Urbanisation, a positive framework for private-sector participation and pro-active government policies will ensure emerging markets (EMs), from the Brics to Thailand, will boost their share of global spending on infrastructure and capital projects over the next decade.

Russian banks, in general, benefit from limited external funding, manageable debt maturities and state support when needed. However, loan expansion, Basle III and volatile capital flows have reinforced the need to recapitalize the sector, particularly through common equity and hybrid debt. Structural reforms and the development of alternative pools are needed.

In today’s world of economic uncertainty, business leaders seek assurances and encouragement for their decisions. Engaging with key figures allows them to drive forward their businesses and the overall global economy to a better and more stable future: ‘Russia Calling!’ has established itself as a leading facilitator of this dialogue.

Asian corporate bond markets saw phenomenal growth after the financial crisis, and Asian corporates are increasingly turning to growing capital markets, made available by strong global liquidity, to efficiently fund expansion opportunities.

When it comes to the difficulties in liquidity management faced by treasurers operating in China, 21.3% say renminbi cash-pooling is top of the list of issues.

Banking giant Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (ICBC) has delivered stellar first-quarter results for 2014 and is now looking to further its global expansion in cash management and cross-border services. Vice president Zheng Wanchun describes strategies for a period of challenge and opportunity in an exclusive interview with Euromoney

The 30-year, $400 billion China-Russia gas deal – which will turbo-charge economic ties, more generally, from infrastructure finance, FDI and currency diversification – heralds a shift in the centre of global economic gravity.

Thanks to a pick-up in manufacturing, consumer demand and inventory restocking, commodity prices have started to stage a rebound while technicals also support a recovery. Investors should address large underweight positions in the sector.

The Fed and the Bank of England should consider hiking rates this year, thanks to the economic recovery. The later the hike, the worse the credit bubble. However, the eurozone economy remains dangerously barren thanks to Germany’s fiscal scarcity.

The pace of UK growth is set to almost double in 2014, but the economy is suffering structural imbalances that threaten stability in the medium term.