Italy has struggled to reduce national debt as a % of GDP since government debt has risen to over 100% of GDP in the late 1980s National Debt Italy Italy has the second highest public sector debt in Europe, after Greece. The IMF predict public sector debt of 123.4 % of GDP in 2012. By …
In 2012, the Pound has strengthened against the Euro – reaching a level not seen since 2008. However, the value of the Euro to Pound is still less than the peak of late 2007, when £1 reached €1.4. In June 14th, 2012 £1 = €1.24 Euros. An increase since the start of the year when …
Readers Question:Do you really think the UK will keep the AAA credit rating for say the next 2 years? The UK is one of the few countries to have a AAA credit rating. (list of countries with highest credit rating) I’ve always felt that the UK should be able to maintain its AAA credit rating …
For the past several months, the governor of the Bank of England has had to write a letter to the Chancellor explaining why UK inflation has been above the government’s target of 1-3%. April 2012 gives the first on target inflation figure (1-3%) since Dec 2009. Core inflation which strips out energy and food has …
Readers Question: Assess the effectiveness of the UK’s taxation structure in terms of reducing inequalities, negative externalities and unemployment. Some of the UK’s tax system is progressive. A progressive tax takes a bigger % of income from higher earners. The UK’s income tax system is progressive. In 2012-13, the tax threshold will be over £8,100 …
Is this the future of a world without oil? Readers Question: What would a world without oil look like? Oil is currently the most important commodity. It is vital to transport (air, sea, road and rail) and also the production of goods like tar and plastic. Without oil, society and the economy would look quite …
Inflation in the UK remains relatively high given the state of the economy. It continues to be above the Bank of England’s target of 1-3%. However, the MPC will not be overly concerned about inflation. They are more worried about the weak prospects for economic growth and will be ‘hoping’ / predicting inflation will continue …
Readers Question: Why is the current recession in Europe so bad? The recession in the Eurozone is one of the deepest recessions on record. For example, Greece are expecting 2013 to be the sixth consecutive year in recession (with on and off quarters of recovery)- this is one of the longest recession on record. Output …