Readers Question. Could you give any more information on how you think consumer buying habits will be affected by the credit crunch moving into 2009. Obviously people are spending less nowadays and tightening their purse strings. Will this continue into 2009? Will we see the birth of a new type of savvy consumer who knows …
In the UK, it is currently the exam season and my students are finally thinking of doing some actual revision. These are some tips to make your revision more effective. Be practical. Don’t worry over results or speculate on grades, make small efforts to improve knowledge and exam writing technique. If you make those small …
The price of oil reached another record high yesterday – $125 Brent Crude oil reached $126 US light crude oil reached $128 before setting back to $127 This means that, even adjusted for inflation, oil is now close to the all time high, last reached in the 1970s. What are the reasons behind the Recent …
Readers Question: What would stop the falling dollar? The dollar has been falling for many reasons. These are some of the factors which would stop the dollar falling and lead to a recovery in the value of the dollar. Higher Interest rates. US interest rates have been cut to 0% in an effort to stave …
Readers Question: The Bank of England has released £15bn into the economy. That increase in the money supply will surely cause inflation? So interest rates having fallen will be raised, worsening the housing market and making the credit crunch even worse, not better….surely? The Bank of England is planning to inject money, primarily into the …
Readers Question: Use the ideas and theories you have encountered in your study of the macroeconomic business environment to assess the possible impacts on China of holding the Olympic games in Beijing in 2008. The Olympic Games will effect the Chinese economy in the following way. Increase in Tourism. This is a short term effect …
A.Darling’s first budget is good news for those who don’t drink, smoke or buy SUVs. No major changes, but these are some of the main features of the budget. Cigarettes up 11p a packet of 20. Beer up by 4p a pint, wine 14p a bottle, spirits 55p a bottle. Duties on alcohol will go …
The pound reached the symbolic value of $2 = £1 yesterday. This is the highest level since New Year’s Eve and is partly in response to the Bank of England’s caution in cutting interest rates. (Yesterday, the Bank left rates unchanged at 5.25%) Despite the slowdown in the housing sector the Bank still appear worried …