In response to an essay on – Is a Dollar collapse likely? These are some readers questions “US debt is high, but so is European debt”. Could you perhaps elaborate on that or point me to articles that discuss European debt? National debt in EU countries is a real problem. Countries like Italy already have …
Readers Question: Should we worry about water running out? In a way, water is a renewable resource. From a global perspective, water is almost infinite in supply. However, there can be serious water shortages in local areas. This is becoming an increasing problem due to population growth, climate change and rapid economic growth. Also, it …
After several years of rapid growth, 2009, will prove a testing year for India. Inflation Inflation continues to pose a threat. Inflation peaked at 12% in early August ’08. Inflation, is being caused by rapid growth (demand pull factors) but, also the cost push inflation factors (rising oil prices). Hopefully, the fall in oil prices …
Given concerns over the financial system, many British savers may be anxious about the future of British banks. Yesterday, shares in HBOS fell 18% (at one point in the day it had fallen 35%.) Shares in Barclays and Royal Bank of Scotland also posted double digit falls. British banks are not directly exposed to the …
Readers Question: Do you have any predictions for the AUS$ against the GBP in 2009? Thanks Both, the Australian and UK economy faces a year of uncertainty and sluggish growth. It is really a question of which will be weakest. However, I think the Australian economy and currency will be hit harder than many in …
Readers Question: Please explain the role that property plays in a country’s economic development. Property rights are important for giving firms the incentive and confidence to invest. Firms need a profit incentive to invest in buying capital and investing in equipment. Without the guarantee of private property, their profit is a risk. This is important …
National Statistics online has had a well overdue make over. The new web design takes up the whole screen and is easier to navigate and read. It also comes with RSS feed which is useful For any economist, National Statistics Online is a very useful resource for finding latest data and statistics and understanding some …
Readers Comment It is shocking to me that revenues from all my future income tax and even my young children’s future tax payments have already been committed by our national debt. If it is not some kind of nefarious carve-up, why would the UK wage 2 unnecessary wars costing billions when we do not have …