UK Economics Update OBR could prompt bigger budget tax hikes The fact that the forthcoming emergency budget will incorporate economic and fiscal forecasts produced by the new Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) increases the likelihood that it will include... 13th May 2010 · 1 min read
UK Economics Update Tax bargaining just a sideshow to the great squeeze While the first job for the coalition parties was to iron out the differences in their manifesto pledges, the tax changes announced are just a sideshow to the real action needed to address the fiscal... 12th May 2010 · 1 min read
UK Economics Update Tax bargaining just a sideshow to the great squeeze While the first job for the coalition parties was to iron out the differences in their manifesto pledges, the tax changes announced are just a sideshow to the real action needed to address the fiscal... 12th May 2010 · 1 min read
Europe Economics Update Iberian economies still facing an uphill struggle The bold measures announced by European policymakers at the weekend may have reduced the chance of financial market meltdown. But this does not change our fundamental view that the Iberian Peninsula... 11th May 2010 · 1 min read
Asia Economics Update Australia targets a quick return to surplus Today’s Federal Budget in Australia was a low-key affair even in the context of an imminent general election which will be a close contest. The aim of moving back to a fiscal surplus by 2012-13, some... 11th May 2010 · 1 min read
Emerging Europe Economics Update Turkish fiscal rule offers hope, but onus still on policymakers Today’s announcement of a seemingly well-designed and sensible fiscal rule in Turkey is an encouraging sign that the government is trying to get to grips with the public finances. But while a rules... 11th May 2010 · 1 min read
Europe Economics Update EU package does not address broader economic problems The bolder than anticipated announcement of up to €750bn in loans and guarantees for euro-zone governments together with ECB government bond purchases hopefully reduces the immediate risk of financial... 10th May 2010 · 1 min read
Japan Economics Weekly Unambitious fiscal plan to test markets’ patience The DPJ’s economic and fiscal plan, due to be unveiled next month, is likely to be criticised on at least two counts: that the proposed target for the budget balance would still leave debt at very... 10th May 2010 · 1 min read
UK Economics Update UK election ushers in the Great Squeeze Tomorrow’s general election will mark the beginning of a new and difficult phase for the UK economy. Get ready for the Great Squeeze. 5th May 2010 · 1 min read
Europe Economics Update Greece - crisis averted, for now at least With the joint euro-zone/IMF fiscal lifeline increasingly likely to be in place in a matter of days, the possibility of a near-term Greek funding crisis has been greatly reduced. But with government... 4th May 2010 · 1 min read
Japan Economics Weekly Japan dodges Greek crisis... for now The market reaction to the recent events in Greece shows that Japan is still seen as a safe haven rather than one of the next countries in line for a public finance crisis. This makes sense. In... 3rd May 2010 · 1 min read
Europe Economics Weekly Greece takes a step back from the brink With signs that Europe is perhaps finally getting its act together and is close to finalising a bailout package, the chances of a near term Greek Government default have greatly diminished. While... 3rd May 2010 · 1 min read
UK Economics Weekly Parties leave us none the wiser on spending cuts The Government is going into the election against a fairly favourable backdrop of an expanding economy, a falling claimant count and rising house prices. So it may be disappointed that this economic... 3rd May 2010 · 1 min read
Europe Economics Focus Greek default – The whys and wherefores Continued uncertainties about the proposed rescue package for Greece, coupled with the exceptionally grim medium-term outlook for the economy and public finances, point to a significant risk of some... 30th April 2010 · 1 min read
UK Economics Update Macroprudential toolkit could help interest rates stay low While all main parties look set to leave the current inflation-targeting regime in place, all seem agreed on the need for some form of so-called “macroprudential” toolkit. New tools to control asset... 29th April 2010 · 1 min read
UK Economics Update Greek woes underline need for clear fiscal plan The rapid escalation of the Greek fiscal crisis has prompted inevitable questions over whether the UK faces similar dangers. So far, UK markets are probably right to have been sanguine. But that might... 29th April 2010 · 1 min read
