IMF global outlook

The latest International Monetary Fund World Economic Outlook makes clear that the sensitivity of the world economy to the US may actually have risen.

• Biggest economies target imbalances
• G7 warn against rise of protectionism
• Jitters eased over Asian cash inflows

US housing

Those hoping for a swift revival in US housing have had a miserable few weeks. That has been depressing for bullish commentators.

• US housing worries deepen
• Fallout from US subprime market ‘limited’
• Full coverage: Subprime mortgage crisis

Barclays/ABN

Eager to gain its prize, Barclays could be tempted to go too far to gain ABN Amro, the underperforming Dutch bank that has been pushed into play by activist fund TCI.

• SEC civil action looms for Barclays
• Shareholders storm ABN Amro stage
• ABN Amro backs €66bn bid from Barclays

Subprime contagion

The market is in the grip of an attack of nerves over the meltdown in US subprime mortgages. The fear is the knock-on effect into other areas of the economy and capital markets.

• Freddie Mac to give $20bn in subprime aid
• High Court steps into US subprime crisis
• Patti Waldmeir: Finger-pointing won’t fix the subprime fiasco

Analysing analysts

Along with corporate jets and executive facial hair, bullish analysts are viewed by some as an impeccable sell signal.

China/markets

On the face of it, it is hard to think of a less likely trigger for trouble in global equity markets. China has long been on the mind of investors everywhere.