The Chancellor used the Budget speech to cut his growth forecasts. The economy is now expected to contract by 3.5pc this year, but grow 1.25pc in 2010. This would mean growth starting towards the end of this year. The IMF are more pessimistic forecasting negative growth in 2010 of -0.4% (see – slow economic recovery) …
UK Inflation Since 2000 Readers Question: How can we have both inflation and deflation in the economy at the same time? (the RPI falling to 0% and CPI rising to 3.2%) Deflation requires a fall in prices. We would need a negative inflation rate (e.g -0.3%) to have deflation Note if the inflation rate fell …
Readers Question: Can you please differentiate between the causes of once-off inflation and sustained inflation? A temporary period of inflation, also called one-off inflation, may be caused by: Temporary inflation in 2008 and 2011. Rising in tax rates. Suppose the chancellor announces a 10% rise in fuel duty. This means prices will rise. But, next …
Readers Question: Evaluate the view that the most effective way to reduce poverty is to increase significantly the state pension. Pensioners account for a growing % of the population; therefore inequality and poverty amongst pensioners is becoming a significant cause of relative poverty in the UK. For several years, the state pension has been index-linked. …
Readers Question: with economic scare, do you advise to invest? how do you predict inflation and interest rates will affect business? In the UK, interest rates have only fallen slightly since the start of the global credit crisis. The Bank of England has reduced rates from 5.75% to 5.25%. The Bank is still worried about …
Readers Question: What credit can the adoption of central bank independence take for the relative stability of the UK business cycle since 1997? The MPC, Bank of England, are responsible for setting interest rates and determining UK monetary policy. They seek to keep inflation close to the government’s target of CPI 2% +/-1 % Between …
Readers Question: Interest rates are determined by the markets and not by the Bank of England-where’s the truth? An interesting question. Firstly, it is worth bearing in mind that there are different interest rates in an economy. Bank of England Base Rate. This is the most important interest rate because it is the rate at …
Readers Question. Explain how interest rates could be used to boost the economy. Why, then do the govenment frequently hesitate to take such steps. Interesting Question. Generally, lower interest rates help increase consumer spending, investment and economic growth. Lower interest rates help increase Aggregate Demand for various reasons. Lower interest rates make borrowing cheaper encouraging …