Oil crashes below US$70/barrel after OPEC holds production. Jamaica stands to be a major beneficiary as construction costs, electricity bills and inflation all face downward pressure.
Jamaica’s diaspora buyers sustain north-coast property demand in June 2014 as the domestic market waits for monetary conditions to ease under the IMF programme.
With commercial mortgage rates holding at 10–14% and NHT loan limits straining against construction costs, Jamaica’s first-time buyers face a punishing market.
Jamaica’s March 2014 budget debate crystallises the tension between IMF fiscal discipline and NHT housing fund transfers, with advocates demanding revision.
