UK Economics Focus The New Mavericks The last six months or so have seen a significant increase in disagreement amongst members of the Monetary Policy Committee. This trend culminated in the August meeting at which, for the first time... 23rd August 2005 · 1 min read
UK Economics Focus Higher savings still the key threat to household spending The most striking thing about the slowdown in UK household spending in recent quarters is that it has occurred without what we, at least, had felt was the key threat to the spending outlook – namely... 11th August 2005 · 1 min read
UK Economics Focus Higher savings still the key threat to household spending The most striking thing about the slowdown in UK household spending in recent quarters is that it has occurred without what we, at least, had felt was the key threat to the spending outlook – namely... 11th August 2005 · 1 min read
UK Economics Focus Lower interest rates may not kick-start spending Relief is finally on its way for UK consumers in the form of lower interest rates. But there are a number of reasons why rate cuts might prove less powerful than in the past, meaning that those hoping... 4th August 2005 · 1 min read
UK Economics Focus Lower interest rates may not kick-start spending Relief is finally on its way for UK consumers in the form of lower interest rates. But there are a number of reasons why rate cuts might prove less powerful than in the past, meaning that those hoping... 4th August 2005 · 1 min read
UK Economics Focus Sterling on the brink The sterling exchange rate could be on the brink of a major downward adjustment. This could have positive implications for the economy if it revives the beleaguered export sector and leads to better... 12th July 2005 · 1 min read
UK Economics Focus Ten steps to a weakening labour market For some time we have warned that unemployment is likely to rise as economic growth weakens. Indeed, claimant count unemployment has already risen for the last four months in a row. But this far from... 28th June 2005 · 1 min read
UK Economics Focus Ten steps to a weakening labour market For some time we have warned that unemployment is likely to rise as economic growth weakens. Indeed, claimant count unemployment has already risen for the last four months in a row. But this far from... 28th June 2005 · 1 min read
UK Economics Focus Productivity boost around the corner The weakness of productivity growth in recent years has come to be seen as the Achilles’ heel of the UK economy, so last year’s pick-up was a welcome development to say the least. Whether this proves... 13th June 2005 · 1 min read
UK Economics Focus UK Economics Special - Getting the books back in order: Recent years have seen a major deterioration in the UK’s fiscal position, with the sizeable budget surpluses of three or four years ago replaced by hefty deficits. At a time when large parts of the... 23rd May 2005 · 1 min read
UK Economics Focus London 2012 Olympics: No gold medal for the economy With less than two months to go until we find out whether London’s bid to host the 2012 Olympic Games has been successful, the Olympics are gaining ground on the housing market as the most hotly... 19th May 2005 · 1 min read
UK Economics Focus Profits set to disappoint the stockmarket The UK corporate sector has a lot to live up to over the next year or two. The optimism regarding future stockmarket earnings implies that the recent pick-up in corporate profits is expected to become... 10th May 2005 · 1 min read
UK Economics Focus The election and the markets With the general election now less than two weeks away, it is a good time to take a look back at history to see what impact an election usually has on the financial markets. 25th April 2005 · 1 min read
UK Economics Focus Household incomes feel the pinch Household spending growth has slowed sharply since the end of last year. The Monetary Policy Committee has taken the view that this slowdown will prove to be temporary. But after a closer examination... 19th April 2005 · 1 min read
UK Economics Focus Household incomes feel the pinch Household spending growth has slowed sharply since the end of last year. The Monetary Policy Committee has taken the view that this slowdown will prove to be temporary. But after a closer examination... 19th April 2005 · 1 min read
UK Economics Focus The economy and the election At face value, current conditions in the UK economy would appear strongly to support the widely held expectations of a third consecutive general election victory for Labour on May 5th. GDP has... 12th April 2005 · 1 min read
