How Ireland Overtook the UK economyWatch this video on YouTube In the post-war period the newly independent Republic of Ireland still lagged the richer UK economy across the sea. It was a largely agragrian economy, with wages 40% the level of the UK and widespread poverty. But, over the next few decades, the Irish …
Over the past 35 years, rents have risen faster than inflation. But, even as rents reach record levels, they are forecast to keep growing. The latest surveys show a continued mismatch between rental demand and rental supply meaning another year of inflation-busting rent rises. The problem is we have such a mismatch of supply and …
After the invasion of Ukraine in 2022, western countries imposed a series of sanctions on Russia. Some claimed this would cripple Russian economy and led to a deep recession. But, the Russian economy seemed to shrug this off growing at 3.6% in 2023 making it own of the fastest growing economies in the G20. And …
We Can’t Afford a Trump Trade WarWatch this video on YouTube In 1930, the US economy entered a deep recession and President Hoover responded by passing the Smoot Hawley tariff bill which saw average US tariffs almost double. The aim was to help US manufacturers from foreign competition. But, the bill was a disaster, …
Labour's Big Budget GambleWatch this video on YouTube It was one of the biggest budgets in decades – Higher tax, higher spending, and more borrowing. Rachel’s Reeves hopes it will boost economic growth, avoid austerity and restore public services. But it is a gamble because if it fails to increase growth the UK will need …
A frequently asked question is – Who does the UK borrow from? Who owns the UK’s government debt? (Asset Purchase Facility = Bank of England) UK government debt is primarily held by: Private financial institutions – banks, pension funds, investment trusts and also private households. 28% is held by overseas investors (e.g. American investment trusts/Japanese …
Why are Americans dying early? Why The US Has WORST Life Expectancy in Developed WorldWatch this video on YouTube The US is one of the richest countries in the world. In recent years, its economy has grown far faster than Europe. But, there is another kind of American exceptionalism, Americans are dying earlier. In 1970, …
The Australian economy is unique. 35% of the country is practically desert and geographically it is isolated. 98% of its trade is exported by sea. Yet, it has become one of the richest countries in the world. Richer than the UK, France and Germany. From 1991 to 2020, it experienced the world record for the …