Every four years some economists turn their talent for making predictions about global finance to the topic of the World Cup. Will Iceland or Panama lift the trophy this year, or perhaps hosts Russia?
Forecasters at Swiss bank UBS on Thursday came up with a more, well, predictable choice: Germany.
UBS sees a 24 percent probability that Germany, who won in 2014 will win the July 15 final, with Brazil and Spain the next most likely teams to succeed, with a 19.8 percent and 16.1 percent chance respectively.
"Germany and Brazil are set for an easy start, while Spain will have to hit the ground running if they are to beat Portugal, the current European champions, in their opening game," said Michael Bolliger, head of emerging market asset allocation in a report that used econometric forecasting tools.
Source : The daily Star
