Labour productivity measures the output per worker in a period of time. Labour productivity is an important factor in determining the long-run trend rate of economic growth; tax revenues, inflation and real wages. Since the start of the great recession in early 2008, UK labour productivity growth has remained very low – well below the …
In the past two decades, the UK has experienced a steady flow of net migrants into the economy. The 2016 Brexit vote has led to a sharp fall in net EU migration, but to a large extent this has been offset by a rise in non-EU migration. This net migration has had a wide-ranging impact …
Investment is expenditure on capital goods – for example, new machines, offices, new technology. Investment is a component of Aggregate Demand (AD) and also influences the capital stock and productive capacity of the economy (long-run aggregate supply) Summary – Investment levels are influenced by: Interest rates (the cost of borrowing) Economic growth (changes in demand) Confidence/expectations …
A look at factors affecting the demand and supply of housing. In summary. Demand-side factors 1. Affordability. Rising incomes mean that people are able to afford to spend more on housing. During periods of economic growth, demand for houses tends to rise. Also, demand for housing tends to be a luxury good. So a rise …
Seigniorage is the profit created by issuing currency, where the face value is higher than the intrinsic value. (production costs) Seigniorage income can also relate to the interest a Central Bank charges from lending commercial banks money. Seigniorage explained Early forms of money had a face value equal to the production costs – e.g. gold …
Is there a link between government debt and the interest rate on government bonds? One argument we often hear is that if government borrowing increases – we can expect higher bond yields. Investors demand higher yields to compensate for the risk of government default. However, other economists argue this is misleading. If inflation is low, …
Demand-pull inflation is a period of inflation which arises from rapid growth in aggregate demand. It occurs when economic growth is too fast. If aggregate demand (AD) rises faster than productive capacity (LRAS), then firms will respond by putting up prices, creating inflation. Inflation – a sustained increase in the price level. Demand-pull inflation – …
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, …