Readers Question: Evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of both a floating exchange rate and a fixed exchange rate. Is there a “better” one to have? A fixed exchange rate occurs when a currency is kept at a certain level compared to other currencies. In practice, many of them are semi-fixed exchange rates like the Exchange …
In a previous post, we saw how bank lending in the UK fell during the credit crunch, contributing to the length and depth of the recession. Because of this the Bank of England and Government have sought to try and increase bank lending – in order to help stimulate economic growth. Fall in bank lending. …
The UK government has a national debt of over 55% of GDP. It finances its debt by borrowing from the private sector. Its debt is managed by the Debt Management Office DMO 1. By issuing government bonds (gilt edged stocks) demand comes mainly from non- bank financial sector e.g. insurance co. i) e.g. Treasury 10% …
On Wednesday 16 September 1992, the UK economy was in deep recession, with unemployment of 10% interest rates of 10%, and the Pound was struggling to maintain its value against the D-Mark. As soon as markets opened, financial investors piled in to sell pounds to a beleaguered government, and Sterling fell, reaching the floor of …
Things We Get Wrong About the EconomyWatch this video on YouTube The Government doesn’t actually print that much money The Bank of England is notionally independent, but heavily regulated by the government. Have you ever wondered how much physical cash the Bank of England printed last year? The net amount of notes in circulation increased …
Iss the UK broke? How much can the government borrow? Has the government run out of money? Firstly, how does the UK compare to other countries? The UK is not alone in running government debt close to 100% of GDP. But, it is still nearly double European countries like Norway and Ireland. But, this graph …
The UK housing market is in crisis, with prices eight times median incomes. The latest idea to be floated is the return of government-backed 99% mortgages. The logic is that since house prices are out of reach for many, a 99% mortgage would enable more to be able to buy without waiting the 19 years …
It’s not a good time to be a member of the Monetary Policy Committee. Inflation far exceeding forecasts and the Bank was forced into something of a u-turn belatedly increasing interest rates in a shock-and-awe tactic designed to regain credibility. Some critics argue the recent interest rate rises are like using a sledgehammer to crack …