Alternative Market Briefing

The Big Picture: Protectionist behavior coming into focus for governments, hedge funds

Friday, November 02, 2012

Bailey McCann, Opalesque New York:

Is protectionist behavior about to enjoy a new renaissance in world governments and financial markets? Some leading indicators show a tilt in that direction. Central Banks the world over are reviled by hedge fund managers and other market participants for intervening too much following the 2008 crisis,and indeed even the banks themselves are starting to admit they cannot be expected to shoulder these activities alone. Now, as their efforts have less and less effect on either the markets or the recovery, governments are becoming more protectionist in an effort to save what little territorial economic activity they can. The same is also seems to be true for hedge fund managers faced with record redemptions.

The BRIICS v. the West

The end of October saw the publication of positive data points on the BRIICS economies, many of these countries are starting to see slight improvements in exports and overall growth, however there were almost an equivalent number of editorials emanating from these countries warning of increasingly protectionist moves by their governments. Outside observers are joining the chorus too – The Council on Foreign Relations (CFR) authored a brief snapshot of the new protectionism in Brazil, foste......................

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