during the COVID-19 outbreak? Six experts discuss resilient strategies, clear crisis communications, reducing anxiety, increasing health security and more to help leaders respond to the pandemic as proactively as possible.

The global economy: nothing new here

Argandoña, Antonio Big changes usually simmer on low heat. What we need to do is identify and leverage the macroeconomic, social and political shifts that can have a relevant impact on global firms.

How large is the disruption in banking?

Vives, Xavier Profitability concerns, fintech growth and the potential reach of Big Tech are reshaping banking. The case of China, where Alibaba's Ant Financial is permeating almost every aspect of consumers' lives, exemplifies this digital disruption.

Coronavirus: exposing the importance of market diversification

Díaz Giménez, Javier In our very integrated global economy, epidemics such as the coronavirus, which broke out in China, touch every market in the world. On top of health concerns, it's an important reminder to business leaders to diversify in terms of suppliers and customers, says IESE's Javier Díaz Giménez.

The problem with pensions in France

Pastor, Alfredo France has lived through three attempts to reform its pension system over the last quarter century. Would it make sense to try a new approach? As Alfredo Pastor observes, not all issues on the negotiating table are economic in nature.