The Coronavirus has already led to disruption in manufacturing output, foreign travel and consumer demand. If the virus spreads and becomes a pandemic, what will be the likely economic effects? In short, a global pandemic will have a serious supply-side impact – especially on foreign travel, manufacturing and investment. The uncertainty and decline in travel …
There are a few different reasons firms may put up prices, but in each case, a business will weigh up the pros and cons. Potential reasons for increasing prices An increase in costs of production. A general increase in the price level (inflation) Competitors are increasing the price. Firms believe demand has become more price …
Degrowth is a political and economic theory which emphasises changing priorities of society from economic growth and production to a society based on sustainability, well-being, concern for environment and co-operation. The motives for pursuing degrowth include the need to provide environmental sustainability for the long-term and improve quality of life. Critics argue degrowth is a …
A fall in oil prices should cause a reduction in transport and fuel costs for firms. Consumers who will also benefit from the lower prices of transport and fuel. The lower oil prices will effectively increase their disposable income and enable them to spend more on other goods Because oil is the most traded commodity …
UK Minimum Wage The National minimum wage rate is currently £8.72 for workers over 25 (from April 2020). The minimum wage was introduced in April 1999 (at £3.60) and is the legal minimum that employers can pay. The aim of the National Minimum Wage is to help increase incomes of the low paid. It has …
The Covid virus has created circumstances where many economic rules, teachings and assumptions don’t apply in the same way. GDP is no longer everything. In economics, GDP is usually the most visible goal, with economic policy often focused around maximising economic growth. The virus forces us to shift priorities – rather than worrying about GDP, …
The world economy is already entering a very deep recession, with GDP falling by an estimated 20-25%. Unemployment will rise very fast as large parts of the economy close down. An optimistic assessment is that the economic shock will be short-term, policymakers are responding with as much monetary and fiscal help as they can, and …
The next 12 months are going to see unprecedented demands on the government budget. It is likely GDP will fall 10-20% – if not more. On its own, this would lead to a surge in government borrowing Fall in income tax receipts as people earn less Fall in VAT and excise duties as people spend …