War has always had substantial economic costs, but war is becoming increasingly costly for both belligerents and bystanders. This is due to both the monetary costs of fighting and the economic fallout of sanctions. During the cold war, there was a theory that nuclear war would ensure a mutual self-destruction – and this assured mutual …
Recessions (a fall in real GDP) are primarily caused by a fall in aggregate demand (AD). A demand-side shock could occur due to several factors, such as A financial crisis. If banks have a shortage of liquidity, they reduce lending and this reduces investment. A rise in interest rates – increases the cost of borrowing …
A look into the effect of higher oil prices on economies, firms and consumers. Effect of Higher Oil Prices on the EconomyWatch this video on YouTube Readers Question: With oil prices rising towards $100, what are the economic effects of rising oil prices? In the short term, higher oil prices will lead to higher …
Nominal values are the current monetary values. Real values are adjusted for inflation and show prices/wages at constant prices. Real values give a better guide to what you can actually buy and the opportunity costs you face. Example of real vs nominal If you receive an 8% increase in your wages from £100 to £108, …
With UK interest rates close to zero, who benefits from low-interest rates? In summary, the main effects of low-interest rates are: Savers will get lower interest payments on their savings. Borrowers, especially mortgage owners will see lower interest payments on their debt, increasing discretionary income. The government can borrow from the private sector at a …
The gift economy refers to economic activity characterised by offering services and goods to other members of the community without the expectation of monetary reward. Giving things to other people may be based on pure altruism, a wish to gain status in society, the hope of reciprocal gifts in the future or out of a …
The Housing Market refers to the supply and demand for houses, usually in a particular country or region. A key element of the housing market is the average house prices and trend in house prices. Definitions related to housing market UK nominal house prices – actually monetary value – not adjusted for inflation Real house …
Government policies to increase economic growth are focused on trying to increase aggregate demand (demand side policies) or increase aggregate supply/productivity (supply side policies) Demand side policies include: Fiscal policy (cutting taxes/increasing government spending) Monetary policy (cutting interest rates) Supply side policies include: Privatisation, deregulation, tax cuts, free trade agreements (free market supply side policies) …