Contestable Markets - Where now for UK grocers as Aldi overtakes Morrisons?
This Zoe Wood piece in the Guardian looks at how the cost of living crisis has changed the nature of grocery retail in the UK, with the rise of Aldi signalling the end of the 'big Four', with Aldi...
Development Economics - Digital Transformation in Guinea Bissau
This World Bank clip demonstrates how the digital economy can contribute to enhanced developmental prospects, in this case in Guinea-Bissau. Not only can in transform opportunities in education and...
Debt Relief - Lenders urged to cancel Zambia debt
Much like Sri Lanka has had a well-publicised economic crisis, Zambia too seems to be on the brink of economic collapse and there are calls for international lenders to write-off some of their loans.
Economics Weekly Quiz | 16 September 2022
Here's our weekly economics news quiz.
Social Costs and the Circular Economy - Roof Waste in the USA
This Business Insider clip that promotes the circular economy and the potential to reuse waste. In this case, it's roof waste - notably shingles - that are being repurposed to become road surfaces...
UK inflation and interest rates - a quick update
The latest inflation figures suggest a slight dip in inflation - to 9.9% - but rising costs are eating into household budgets.
FDI into India - Foxconn and Vedanta to build $19bn India chip factory
Here is a good example for your globalisation / development notes. Taiwanese giant Foxconn and Indian mining company, Vedanta, has agreed a joint venture to build a semi-conductor plant in India,...
UK house prices climbing towards an average of £300,000
Average house prices increased 15.5% over the year to July 2022. This is the highest annual inflation rate the UK has seen since May 2003. The average house price in the UK is £292,000.
Retail Competition - Aldi becomes 4th largest UK supermarket
July 2022 marked an important moment for the UK retail grocery industry. The German discount chain Aldi has overtaken Morrisons to become the 4th largest supermarket by market share.
UK Economy - Unemployment rate falls to lowest level since 1974
The UK unemployment rate has fallen to 3.6% of the labour force. This is the lowest recorded unemployment since 1974.
Is this a time for central banks to be more cautious in raising interest rates?
Joseph Stiglitz has joined calls from some, notably David Blanchflower, for caution as regards central bank interest rate increases in the United States. Terrific stuff for Theme 2 and Theme 4 macro!
Price Mechanism in Action - London Hotel Prices Soar!
The Guardian reports that hotel prices are rising very quickly in the run up to the Queen’s state funeral. This is an excellent example of the price mechanism in action.
Development Economics - Yemeni coffee growers look to sell direct to improve returns
Last month saw an unusual coffee auction in London, with the National Yemen Coffee Auction selling coffee beans exclusively from the country and designed to showcase their quality.
Countries with the Highest Income Inequality
One question I often ask students to research is – which countries in the world have the highest income inequality?
Business Objectives - Will British Gas cap profits to cut energy bills?
This news from British Gas might prompt classroom debate about the theory of the firm, and the objectives of a business.
UK Economy - Why low business investment matters
A recent chart in the Financial Times showed UK business investment staying low in real terms and lagging well behind the trend growth from 2009 through to 2016.
Building Climate Resilience in Bangladesh
This UN clip looks at how climate change represents a fundamental threat to Bangladesh's developmental prospects, and how investment in enhancing climate resilience has made the coastal zone safer...
Economics Weekly Quiz | 09 September 2022
Here's our weekly economics news quiz.
OFGEM director calls for two-tier energy market to improve affordability
A former director of OFGEM, Christine Farnish argues here that the regulator "favoured suppliers over consumers", implying that there's been a degree of regulatory capture.
Exchange rates - Pound falls to lowest level against dollar since 1985
The day's big economic story is about the pound falling to its lowest level against the dollar for nearly 40 years, and you need to think about the macroeconomic implications of this - they aren't...