In recent months, the Chinese stock market has been very volatile, with sharp drops in prices since last July. On August 24th, share prices fell 9% – one of the biggest single day falls. People fear this is the bursting of the Chinese stock market bubble which could have serious effects on the global economy. …
A look at the different economic factors that determine the price of gold Essentially the price of gold is determined by: Supply of gold Demand for use in goods such as jewellery. Speculative demand to hedge against inflation and economic uncertainty. In early August 2011, gold touched $1,716.19. Adjusted for inflation, the record gold price …
Readers Question. I greatly appreciate the time that you took to try to explain our debt situation. (History of National Debt / GDP) One thing that still confuses me is why our debt actually rose during a sustained time period where debt/GDP charts showed that it shrank. This is very important. (and I wish those …
TIPP (Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership) is a potential trade deal between the EU and US. It is currently being negotiated by the European Commission and the US. The aim of the agreement is Encouraging trade and investment between the EU and the US. Extend principles of European Single Market to include the US, enabling …
A reader on twitter asked – How has government borrowing helped me recently? I’m tempted to paraphrase as – What has borrowing ever done for me? – just so that I can make a reference to Monty Python and the Life of Brian? – And what have the Romans ever done for us? – apart …
Forgive me, I’m not an economist, but I am a working woman and a taxpayer and a consumer. Lowering prices does NOT encourage us to put off spending…if I see something I want or need for a lower price you can bet your butt I’m getting it before the price goes back up! When an …
Given levels of UK national debt and forecasts for rises in government debt, what are the prospects for a UK debt default? The UK has had higher levels of national debt after the First and Second World War Bond Yields Bond yields on UK government gilts are reasonable and don’t predict any default. In fact …
Vertical integration occurs when two firms at different stages of production merge. It involves going up or going down the supply chain. Example of vertical integration. Brewery merging with chain of pubs Software supplier merging with Computer firm Coffer grower merging with a coffee retailer such as Nescafe Car firm Renault merging with a tyre …