One of the great achievements of the twentieth century is a dramatic rise in life expectancy. For examples, life expectancy in the US has increased from 45 in 1902 to 75.7 in 2004 (link). However, increased life expectancy combined with declining birth rates have caused many to worry about the cost of an ageing population. …
A devaluation (depreciation) occurs when the exchange rate falls in value. This causes exports to be cheaper and imports to be more expensive. In theory, it can help increase economic growth, though it may cause inflation. In theory, a devaluation will cause the following to happen: The price of UK exports will be lower in …
At different times there have been campaigns to ‘Buy British’ – patriotic efforts to support the economy. The campaigns seem quite popular, but usually fade out, having made little difference to major macro-economic variables. It is a form of economic nationalism and similar campaigns can be seen in many different countries. Buy British campaigns can …
Readers Question: How can a developing country grow without inflation? Economic growth can lead to inflation, for example, if demand rises faster than productive capacity, then we will see rising prices. However, economic growth is compatible with low inflation, and developing economies which can increase productive capacity and general efficiency can see rising living standards …
Readers Question: what are the possible consequences/effects of protectionism with regard to the UK and the rest of the world? Protectionism occurs when countries place restrictions on imports into the economy. This can involve higher tariffs (a type of tax on imports) or quotas and embargoes. Other forms of protectionism can be less obvious, such …
Readers Question: Is the following concept correct or not – Nobody wants a free good? Firstly, a free good is a good with zero opportunity cost. Water is usually a free good in the UK. Examples of a free good include: Water (where supply is abundant) Air (where supply is abundant) Blackberries growing in the …
The ONS produce an RPI pensioner index which is the inflation rate calculated for the spending patterns of the average pensioner. The series is here: RPI Pensioner index CZIT – Percentage change over 12 months: One-person pensioner households index. CZJI – Percentage change over 12 months – Two-person pensioner households index Why do pensioners have …
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