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
Taxing the Ultra Rich
We’ve all heard of taxing the ultra-rich as the key to solving fiscal deficits around the world. Whether it be Bill Gates claiming that he should pay “significantly higher” taxes, or Warren Buffet advising that the government should “get serious about shared sacrifice”, taxing the ultra-rich at significantly higher rates has been debated throughout the last decade. But is it really the panacea for deficits … Continue reading Taxing the Ultra Rich
The Economics of MLB
Introduction: Throughout the late 20th century and the early 21st century, we have experienced the rapid commercialization of sports. A striking example was the recent IPL auction, where Rishabh Pant was sold to the Lucknow Super Giants for 27 crore ($3,122,490.09). Baseball has seen a similar financial boom, which can be attributed to its rapid increase in net worth. The Major League Baseball (MLB), founded in … Continue reading The Economics of MLB
Deadweight Loss
Deadweight Loss What is Deadweight Loss? Deadweight Loss (DWL) is defined as the economic inefficiency that may occur in a market due to a new policy/event in said market. This change creates a distortion in the natural supply and demand equilibrium (equilibrium is defined as the supply and demand for a product being perfectly equal) set by the free market; the DWL refers to the … Continue reading Deadweight Loss
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
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
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
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
News Briefing 08/09/25
World Economics: UK Political UK economics World Politics Continue reading News Briefing 08/09/25
Op-Ed: Rebalancing the Lion: The Reforms Temasek Needs
(After the article was written, the fund mentioned (Temasek) made the reform Sean directly suggested) Introduction With omnipresent skyscrapers and dazzling city lights, Singapore has long been synonymous with financial excellence. A cornerstone of this success has been Temasek, the state-owned multinational investment firm that has deftly managed a significant portion of the government’s reserves for the past half-century. As of 2024, it boasts a net … Continue reading Op-Ed: Rebalancing the Lion: The Reforms Temasek Needs
