BLOOMBERG

Abe $1 Trillion Gift to Stock Market Shields Recession Gloom

Shinzo Abe has helped make investors in Japanese stocks $1 trillion richer over the last two years, and many are betting he will make them even richer.

Abe, Japan's prime minister, is moving to safeguard his political future at the same time government data show the economy unexpectedly sank into a recession last quarter. He is expected to call a snap election for next month to build support for postponing a sales tax increase by 18 months, people familiar with the situation said.

Source: http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2014-11-17/abe-s-1-trillion-gift-to-stock-market-shields-recession-gloom.html

INVESTING.COM

Australian exports to China still face hurdles after hyped trade deal

A trade deal signed with great fanfare between China and Australia has been touted as a major step towards Australia shifting its economy from a "mining boom" to a "dining boom," but the reality is likely to be more sobering.

Australia is looking to replace its reliance on exports of minerals such as coal and iron ore as mining investment wanes and demand begins to dwindle. The government would prefer to expand its food and agricultural exports to capitalize on a rapidly growing Asian middle class.

Source: http://www.investing.com/news/commodities-news/australian-exports-to-china-still-face-hurdles-after-hyped-trade-deal-317141

REUTERS

Japan can't print people: James Saft

Japan's attempts, through Abenomics, to beat back against the tide of demographics may be proving futile.

Japan has lapsed into its fourth recession since 2008, with its economy contracting at a 1.6 percent annual clip in the third quarter, frustrating hopes that the Abenomics cocktail of fiscal and economic stimulus topped up with deregulation would be enough.

Source: http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/11/18/markets-saft-idUSL2N0T42SJ20141118