Debt is one of the oldest financial instruments, but is it good or bad? To some debt is a sinful way of living beyond your means. Debt is an instrument which increases inequality and can cause economic hardship because of the fixed repayment costs. Furthermore, others point to debt as one of the main causes …
Flexible Labour Markets mean that the labour markets quickly adjust to a competitive equilibrium. Flexible labour markets involve factors such as: Easy to hire and fire workers. Labour is occupationally and geographically mobile. Government intervention does not distort the market. Characteristics of flexible markets A skilled workforce which can adapt to changing requirements. Flexible hours and …
The interest rate cycle is closely related to the economic or trade cycle. In theory, movements in interest rates should mirror the economic cycle. If the economy is growing strongly and inflationary pressures increasing – Central Banks will increase interest rates to slow down the economy and prevent inflation. If the economy enters into recession …
Globalisation refers to the increased integration of the world economy. The process of globalisation involves increased trade, greater mobility of labour and capital and the increased interdependence of national economies. There are many aspects of globalisation that are irreversible. Improvement in transport and communication. Air travel has made it easier for people to travel around …
Definition – Sticky wages is a concept to describe how in the real world, wages may be slow to change and get stuck above the equilibrium because workers resist nominal wage cuts. Wages can be ‘sticky’ for numerous reasons including – the role of trade unions, employment contracts, reluctance to accept nominal wage cuts and …
Readers Question: What are the main problems of the current UK economic situation? Low economic growth and in particular stagnant real wage growth Poor productivity growth since 2008 – which affects long-term growth prospects. Uncertainty from Brexit and likely costs to trade from new custom arrangements. Manufacturing sector State of the housing market – expensive …
Supply side policies are efforts to increase competitiveness and efficiency in the economy. They can include policies such as tax cuts, privatisation, investment in education and more flexible labour markets. Usually, supply side policies are long-term efforts to increase productivity and the long-run trend rate of growth. The traditional solution to a recession is to …
The great recession refers to the economic downturn between 2008 and 2013. The recession began after the 2007/08 global credit crunch and led to a prolonged period of low/negative growth, rising unemployment and a period of fiscal austerity. In particular, the great recession highlighted problems within the Eurozone which experienced a double-dip recession and high …