Marijuana: an economic high?

Weed? Pot? Ganja? These are familiar terms for some people, but less well known is the fact that marijuana sales account for more than $120 billion each year in tax revenue and create 1.6 million new jobs in the US alone. The legalisation of cannabis would see it officially become America’s largest cash crop and many people seem to be rooting for it, with only … Continue reading Marijuana: an economic high?

Does Free Trade Cause Unemployment?

The relationship between international free trade and employment has long been controversial.  Some economists argue free trade affects efficiency but has no effect on total employment in the medium and long term, whilst others argue that there are increased job opportunities due to a rise in exports.  There are several reasons why a country would want to participate in foreign trade. Most obviously, one may … Continue reading Does Free Trade Cause Unemployment?

News Briefing – 06/06/22

We’ve summarised the top stories of the last week into an easily digestible briefing, so that you can stay up to date on what’s happening around the world. You can subscribe to receive the briefing in your inbox each week. UK Business & Economics The boost to the UK economy due to the Platinum Jubilee has been quantified at £6.37 billion, with pubs and restaurants … Continue reading News Briefing – 06/06/22

News Briefing – 30/05/22

We’ve summarised the top stories of the last week into an easily digestible briefing, so that you can stay up to date on what’s happening around the world. You can subscribe to receive the briefing in your inbox each week. UK Business & Economics The government has admitted that the £150 council tax rebate, announced in February, may not arrive for some households until late … Continue reading News Briefing – 30/05/22

News Briefing – 23/05/22

We’ve summarised the top stories of the last week into an easily digestible briefing, so that you can stay up to date on what’s happening around the world. You can subscribe to receive the briefing in your inbox each week. UK Business & Economics Despite the rising cost of living hitting UK households nation-wide, retail sales jumped 1.4% in April with the sales of tobacco … Continue reading News Briefing – 23/05/22

News Briefing – 16/05/22

We’ve summarised the top stories of the last week into an easily digestible briefing, so that you can stay up to date on what’s happening around the world. You can subscribe to receive the briefing in your inbox each week. UK Business & Economics NHS prescription charges will be frozen at £9.35. Normally, single prescription prices rise in line with inflation. However, following an announcement … Continue reading News Briefing – 16/05/22

News Briefing – 09/05/22

We’ve summarised the top stories of the last week into an easily digestible briefing, so that you can stay up to date on what’s happening around the world. You can subscribe to receive the briefing in your inbox each week. UK Business & Economics The Bank of England has increased the bank rate from 0.75% to 1%; the highest level seen in 13 years. This … Continue reading News Briefing – 09/05/22

Dispelling the myths of immigration

Given Britain’s imperial past and 47-year membership of the EU, it comes as no surprise that it now ranks amongst the world’s most multicultural societies. However, as the number of immigrants entering the UK has risen, so has public sentiment against immigration: this, of course, was mirrored by the result of the 2016 Brexit vote. Unfortunately, misconceptions around immigration have spread throughout British politics and … Continue reading Dispelling the myths of immigration

Flash Boys by Michael Lewis – Book Review  

Michael Lewis, the revered author of The Big Short, brings us yet another sharp insight into the confounding and often shady world of finance: Flash Boys: A Wall Street Revolt. This book specifically focuses on the role of high-frequency traders by following the journey of numerous individuals who all arrive at the same conclusion: that financial markets are rigged against the investor. Overall, the book … Continue reading Flash Boys by Michael Lewis – Book Review