US tariffs are exerting depreciation pressure on the RMB, which we think could ultimately drive $/CNY well above 7.00. One illustration of that depreciation pressure is a $/CNY rate now back in the upper (weaker) half of the band around the fix. Another visualization are large residuals in our fixing model, which point to policy makers keeping RMB temporarily strong.

Real GDP growth in the Caucasus and Central Asia (CCA) remains strong in 2019, recovering from earlier external shocks of a fall in oil prices and sanctions on Russia. Growth should remain strong beyond the near term, although lower commodity prices and slowdown in major partners could pose risks.

Pemex’s planned output increase has precedent, but is in the upper range of what others achieved. Shoring up Pemex involves a near-term fiscal cost, but could ease fiscal pressure in the medium-term. If Pemex disappoints, more fiscal cuts will be needed.

Household debt has fueled China's housing, consumption, and economic growth. Households' large financial and housing assets mitigate the risks of rising leverage. However, household leverage is no longer low relative to income, and can no longer be used to stimulate economic growth. 

The GCC countries followed the Fed and cut their key policy rates, given their pegged exchange rates. Lower interest rates will encourage borrowing and stimulate non-oil growth, which has been weak in recent years. We expect non-oil growth to pick up from 2.1% in 2018 to 2.8% in 2019.