The U.S. is avoiding a recession but Europe will likely slip into a technical recession, says James Shugg, senior economist at Westpac Bank. He gives his take on the health of the both these economies, with CNBC's Stephen Sedgwick & Maura Fogarty.

There is still a lot of risk aversion in the currency markets, notes Licia Kok, treasury economist at United Overseas Bank Group. She tells CNBC's Stephen Sedgwick & Maura Fogarty what this means for the major crosses.

Christian Goldsmith, international investment specialist at Fortis Investments sees opportunities in the emerging markets. He tells CNBC's Maura Fogarty & Stephen Sedgwick why and how best to invest in these markets.

The yen hit a 13-month high of 150.51 against the euro Friday. Lee Wai Tuck, currency markets strategist at Forecast assesses the sudden yen strength, with CNBC's Maura Fogarty. He also shares his views on the other major crosses.

The energy markets seem to be preoccupied with the demand picture. Vandana Hari, Asia news director for oil & gas at Platts warns that demand growth scene might not look good for the rest of 2008, and maybe 2009 too. She talks oil with CNBC's Maura Fogarty & Sri Jegarajah.

Republican presidential candidate, John McCain, delivered a very strong acceptance speech, believes Frank Lavin, former White House political director. He dissects McCain's speech, with CNBC's Maura Fogarty.