Despite weak economic growth of the past decade, UK unemployment has fallen quicker than we might expect. It appears the natural rate of unemployment has fallen and despite record employment levels, wage pressures remain muted. Different reasons for this fall in unemployment include – low productivity, more flexible labour markets, disguised unemployment (underemployment) and growth …
Since the credit crisis of 2008, the UK economy has experienced structural weakness of Low economic growth Very poor productivity growth Weak demand Unbalanced economy geared towards consumption and low levels of investment. In addition to these structural weaknesses, the UK economy in 2020 now faces real threats from A hard Brexit Risk of slowdown …
SWOT analysis is looking at a businesses – strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, threats. SWOT analysis is useful for a business looking at strategic planning for the future. How can the firm survive, grow and remain relevant. Examples of strengths Current profitable orders. Existing brand loyalty and brand recognition Loyal customer base Mailing list and details of …
Excess consumption of sugar is linked to several health problems, such as obesity, diabetes, and tooth decay. Consumption of sugar imposes costs on individuals (lower life expectancy) and the rest of society (higher health care costs + lower productivity). A tax on sugar would discourage consumption and raise tax revenue to fund improved health care. …
Originally published in March 2015. Current inflation rate (Feb 2020) is 1.3%. I was 0.7% out. But there was no skill in predicting inflation of 2%. If Ii had to predict inflation for 2025, I would predict the same = 2%. Reader’s Question: What will be the inflation rate in 2020? Firstly, I can’t resist …
A list of different types of economic policies. Monetary policy Fiscal policy Supply-side policies Microeconomic policies – tax, subsidies, price controls, housing market, regulation of monopolies Labour market policies Tariff/trade policies Demand-side policies Policies for influencing aggregate demand and expenditure in the economy. This mainly involves fiscal and monetary policy. Fiscal policy Government changes to …
Questions on budget deficits and bond yields. 1. What is the Link between the size of a countries budget deficit, and bond yields? Highest budget deficits – Ireland, Japan, UK and US 10 Year Bond Yields Greece and Ireland seem to have the relationship you might expect – deficit close to 10% of GDP …
Should visiting a GP doctor be free or should we pay to visit the doctor? It is an emotional issue as in the UK there is a strong acceptance of free health care, but what are the economic arguments? Could we have better health care by charging people to see their GP? Benefits of charging …