Category: International

Behavioural, International

Dan Ariely – Modern Behavioural Economics

Behavioural economics has taken the world by storm, aided by catchy and digestible books and superstar researchers. One of the most prominent contemporary figures in the field is Daniel Ariely, the current James B. Duke Professor of psychology and behavioural economics at Duke University. He has authored multiple best-selling books on his research, most famously his ‘irrational trilogy’ of Predictably Irrational, The Upside of Irrationality, and The Honest … Continue reading Dan Ariely – Modern Behavioural Economics

Unknown's avatarJohn Chang1 Comment
Behavioural, Finance and Markets, International

Forever blowing bubbles

Be fearful when others are greedy and greedy when others are fearful. – Warren Buffett Buffett uses this mantra every day, along with his two other ground rules for running his investment firm Berkshire Hathaway: So why does the 90-year-old legendary investor hold these core mantras? One possible answer can be found by considering the history of investment bubbles. One of the first recognised “bubbles” … Continue reading Forever blowing bubbles

Unknown's avatarOllie Weldon2 Comments
Economics, International

Price Controls on Essentials During the Pandemic

The phrase “time of crisis and shortage” is certainly applicable to the coronavirus pandemic; it refers to a period of difficulty where specific items cannot be obtained in sufficient amounts due to shortages in quantity supplied. This may encourage societal inequalities.  For example, in order to prevent a future lack of essential goods, higher income earners are better placed to “hoard” such goods, as the … Continue reading Price Controls on Essentials During the Pandemic

Unknown's avatarStanley GrewalLeave a comment
Economics, International

Interstellar Economics

In 1978 Dr Paul Krugman wrote a paper entitled The Theory of Interstellar Trade, supposedly to cheer himself up. Yet despite the self-described “silly” nature of the work, it contained serious analysis, and since being written has inspired several more works on the economic implications of interstellar travel. The chief issue that economists have grappled with is that of time dilation. In short, Einstein’s theory … Continue reading Interstellar Economics

Unknown's avatarMilo DennisonLeave a comment
Development, Finance and Markets, International, Podcast

Sovereign Wealth Funds: Asset or Liability?

A Sovereign Wealth Fund (SWF) is a fund managed by the state and comprised of income generated from the government’s surplus reserves. SWFs have been an important aspect of the economic landscape for almost two decades, and their numbers have increased dramatically since the 2008 Financial Crisis, with over 100 funds controlling nearly $8 trillion in assets globally. Many Sovereign Wealth Funds have enjoyed great … Continue reading Sovereign Wealth Funds: Asset or Liability?

Unknown's avatarSachin ThakrarLeave a comment
Bitcoin symbol
Business and Technology, International

Can Blockchain Technology and Cryptocurrencies save the Internet of Things?

The world of technology and science is mutable and ever-changing. Therefore, businesses and the structure of society adapt to these developments in order to maximise profits: they are closely interconnected. The future of the internet is the Internet of Things (IoT), which is defined as “the interconnection via the internet of computing devices embedded in everyday objects, enabling them to send and receive data.” For … Continue reading Can Blockchain Technology and Cryptocurrencies save the Internet of Things?

Unknown's avatarNoah DornLeave a comment
Collection of factory chimneys puffing out smoke
Environment, International

Warming Worries for Our Economy?

We’ve all seen the countless articles in the news over the past year: ‘2020 tied for warmest year on record,’ NASA; ‘Earth at risk of becoming a hothouse’, CNN; ‘Rising seas will erase more cities by 2050’, The New York Times. Rising temperatures have had grave effects on our planet; but what has this meant for the world economy and how could this impact our … Continue reading Warming Worries for Our Economy?

Unknown's avatarWilliam SteelLeave a comment
Oils rigs
Environment, International

Can We Survive Without Fossil Fuels?

The influential scientist and environmentalist James Lovelock provides a frightening view on the future of humanity: the Gaia hypothesis. It suggests that organisms interact in such a way so as to create a self-regulating environment. When an organism is in over-reproduction, the environment reacts by limiting its population. Lovelock insists that humans are no different. As our carbon footprint increases, the earth reacts with climate … Continue reading Can We Survive Without Fossil Fuels?

Unknown's avatarAlexis FairLeave a comment
Wooden blocks spelling the word debt
International

Good Debt or Bad Debt?

No one seeks to take on debt, or do they? The UK Financial Conduct Authority is urging 12m British borrowers to seek help from their local banks. However, contrary to the widely-held belief that debt is a last resort, it is a necessary liability for the majority of our population. From student loans to mortgages, debt is everywhere.  Loans give you control and, when used … Continue reading Good Debt or Bad Debt?

Unknown's avatarAlexis FairLeave a comment