Readers Question: Why is Inflation negative when prices are rising? In 2009, there was a brief period of negative inflation (RPI measure of inflation was negative) Often people ask, how come the inflation rate is negative when I notice prices rising? Firstly, if prices in the basket of goods used to measure inflation are rising, …
Readers Question: What is the relationship/theory between the OCR (Official Cash Rate) and Inflation? The Official Cash Rate is the interest rate the New Zealand Reserve Bank use to control inflation. It is very similar to the base rate used by the MPC, Bank of England. Graph Interest Rates New Zealand Because New Zealand commercial …
Readers Question: Can you please differentiate between the causes of once-off inflation and sustained inflation? A temporary period of inflation, also called one-off inflation, may be caused by: Temporary inflation in 2008 and 2011. Rising in tax rates. Suppose the chancellor announces a 10% rise in fuel duty. This means prices will rise. But, next …
Readers Question: What credit can the adoption of central bank independence take for the relative stability of the UK business cycle since 1997? The MPC, Bank of England, are responsible for setting interest rates and determining UK monetary policy. They seek to keep inflation close to the government’s target of CPI 2% +/-1 % Between …
In the past 12 months, UK house prices have once again started to rise, with house price inflation reaching 6%. Even the end of stamp duty in April, did not prevent prices rising by £3,000 in May, according to the Nationwide. It means prices have regained their previous peak of 2022. However, the rise …
Why are Bond Yields RISING FAST Everywhere?Watch this video on YouTube For decades, Japan had artificially low interest rates, but since 2022, bond yields have risen, and the pace of increase is getting steeper. And when you have debt at 270% of GDP, this is a big deal. Japan has a double crisis – rising …
House Prices – What Happens Next?Watch this video on YouTube Here is a graph that often surprises me. If we adjust UK house prices for inflation, they are the same level as 2003. In other words, if you bought a house in 2003, ignore the effects of inflation, then the average house hasn’t increased in …
UK Households Set to be POORER by 2030Watch this video on YouTube After 15 years of stagnating living standards, a new report suggests that after housing costs, real disposable income are likely to continue falling for the next five years. The decline will be felt by all income groups, but those on benefits, poorer households, …