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 …
The Worrying Decline of the German Economy – From Miracle to StagnationWatch this video on YouTube Last year, Germany was the worst-performing major economy in the world. Real wages have fallen, confidence plummeted and workers are protesting. Relative growth rates The only thing increasing is the cost of living, with Germany experiencing the highest inflation …
In 2009, Central Banks around the world cut interest rates dramatically to 0%. It was supposed to be a temporary reaction to a short-term crisis. Markets and experts all predicted interest rates would soon rise. But for 13 years, interest rates defied predictions staying close to zero. But, just as zero interest rates appeared to …
In 1979, Mrs Thatcher was elected Prime Minister of the UK. At the time, the UK was experiencing double-digit inflation, trades unions were powerful and there were signs British industry was becoming increasingly uncompetitive. Mrs Thatcher introduced revolutionary economic policies which had a deep impact on the UK economy. They were characterised by a belief …
In the space of 18 months, Bank of England base rates have risen from historical lows to 5%, with more expected. It’s a remarkable turnaround for an economy accustomed to ultra-low borrowing costs – the rapid increase in rates have seen soaring mortgage costs and threatens to push an already struggling economy into recession. Yet …
Since 2008, the US economy has grown at double the rate of the UK economy. Since Covid, the UK is stagnating whilst the US has grown strongly. Despite much faster growth, inflation in the US is dropping fast, whilst the UK seems stuck with high inflation and the worst of both worlds. Why is the …
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 …
Summary of Phillips Curve The Phillips curve suggests there is an inverse relationship between inflation and unemployment. This suggests policymakers have a choice between prioritising inflation or unemployment. During the 1950s and 1960s, Phillips curve analysis suggested there was a trade-off, and policymakers could use demand management (fiscal and monetary policy) to try and influence …