Essentials #2

Economic activity as viewed by Alan Mudie, Head of Investment Strategy at Societe Generale Private Banking.

-27.8 %

During the 2nd quarter of 2020, the Japanese economy shrank by 27.8 % compared to the previous quarter. This is the largest contraction on record for the country, as economic activity continues to be crippled by the coronavirus crisis.

Source: cao.go.jp

200 Billion

According to Refinitiv, a market data specialist, this is the number of new sustainable bond issues around the world in the 2nd half of 2020, i.e. twice the amount issued in the 2nd half of 2018.

1,000 Billion

If health authorities maintain rigorous policies for managing the pandemic (social distancing and quarantine), the additional costs for health systems are estimated by the IMF at between 130 and 231 billion dollars worldwide. Without these measures, the additional bill could rise to between 600 and 1 trillion dollars, or up to 1.2 % of world GDP.

Source: imf.org

7,169 Billion

The balance sheet of the Federal Reserve (central bank of the United States) reached a new record at $7,169 billion last June, or the equivalent of 32% of US GDP.

Source: Federal Reserve