After the EU’s policy proposal to cap banker bonuses last week, Switzerland voted in a referendum on a similar topic, regarding both [executive] salaries and bonuses. Surprisingly, the result leaned towards Brussels, with 68% voting in favor of new rules. On the one hand, that’s surprising because Switzerland is already losing business to places like Singapore that offer favorable tax rates to big multinationals like Trafigura, which could lead to a relocation of their headquarters. But on the other hand, the Swiss proposal gives more rights to shareholders and seems to encourage internal management of compensation as opposed to a blanket EU-one-will-fit-all-because-it-has-to policy (on the far side of the spectrum, Breakingviews suggests the introduction of tipping for services). read article
On the same topic, George Osborne will launch a last lobbying effort on behalf of the City tomorrow, trying to mitigate the reach of the proposed rule to protect London’s financial district. Before that, the Eurogroup will begin meetings in Brussels today to discuss Cyprus’ bailout program.
Over in the US, investors worry about the effect of new cuts and taxes on consumer spending, particularly in the light of a 3.6% slump in personal incomes in the beginning of the year weighing on household budgets. The government’s worries still lie with last week’s sequestation: Obama wants to get the issue resolved to move on to other policies, but Congress is currently just laughing in his face. read article
Elsewhere, China has pushed past the US and has become the world’s largest net oil importer, driven by America’s move into fracking and shale gas, as well as China’s rising demand for fuel. The analysis was derived from December data, when US net imports dropped to their lowest levels since 1992. read article
As for the week ahead, Japan is poised to announce a current account deficit of JPY 768.5bn on Friday, according to ZeroHedge, which is the worst number ever recorded. Otherwise, all central banks of the rainbow are meeting this week, leaving plenty of room for statements on the currency wars.
Have a good week.
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