21 February 2020 Concerns about the impact of immigration on jobs, wages, public services, and national identity played a huge role in the United Kingdom's decision to leave the European Union. Unschackled by the EU's freedom of labour movement requirement, Prime Minister Boris Johnson's government unveiled its long-awaited immigration proposal. In practical terms, the new [...]
Tag: productivity
Asia: Bending, But Not Breaking
22 October 2019 The global economy is slowing. During previous bouts of world-wide economic weakness, Asia has been relied upon as an engine of growth. This time, however, Asian economic activity is also cooling, as the region (and individual countries within the area) confronts both external and domestic challenges. The deepening trade war, of course, [...]
UK Sterling: Pounded! What’s Next?
11 October 2019 Understandably, perhaps, Brexit fatigue is widespread. However, the issues at stake are far too important to allow the outcome to be decided simply because of weariness. Not only are the economic implications significant, but the result will define the relationship between the UK executive government, the Parliament, the courts, and the electorate [...]
Europe: Fiscal Stimulus Key to Avoid Recession
29 September 2019 The European economy has been decelerating since 2017. Indeed, the meagre 0.2% gain in GDP during Q2 2019 suggests economic activity may be stalling. And, as Germany, Italy, and the UK all recorded negative growth rates during the interval (and with Q3 looking decidedly weak as well), financial markets are increasingly concerned [...]