The price of a small (illogically called the ‘Tall’) Starbucks Cappuccino is now £2.05. The Venti now costs £2.65 (2008 prices) This year the price of Starbucks drinks have increased by more than the rate of inflation. Costa Coffe and Cafe Nero have both kept their prices below £2, but, industry analysts argue that it …
Why is monetary policy easier to conduct than fiscal policy in a highly divided national political environment? Monetary policy is usually implemented by independent monetary authorities. For example, in UK, monetary policy is implemented by the Monetary Policy Committee of the Bank of England. Therefore, they can take politically unpopular decisions such as increasing interest …
Readers Question: Could deflation lead to devaluation of the UK Pound? Deflation in the UK means prices fall. This hasn’t happened since the 1930s, but, if it did happen, it could lead to a further depreciation in Pound Sterling. Firstly, deflation would mean interest rates would likely fall to 0%. This fall in interest rates …
Readers Question: Do you have any predictions for the AUS$ against the GBP in 2009? Thanks Both, the Australian and UK economy faces a year of uncertainty and sluggish growth. It is really a question of which will be weakest. However, I think the Australian economy and currency will be hit harder than many in …
Readers Question. Could you give any more information on how you think consumer buying habits will be affected by the credit crunch moving into 2009. Obviously people are spending less nowadays and tightening their purse strings. Will this continue into 2009? Will we see the birth of a new type of savvy consumer who knows …
National Statistics online has had a well overdue make over. The new web design takes up the whole screen and is easier to navigate and read. It also comes with RSS feed which is useful For any economist, National Statistics Online is a very useful resource for finding latest data and statistics and understanding some …
Readers Question: This one is about flexibility in the labour market. I am wondering why globalisation has made a contribution to the increase in flexibility. Is it because firms face fierce competition so they have to hire workers only when they need them? Increased competition is certainly one factor. If a firm has a domestic …
Readers question: Should the Government intervene to deal with the problem of Oil Shortages or is it better to leave it to a free market? As oil runs out, supply will shift to the left and the price will increase. Because demand is inelastic, oil firms will make increased profits. This creates an incentive for …