On July 2, 2019, the U.S. Trade Representative (“USTR”) announced that additional products of the European Union (“EU”) are being considered for inclusion in the list of products that may be subject to additional, Sec. 301, tariffs of up to 100%. The list of 89 additional tariff subheadings are valued at approximately $4 billion in import trade value, and includes products such as cheeses, pasta, meats, olives, fruit, waffles, certain condiments and seasonings, whiskies and certain metals. If the USTR...

On May 1, 2019, decree-law no. 34 of April 30, 2019 with several measures intended to encourage economic growth entered into force in Italy (“Law”). Among several tax provisions, the Law has introduced a tax reduction for employees and self-employees returning to Italy after not being resident in Italy for the previous two years who undertake to remain in the country for the next two years. The aim of this provision is to make it easier for employers to...

July 2019 FX OutlookJune was a cruel month for the US dollar. It fell against all the world’s currencies as investors became convinced that the Federal Reserve would soon embark on an aggressive easing course that will see 75 basis points of rate cuts this year.  Most of the major central banks have an easing bias, but it is the greenback that has seen its interest rate support weaken.  However, at this juncture, it is difficult to envision investors pricing in...

With the largest economy in the world, the United States of America offers some of the best possible business opportunities. Founded on the principles of equality, the US is rich in cultural diversity. This - alongside a hardworking, dedicated and well educated workforce - position it well as a location in which businesses of any size can thrive. A vast country, spanning six timezones, the US is a world leader in invention, innovation and inspiration. The free enterprise system means...

By Georges Ugeux, Chairman & CEO | Galileo Global Advisors  The puny frog Swelled so well that she cracked. The world is full of people who are not wiser: Every bourgeois wants to build like the great lords, Every little prince has ambassadors, Every Marquis wants to have pages. Jean de la Fontaine   Over the past few months, while having interviews and presentations on the occasion of the publication of my book "The Descent to the Underworld of Finance" – prefaced by Jean Claude Trichet and published...

The latest EY ITEM Club forecast has cut its GDP growth projections to 1.3% for 2019 (from 1.5% in the EY ITEM Club Winter Forecast) and 1.5% for 2020 (down from 1.7%). Despite likely solid-looking GDP growth in the first quarter of 2019, the downward revision for 2019 primarily reflects the prolonged Brexit uncertainty, following the decision to delay the UK’s exit from the EU to a flexible 31 October deadline. A weaker global economic environment has also impacted the...

By Norma M. Krayem, Holland & Knight New Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) rule mandates new wide-ranging cybersecurity reporting standards in CIP 008-6. Mandatory reporting is now required for "cyber security incidents that either compromise, or attempt to compromise Electronic Security Perimeters, Electronic Access Control or Monitoring Systems and Physical Security Perimeters" for high- and medium-impact bulk electric systems (BES) cyber system. New rule requires detailed cybersecurity incident response plans and documentation around key details needed in plans. "Paper"...