Author: Etonomics

Finance and Markets, International

The Google Antitrust Cases

The contrasting antitrust challenges faced by Google in the EU and the US highlight the different regulatory approaches to addressing Google’s monopoly in the markets of online search and digital advertising, specifically in areas like search engine services, search text ads, and ad exchanges. In Europe, the company has encountered fines totalling billions, often linked to long-standing concerns over market abuse. However, the EU’s recent … Continue reading The Google Antitrust Cases

Unknown's avatarEtonomicsLeave a comment
Book Reviews

Book Review: The Deficit Myth

Stephanie Kelton’s The Deficit Myth: Modern Monetary Theory and How to Build a Better Economy (2020) is a provocative challenge to the macroeconomic paradigm of the past century that sees persistent elevated budget deficits as a failure of fiscal management. Kelton, a former economic advisor to progressive US Senator Bernie Sanders, argues that the political aversion to deficits is based on a fundamental failure to … Continue reading Book Review: The Deficit Myth

Unknown's avatarEtonomics1 Comment
Finance and Markets, International, UK

CBCDs and Digital Currency

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

Unknown's avatarEtonomicsLeave a comment
Finance and Markets, Middle East and Africa, US

OPEC and the Changing Oil Market

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

Unknown's avatarEtonomicsLeave a comment
History, International

The GameStop Short Squeeze

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

Unknown's avatarEtonomicsLeave a comment
Business and Technology

The Economics of Subscriptions

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

Unknown's avatarEtonomicsLeave a comment
Development, Economics, International

The Economics of Higher Education

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

Unknown's avatarEtonomicsLeave a comment
Business and Technology, Finance and Markets, History, US

Trump and Bitcoin

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

Unknown's avatarEtonomicsLeave a comment