The Basic Two Sector Model

Economics is the study of complex interactions between different agents of society—individuals, businesses, governments, and the global economy. Economic models make these interactions easier to understand. The most fundamental example is the two-sector model of the circular flow of income, which focuses on how economic activity is conducted through these interactions.   The two-sector model provides the foundation for understanding how income is generated, distributed, and spent. … Continue reading The Basic Two Sector Model

The Taylor Rule

Monetary policy makers often face a trade-off between rules based and discretionary policy formulation. While discretionary policy formulation allows flexibility in responding to unexpected shocks, it can simultaneously create uncertainty and reduce credibility. On the other hand, a systematic, rules based approach anchors expectations regarding future monetary policy, helping to stabilize the economy over time. In 1993, the economist John B. Taylor proposed the Taylor … Continue reading The Taylor Rule

Hong Kong’s Economic Turning Point

Hong Kong’s Turning Point: Turbulence to Transformation? Since the return of Hong Kong to China in 1997, the Hong Kong government has depended on limiting the release of land parcels to drive up prices and maximize revenue, allowing it to maintain low taxes, which in turn attracts businesses, talent, and foreign investment. Branded as “Asia’s World City”, Hong Kong rose rapidly to become the widely … Continue reading Hong Kong’s Economic Turning Point

The Role of Innovation in the Job Market

Technology and innovation are increasingly becoming more efficient, exponentially increasing the power of information technology, having a knock on effect on the economy. Essential jobs are comprised of tasks in which automation can become a substitute, lowering the amount of jobs required for the same final effect. However, it is essential that we understand the interactions between these technologies and employment. Significantly, this technology can … Continue reading The Role of Innovation in the Job Market

The IMF and World Bank in a Multipolar World

The IMF and World Bank in a Multipolar World A multipolar world economy is defined as a world order where major economic power does not lie in the hands of one single state but is instead divided between various centres of economic influence across the globe. Over the last few decades, global order and economic influence have shifted from a Western-centric polar model to a … Continue reading The IMF and World Bank in a Multipolar World

The Solow-Swan Growth Model

What is The Solow Growth Model?  Also known as the Solow-Swan model, the Solow growth model is a foundational economic framework often used to explain and recognise trends in long-run economic growth. It does this by looking at factors like capital accumulation, labour growth and productivity increases (often driven by technological progress).  Structure, Mathematics and Assumptions  N.B. this model assumes constant returns to scale, exogenous … Continue reading The Solow-Swan Growth Model

AI and the Labour Force

When the steam engine transformed industry in the 19th century, economists redefined how they measured growth and economic productivity. Today, two centuries later, artificial intelligence poses a similar challenge, except now the developments and changes come from AI algorithms and not machinery or infrastructure. The world of AI automation is growing rapidly and is enabling people to fully automate tasks that were once performed by humans. … Continue reading AI and the Labour Force

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

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

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