Economics

Uncertainty was the theme in the latest Global Economy Watch from accountants PWC. Almost a third of business leaders say they expect at least one crisis within the next three years, and uncertain economic growth is perceived to be the biggest threat to business. Uncertainty over Brexit could dampen business investment and push up household savings rates, further dampening consumer spending growth. A hung parliament following the UK election could also add to business uncertainty. Barret Kupelian, senior economist at...

The news of the deployment of a THAAD missile defence system in South Korea is creating tension and conflict in the region. Despite ongoing concerns, the United States works with the country to get the system operational as a security measure against unpredictable North Korea, China is lashing out in protest over the issue. To voice its disagreement, China is taking aim at South Korea’s economy at several different ways that could have disastrous consequences for the country. As South...

While the so-called 'Bank of Mum and Dad' is well-known concept, it is one that has become increasingly relevant since the great recession. Incredibly, parents are now thought to fund more than a quarter of house purchases in the UK market, as rising inflation and real wage growth continues to hinder first-time buyers. In financial terms, the Bank of Mum and Dad has become the equivalent of the ninth-largest mortgage lender in Britain, ahead of even prominent establishments like the...

Given that they hold so much influence over our hearts and minds, it’s a bit of a problem for our democracy that the majority of the UK press is owned by a handful of foreign-based billionaires, who predominantly back the Tories.. The proprietors of our favourite newspapers have significant financial interests elsewhere and as such it is no surprise, or secret, that they have traditionally aligned themselves with the Conservative Party. So, it’s not a shock either that many Tory Party narratives seem to...

China has been downgraded by Moody's for the first time since 1989 sending worrying messages to the rest of the world. Expectations that the country's financial strength will deteriorate in coming years was cited as a primary reason for downgrading the Asian powerhouse. Rising debt and a cooling economy were also referenced as reasons for downgrading China's rating to A1 from Aa3 and changing its outlook from stable to negative. According to Mihir Kapadia, CEO and Founder of Sun Global Investments, Moody’s...

The ONS have indicated that the sharp fall in the pound since Brexit has not helped boost exports in March. The trade deficit increased and industrial output contracted more than was forecast. The economy appears to be faltering and Brexit is to blame. It is feared that when the UK finally breaks from the EU, there could be a shocking collapse of the UK economy. The deal PM May secures with the EU is increasingly important, but the anti-European rhetoric...

2017 appears to be the year of big European elections. The Dutch and French have already had theirs, the UK’s is just around the corner and then the German federal election arrives in September. Even the Hungarian and Bulgarian presidential and parliamentary elections this year have generated plenty of media attention. For London, it’s the UK, French and German elections which will likely have a big impact on its economic outlook. From individual Oanda traders to local businesses and large...

As they say in capitalist economic theory there's only one thing worse than beating up a customer and killing a beloved bunny rabbit - and that's upping your staff's wages. Last week following the announcement by American Airlines that they are offering its pilots and flight attendants an increase in pay their share price dropped significantly more than their Chicago-based counterpart, hitting turbulence after confirming it would give its pilots an eight per cent raise and its flight attendants a five...

Brexit may be a topic that everybody has a strong opinion about right now, but with both major parties announcing that Brexit and an exit from the single market will take place if they win the newly announced June general election, it looks like the UK will definitely be leaving the EU and negotiating new trade agreements with other countries. Brexit is a difficult thing to predict the economic outcomes of, until we know exactly what the terms under which...