Last week the UK economy slipped into recession. But, was it avoidable? Why are interest rates not coming down when households are facing the greatest squeeze on incomes for a generation? Although inflation is falling it is still above the inflation target, but it is a mistake to prolong a recession, when inflation is expected …
The UK is in recession, but the real story is 13 years of stagnant wages. 0% growth in real wages is unprecedented in the post-war period. This period of flatlining growth is leading to higher taxes and fewer public services. It is an unwelcome cycle of low growth, low investment and increasing pessimism. But …
How QE Damaged the Economy and Housing MarketWatch this video on YouTube When we are young, we are taught money doesn’t grow on trees, but that’s not quite true, with QE the Central Bank can create as much money as it likes. And since the financial crisis, the Bank of England created £845 billion …
The UK housing market is in crisis, with prices eight times median incomes. The latest idea to be floated is the return of government-backed 99% mortgages. The logic is that since house prices are out of reach for many, a 99% mortgage would enable more to be able to buy without waiting the 19 years …
The Worrying Decline of the German Economy – From Miracle to StagnationWatch this video on YouTube Last year, Germany was the worst-performing major economy in the world. Real wages have fallen, confidence plummeted and workers are protesting. Relative growth rates The only thing increasing is the cost of living, with Germany experiencing the highest inflation …
In 2009, Central Banks around the world cut interest rates dramatically to 0%. It was supposed to be a temporary reaction to a short-term crisis. Markets and experts all predicted interest rates would soon rise. But for 13 years, interest rates defied predictions staying close to zero. But, just as zero interest rates appeared to …
In 1979, Mrs Thatcher was elected Prime Minister of the UK. At the time, the UK was experiencing double-digit inflation, trades unions were powerful and there were signs British industry was becoming increasingly uncompetitive. Mrs Thatcher introduced revolutionary economic policies which had a deep impact on the UK economy. They were characterised by a belief …
In the space of 18 months, Bank of England base rates have risen from historical lows to 5%, with more expected. It’s a remarkable turnaround for an economy accustomed to ultra-low borrowing costs – the rapid increase in rates have seen soaring mortgage costs and threatens to push an already struggling economy into recession. Yet …