Author: Etonomics

Development, Economics, Europe, Politics

Capitalism and Social Welfare in Nordic Countries

As many advanced economies are struggling to balance changing demographic demand, inequality and free market capitalism, the Nordic countries – Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden – are often held out as examples of successfully balancing capitalism and the social welfare needs of their societies. This is often attributed to “The Nordic Model” – a system which combines free market capitalism with strong social welfare, … Continue reading Capitalism and Social Welfare in Nordic Countries

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Americas, History, Latin America, Politics

Militias and the Brazilian Economy

Since the founding of Brazil and its secession from Portugal in 1822 and especially after establishement of the republic in 1889, various groups have operated paramilitary organisations in Rio De Janeiro, known today as militias. To some, these groups are vigilante heroes, ordinary men who choose to stand against the terror of Brazil’s drug gangs and provide the security that Rio’s municipal government fails to … Continue reading Militias and the Brazilian Economy

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Finance and Markets, Long Read

Quantification of Risk in Finance

Quantification of Risk in Finance  While risk may initially seem like an abstract concept, the ability to quantify and  compare the risk which comes with acquisitions and investments is one of the concepts which falls at the heart of modern finance. This allows financial institutions to make decisions regarding investments by providing a metric to compare an investment’s return with the risk it is associated … Continue reading Quantification of Risk in Finance

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Development, Economics, Long Read

Testing for Convergence in HICs

Economic growth, most often measured by the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth rate, is the engine that propels nations from poverty to prosperity. It is the driving force behind rising living standards, the creation of new opportunities, and the expansion of human potential. Yet, the question remains as to how this varies between nations. Will the long-standing economic giants always be ahead or will less … Continue reading Testing for Convergence in HICs

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Finance and Markets, Politics

Central Bank Independence

When the Bank of England was finally granted independence by the new Labour government in 1997, the Economist ran the headline, ‘Free at last’. This move belatedly joined a rapidly growing trend worldwide of governments granting central banks independence. By the end of the 20th century, central bank independence (CBI) had risen to around 80-90% (Chart 1), while the independence of these banks had also increased … Continue reading Central Bank Independence

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Americas, Economics, Politics, US

Trumponomics

Since Donald Trump’s return to the presidency in January 2025, “Trumponomics” has redefined U.S. economic policy through a lens of protectionism and economic nationalism. Central to this strategy are aggressive tariffs, including a universal 10% tariff on all imports, effective April 5, 2025, and targeted rates as high as 245% on Chinese goods. By May 2025, these measures have catalysed a seismic shift in global … Continue reading Trumponomics

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Asia, Development, Economics, International

Great Expectations and India’s Economy

In 1979, Deng Xiaoping announced China’s intention to “open up” to the world’s economy. It has been a pariah state to the west since its Communist revolution in 1949, and its later “Cultural Revolution”. The reforms, which involved opening Special Economic Zones (SEZs) in harbour areas like Shenzhen, dividing up collectivised farmland and allowing private businesses to operate, saw China’s GDP grow by over 9% … Continue reading Great Expectations and India’s Economy

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Europe, Finance and Markets, UK

Trade with the EU: Booming Growth or a Fallacy?

Rachel Reeves has had a busy start to her Chancellorship. Within the first 10 months, she has had a 40 billion Pound budget and watched in horror at the unprecedented upheaval of the last century of global trade. Trump’s uncertainty has ushered in a renewed vigour to look elsewhere for loyal partners and new, reliable investors. Or are they new? The Labour government was elected … Continue reading Trade with the EU: Booming Growth or a Fallacy?

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