A key test in understanding economics is being able to interpret data. If you really want you can present data in a way which supports your argument. Therefore, always be careful about how you look at data. This is an example of how you could view employment statistics in the US. Total employment This graph …
Readers Question. Lastly, what effect would a poor unemployment figure (e.g. lower than expected nonfarm payroll numbers) have on a country’s currency? Is it likely to strengthen (due to lower expectations of inflation) or weaken (due to less domestic productivity and higher imports? Poor unemployment figures would probably weaken the currency. If unemployment figures are …
Spain has had one of the highest persistent rates of unemployment in the EU for several years. However, since the credit crunch and housing bubble burst in 2008, unemployment has spiked to over 4.9 million. [1. BBC Link] The problem is more acute amongst young workers. More than 45% of young Spanish are out of …
Readers Question: How can the U.S. economy be growing, even at 2%+, when the unemployment rate is so high. The unemployed don’t pay taxes, and obviously can’t spend their earnings. The US economy may be growing by 2%, but, it is still along way below potential output. It is merely recovering from a deep recession. …
As output falls, you would expect a rise in unemployment. If output is lower, firms will need less workers. Okun’s law is a look at the relationship between falling output and rising unemployment. As a rough rule of thumb, in Okun’s original statement of his law, he found a 3% increase in output corresponded to …
Readers Question. Explain the benefits of increasing the rate of unemployment benefit for 1. the unemployed, 2. society. Identify and costs that may result from such a policy. Benefits of increasing unemployment benefits Provides more income, reducing relative poverty and improving living standards. Gives them support in finding the best job. If benefits are low, …
Readers Question: how the unemployment and inflation is related to country’s economy If we take the example of the UK, we can see differing examples of how unemployment and inflation are related to a country’s economy. The key to this question is what causes unemployment and inflation. There are several different factors, but it is …
Amidst all the gloom surrounding global credit markets and house prices, it is easy to forget some of the strengths and developments in the UK economy. One of the most remarkable features of the UK economy is the sustained reduction in unemployment. Falling from a peak of 3 million in 1992, the official method of …