Category
In the News
Zero progress in tackling school access
A really important developmental article here, highlighting the lack of progress towards improving schooling for the poorest countries in the world. This is a vital component of inclusive...
Is war a good source of GDP growth?
Whether you are starting a new course by asking students to consider the sources of GDP growth, or encouraging returning Year 13 students to remember what they learned last year as part of a...
What can be done about problem gambling?
The issue of problem gambling imposes substantial negative externalities upon society - with the fixed odds betting terminals (FOBTs) a particular cause of concern.
Can Brewdog sustain their breakneck growth?
Brewdog is a fast-growing craft beer business with a growing legion of loyal customers many of whom have made an equity stake in the idea. Last week Brewdog announced that twenty per cent of their...
Macron initiates labour market reforms
This is potentially an important juncture for supply-side policies in the French economy as Macron announces plans to improve the flexibility of the French labour market. Union opposition is more...
Is Japan's economy bouncing back?
The world's third biggest economy is enjoying an economic upturn although growth remains very slow compared to many emerging economies in Asia. This BBC news video is excellent as an introduction...
Statistics on Executive Pay in the UK
New data has been released on the scale of the divide between the pay of CEOs and ordinary workers in the labour market. The UK government is considering legislation so that UK companies must...
Is this a future model for the Irish border?
Newsnight investigates the border between Sweden and Norway and challenges the idea of frictionless trade despite the use of the latest technology during the customs process at the 12 customs...
Sterling's Slump
Continued uncertainty among investors about the post-Brexit landscape and stronger macroeconomic data from a resurgent Euro Zone appear to be the main factors behind the slump in the external value...
Vodafone plans joint investment with OpenReach
Macro or micro? A joint venture between Vodafone and Openreach means it's micro but the notion of improved supply-side performance is macro.
Pollution breaches by farmers on the rise
The number of serious pollution breaches in the farming industry is growing as many farmers are unable or unwilling to meet the cost of pollution prevention.
Macro Risks: China's Addiction to Debt
The scale of debt in the (slowing) Chinese economy remains one of the biggest risks facing the global economy.
Re-making NAFTA - Possible Effects on Consumers
This Wall Street Journal video report is excellent on rules of origin and complex supply chains which affect supply costs and ultimately, prices for consumers within the free trade area.
Caveman with a Computer Resurfaces in Brexit Debate
Patrick Minford has produced a report that suggests a UK economy fully liberated from the EU stands to make significant macroeconomic gains.
The materials that make up the IPhone
The value of all raw materials in an iPhone 6 (16GB) is just $1.03. These materials range from aluminium (31.1g) to hydrogen (5.5g) and chrome (4.9g).
The Economics (and Politics) of Gender Quotas
Gender issues in the workplace are currently a hot topic. First, we had the furore about male and female pay at the BBC. Next, the notorious memo from a Google employee which alleged that women are...
Derived Demand - Soaring Demand for Electric Vehicle Batteries
Here is a great example of derived demand. According to this chart from the Economist, demand for vehicle batteries to charge electric vehicles could overtake that from consumer electronics as...
Rising Obesity in OECD Countries
By 2030, obesity rates may reach 47% in US, 39% in Mexico and 35% in England according to the latest Obesity Update published by the OECD.
Jason Hickel on the need for De-Growth
Anthropologist at the LSE, Jason Hickel argues in this two minute piece for Newsnight that we need to overcome our addiction to GDP.
France makes childhood vaccinations compulsory
A really interesting example to use when discussing the economic and social impact of vaccinations. In order to prevent a measles epidemic, France has just made many more vaccinations compulsory by...