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In the News
Continued Debate over the US Minimum Wage
It seems remarkable that the USA federal minimum wage has remained at $7.25 since 2009. However, there are a number of nuanced arguments that suggests that a new federal minimum wage might be...
UK Economy: What are neutral interest rates?
This article quotes the Governor of the Bank of England who is of the view that whilst interest rates are going to fall, they're not going to fall back to close to zero, where they were.
He...
China Cuts Interest Rates to Revive Slowing Economy and Struggling Property Market
China, the world’s second-largest economy, has just rolled out its boldest economic intervention since the pandemic, aiming to kickstart growth and prevent a looming crisis in its property sector....
UK Fuel Prices Tumble: What’s Behind the Biggest Drop of the Year?
The recent sharp drop in petrol and diesel prices across the UK is offering some relief to drivers, with families now paying around £4 less to fill up their cars than they did just a month ago....
How New UK Packaging Taxes Could Affect Prices and Recycling Efforts
A new packaging tax aimed at funding recycling in the UK has sparked concerns among businesses, particularly in industries that rely on glass packaging. The Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR)...
How Budget Anxiety is Shaping the UK Economic Landscape
The latest GfK Confidence Index, a barometer of consumer confidence, doesn't make for great reading, suggesting that there's been a substantial fall in consumer confidence pre-Budget. This implies...
UK Debt Soars to 100% of GDP: What Does It Mean for the Economy and Future Generations?
For the first time since the 1960s, UK national debt has hit 100% of GDP. That's right, the amount the UK owes is now equal to the entire value of the goods and services the country produces in a...
Economics Weekly Quiz | 20 September 2024
Here's this week economics news quiz! The quiz has 8 multi-choice questions about news events relating to economics from the previous 7 days. Most of the questions relate to the UK economy but some...
Federal Reserve’s Interest Rate Cut: What It Means for the US Economy
On Wednesday, the U.S. Federal Reserve made headlines by cutting its benchmark interest rate by half a percentage point. This marks the first rate reduction in over four years and signals the...
From Piccadilly to New Delhi: The Rise of Pret A Manger as a Global Giant
An important landmark for one of the UK's iconic coffee and sandwich chains. In 2023, Pret’s global sales rose to £1.1 billion, up 20% from the previous year, driven by rapid growth in non-UK...
The Rise of the British Blueberry Boom
Changing consumer tastes, undoubtedly, but there's also a little insight here into the monopsony power of supermarkets, who, fruit growers claim, are driving down the price they offer for...
China's Retirement Age Reform: Addressing an Aging Population and Pension Crisis
China is at a crossroads. With one of the fastest-aging populations in the world and a pension system on the brink of insolvency, the country faces significant economic and social challenges. In...
Tackling Childhood Obesity: A Bold Step Forward with Junk Food Ad Bans
Starting October 1, 2025, the UK government will enforce a new ban on junk food advertisements before 9:00 PM on television, along with a complete ban on paid-for online ads for unhealthy foods....
Economics Weekly Quiz | 13 September 2024
Here's this week economics news quiz! The quiz has 8 multi-choice questions about news events relating to economics from the previous 7 days. Most of the questions relate to the UK economy but some...
The Looming UK Debt Crisis: A Challenge for Future Generations
The UK is facing a daunting economic challenge: the prospect of its national debt potentially tripling to 274% of GDP by the mid-2070s. This stark warning comes from the Office for Budget...
Britain’s High Streets: A Crisis or an Opportunity?
According to research from accountancy firm PwC, an average of 18 chemists, 16 pubs, and nine banks shut down every week between January and June 2024. This trend is not new; it reflects a broader,...
The EU vs. Big Tech: A New Era of Accountability?
In a dramatic series of legal battles, the European Court of Justice (ECJ) and the European Commission have sent a strong message to tech giants like Apple and Google: no one is above the law,...
Aldi has become a standout name in the UK grocery market, known for its affordable pricing and streamlined operations. However, recent shifts in consumer behaviour and economic conditions have...
Oil Prices Slump Amid Uncertain Market Dynamics: What’s Happening and Why It Matters
Oil markets have been turbulent lately, with U.S. crude prices hitting their lowest levels since June 2023. This decline, driven by a complex web of supply and demand issues, marks the worst week...
The UK's Bond Market: A Beacon for Investors
The United Kingdom continues to be one of the most attractive investment destinations for those seeking stability, as demonstrated by a recent auction of government bonds that was more than ten...