Will 2020 recession become another Great Depression?

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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 …

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Pros and cons of smart meters

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Smart meters have the ability to give both consumers and firms live readings of how much gas and electricity you are consuming. It saves having manual meter readings and will increase the efficiency of energy supplies. It gives consumers a running total of how much they have spent on gas and electricity and helps to …

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Should I worry about savings in the bank?

deflation-inflation-20s-30s

Readers Question: I only have $10,000 in my bank. With this virus situation, what is going to happen to the value of my money? Serious question. Do I try to exchange my money to another foreign country currency? Help, please. I am 68 years old, no pension and no job. George Firstly, I would not …

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Impact of economic recession

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A recession (fall in national income) will typically be characterised by high unemployment, falling average incomes, increased inequality and higher government borrowing. The impact of a recession depends on how long it lasts and the depth of the fall in output. The main costs of a recession will be: Unemployment Fall in income – shorter …

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Policies to deal with economic crisis

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A look at various economic policies to deal with an economic crisis, such as a fall in GDP. Economic crisis could involve Lack of economic growth/recession High Unemployment Long-term structural deficits Lack of confidence in finance and consumer sector. Rapid devaluation Solutions to economic crisis Fiscal policy – When the government influences demand through changing …

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How does the stock market affect the economy?

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Movements in the stock market can have a profound economic impact on the economy and individual consumers. A collapse in share prices has the potential to cause widespread economic disruption. Most famously, the stock market crash of 1929 was a key factor in precipitating the great depression of the 1930s. Yet, daily movements in the …

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Government borrowing under Trump 2017-20

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Since Jan 2017, US borrowing has increased – with over $2.7 trillion added to the US national debt. Whilst fears over debt are often over-blown, there is little long-term benefit or justification for these high levels of borrowing. The past few years represent a missed opportunity to reduce debt as % of GDP and/or invest …

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Do tax cuts pay for themselves?

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Some economists, such as Arthur Laffer, argue that there are circumstances when cutting tax leads to either increased tax revenue or tax revenues stay the same. The logic is related to the incentive effects of tax cuts on productivity and growth. If income tax rates are too high, then workers may be discouraged to work. …

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