Globally people are progressively shifting away from cash and adopting digital payments in their day to day life. In the last decade or so, the UK has seen a significant surge in mobile banking, contactless cards and fintech platforms such as Apple Pay and PayPal. However, the dependence on private businesses presents challenges of access as well as control. Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDCs) are … Continue reading CBCDs and Digital Currency
Impact on OPEC of changes in the market for Oil According to The Organisations of Petroleum Exporting Companies (OPEC), just under 80% of the world’s crude oil reserves are located within OPEC nations. Countries such as China and India rely heavily on OPEC for a steady flow of oil. This has fuelled significant growth in industry and technology seen in these nations over recent years. … Continue reading OPEC and the Changing Oil Market
In early 2021, the stock market experienced one of the most dramatic short squeezes in history, involving the video game retailer GameStop (GME). This event highlighted the power of retail investors, the risks of short selling, and the influence of social media on financial markets. The GameStop short squeeze became a major topic of discussion in the fields of economics and finance, challenging traditional market … Continue reading The GameStop Short Squeeze
You may not realise how many things you are subscribed to. There’s Netflix, Amazon, Spotify, iCloud, your mobile data plan, and that is just the beginning. Nowadays, many companies are shifting to subscription plans as payment. But why? There are many psychological hooks deeply rooted in these monthly commitments, but people also find them extremely convenient. Are we getting our money’s worth, or are we paying more than we should without noticing? Subscriptions are more … Continue reading The Economics of Subscriptions
Higher education refers to learning at universities or similar institutions, typically leading to a degree. It has long been a key driver of economic growth, offering individuals higher wages and better job security due to their higher perceived worth. However, with tuition fees rising and student debt reaching record levels, concerns are growing about whether a degree is still worth the cost. In the United … Continue reading The Economics of Higher Education
Trump and Bitcoin: How his policies and influence shape the Crypto market INTRODUCTION: Bitcoin is a popular cryptocurrency created in 2008 by Satoshi Nakamoto (whose actual identity remains unknown). It is the first decentralised cryptocurrency, based on a free-market ideology. Put simply, when you buy Bitcoin, the transaction is noted in the blockchain, which is a digital ledger that ensures transparency and verification of transactions. … Continue reading Trump and Bitcoin
As the World Locked Down, AI Went Phishing The latest data from the Anti-Phishing Working Group (APWG), a global organisation dedicated to cybercrime prevention, shows that the number of newly discovered phishing sites jumped tenfold between 2020 and 2023, before dipping somewhat by mid-2024. Even so, the total remains much higher than before the spike. Phishing, in simple terms, is when online thieves pretend to … Continue reading AI Phishing
People over Profits – the rise of Co-operative Economics in the UK Co-operative economics is a system of business rapidly emerging in the UK, guided by principles of shared ownership, democratic governance, and the equal distribution of profits. Unlike traditional shareholder-driven enterprises, co-operatives – otherwise known as mutuals – prioritise the welfare of their members and the communities they serve. The two main categories of … Continue reading Cooperative Economics
Why is the NHS in crisis, and can it be saved? For 75 years, the NHS has been a shining light for free at the point of service to use, universal healthcare. But, now, the National Health Service – a treasure of the United Kingdom – is in crisis. Waiting lists are up, A&E times are up, and its budget is ballooning. This has not … Continue reading The NHS in Crisis
Thomas Malthus introduces his theory of population growth, which examines the relationship between the size of a population and the sustenance available to support growth, in his work An Essay on the Principle of Population. Specifically, it posits that population growth can be modelled by a geometric progression and food supply growth by an arithmetic progression. In other words, assuming the abundance of food is beyond … Continue reading The Malthusian Trap of Societal Collapse
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