A Common question at AS and A2 Level is to understand economic graphs and statistics. Look at the graph below and explain what happens to GDP at current prices between 1974-1983? Many students will answer – In this period GDP is falling. However, this is wrong. What is happening is that the growth rate is …
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: I am studying AS level economics and I have a homework which i’m stuck on. I was wondering what are the pros and cons of the government intervening in market failures such as those resulting from the immobility of labour, negative externalities and greater income inequality, following the closure of factories. It’s a …
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: Will an extra $20 billion per year spent on housing have the same impact on the economy as an extra $20 billion spent on interstate highways? It depends on the state of the economy. At the moment, 2008, one of the biggest threats to the US economy is falling house prices. Data released …
On March 12th, Alistair Darling will deliver his first budget. With the economy slowing down, he is not left with much room for manoeuvre. Tax Revenues are less than the government hoped and the National debt is likely to soon exceed the government’s self imposed ceiling of 40% of GDP. In 2008-09 Mr Darling will …
Readers Question: i was wondering if u could give me some insight on how these macroeconomic factors will affect household consumption in 2008/2009. thanks Consumer Spending in the UK This graph shows the strong correlation between consumer spending and economic growth. Since 2005, consumer spending has continued to increase at an average of about 3% …
I asked my Economics students to conduct a questionnaire, asking people in the street various questions about Economics. One Question was: What do You consider to be the Most Serious economic problem Facing the UK at the moment. These are the most popular responses to far. House Prices (50% of responses) Government Debt Ignorance because …