A recession is a period of negative economic growth – a fall in output accompanied by rising unemployment. Recessions tend to occur in cycles of 8-10 years, though there is no hard and fast rule. Attempting to predict a recession by the number of years is not guaranteed to work. Recessions in UK Source: ONS …
The savings ratio a big determinant of economic activity. Consumer spending accounts for 63% of GDP – dwarfing other areas, such as government spending, investment and exports. A rise in the savings ratio can have a very significant impact on economic activity. A blogger, mentioned a minister, Liam Fox calling for more savings. Former cabinet …
Globalisation involves the increased integration and interdependence of the global economy. Since the 1960s, there has been an increased rate of globalisation, which has been characterised by rising trade, rising exports as % of GDP, greater movement of labour and capital, and an increased interdependence of the global economy. Globalisation has benefitted some countries more …
A trade war involves the imposition of tariffs between trading partners. This will almost certainly cause a fall in economic welfare for all the countries who experience higher tariffs and a fall in trade. However, this fall in economic welfare is not the same as a recession (a fall in GDP). In some circumstances, a …
Should I boycott goods made in sweatshop factories? Another question from – What would Keynes do? This is a dilemma for an economist. If we boycott goods made in ‘sweatshop factories’ – does it help or hinder workers in developing economies? Firstly, when we hear about working conditions in some ‘sweatshop factories’ – low pay, …
Economies are constantly evolving. Industries which once employed thousands of people can later become uncompetitive and unprofitable. The UK has seen the rise and fall of many manufacturing industries. Industries such as cotton, wool, coal and ship-building were once key aspects of the UK economy, employing thousands of people in dense areas, but over time …
A look at the benefits and costs of capital flows.
Trade unions provide an organisation for workers to have joint representation with their employers. Trade unions have several functions: Represent workers with regard to pay and working conditions. Bargain for higher wages with the possibility of going on strike to target higher wages. Co-ordinate with firms to implement new working practises and negotiations with workers …