CRUNCH WEEK FOR GLOBAL INVESTORS: The numbers – whether they relate to consumer prices, interest rates, stock markets - are turning dire across global markets ahead of the crucial meeting this week of the US Federal Reserve. And that meeting will serve up another 0.50 per cent hike in base rate, which will set of a cascading effect on lending and mortgage rates in other markets. Will these be enough to take on the inflation monster? That’s for the future to let us know; for now, it will be the currency markets – and exchange rates – that most of us will have our eyes on. All those wanting to send in their next remittance could do better once the Fed rate hike happens, and likely firm up the dollar further. Remitters in the UAE, just be patient… [COMMENT BY: Manoj Nair, Business Editor]
AP