The economic trade cycle shows how economic growth can fluctuate within different phases, for example: Boom (which is a period of high economic growth possibly causing inflation) Peak (top of trade cycle, where growth rates may start to fall) Economic downturn/Recession ( where the growth rate falls and may become negative – leading to a fall in …
The economic cycle plays an important role in determining the level of government borrowing, especially in the short run. Essentially, higher economic growth leads to lower government borrowing, but a recession will increase government borrowing. Over the past few years (2008-12) – the idea that an economic downturn increases government borrowing is probably one of …
Reader’s Question: What are the importance of economics to a business student? There is a strong overlap between business and economics. A Business student needs to take into account these various aspects of Economics. At various times I have taught Business Studies in addition to Economics. Several topics are the same. These are the key …
Sterling's Recovery in 2023Watch this video on YouTube After being one of the worst performing currencies of 2022, the Pound has staged an impressive recovery against the US Dollar, rising 15% from the depths of last September’s crisis. After years of decline, markets are now more optimistic the Pound will continue to strengthen. But why …
Many young people will understandably be hoping and praying that there is a substantial fall in UK house prices to make them affordable and escape the broken rental sector. However, if there is a serious house price fall, there is a real danger this would push the UK economy deeper into recession. In the last …
Since Q1 2009, UK house prices have risen from £149,709 to £270,452 (Q2 2022) – an 81% increase. yet, during that period, median average wages have grown by just over 5%. The two main reasons are limited supply and ultra-low interest rates. Yet, this summer marked a turning point, with higher inflation causing Central …
There are many areas of economics where respected economists may take up contrary opinions. Some of the main macroeconomic controversies include Keynesian vs Monetarist views on managing the economic cycle (role of fiscal policy) Real business cycle theories – the argument the economic cycle comes from supply, not demand. Whether there is a trade-off between …
The fundamental economic problem is the issue of scarcity but unlimited wants. Scarcity implies there is only a limited quantity of resources, e.g. finite fossil fuels. Because of scarcity, there is a constant opportunity cost – if you use resources to consume one good, you cannot consume another. Therefore, an underlying feature of economics is …