The great recession refers to the economic downturn between 2008 and 2013. The recession began after the 2007/08 global credit crunch and led to a prolonged period of low/negative growth, rising unemployment and a period of fiscal austerity. In particular, the great recession highlighted problems within the Eurozone which experienced a double-dip recession and high …
By any standards, 2012 has been a dismal year for the UK economy. Despite a temporary Olympic bounce, GDP remains below 2008 levels, and the Bank of England is as pessimistic as it’s ever been. Unemployment might be lower than other European economies, but with 1 million underemployed – official statistics perhaps mask the wasted …
Readers Question: What is the relationship/theory between the OCR (Official Cash Rate) and Inflation? The Official Cash Rate is the interest rate the New Zealand Reserve Bank use to control inflation. It is very similar to the base rate used by the MPC, Bank of England. Graph Interest Rates New Zealand Because New Zealand commercial …
Readers Question: 1. The government puts a lot of money into banks who over-lent funds. So why are the banks still lending out money for mortgages? Many banks overstretched themselves. They lent a high % of their assets. For example, Northern Rock’s asset to loan ratio reached 44%. It means for every £1 of loan, …
Given concerns over the financial system, many British savers may be anxious about the future of British banks. Yesterday, shares in HBOS fell 18% (at one point in the day it had fallen 35%.) Shares in Barclays and Royal Bank of Scotland also posted double digit falls. British banks are not directly exposed to the …
Readers Comment It is shocking to me that revenues from all my future income tax and even my young children’s future tax payments have already been committed by our national debt. If it is not some kind of nefarious carve-up, why would the UK wage 2 unnecessary wars costing billions when we do not have …
Readers Question ‘Evaluate two policies which the government might adopt to reduce the male inactivity rate’ Main Reasons for Inactivity in Labour Market Inactivity rates imply that people have left the labour market and are not able or are unwilling to seek employment. According to the ONS, inactivity rates can be caused by: Being a …
It is easy to forget, but, only 5 years ago people were talking about the Euro as if it was doomed to fail. 1 Euro got you 86 cents. 5 years later and 1 Euro is worth $1.48 and people are suggesting the Euro is set to be the next global reserve currency. The Euro’s …