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: Investors, analysts, and policymakers are watching US economic data closely at the start of September. There is mounting pressure on the Federal Reserve to cut rates after weak job growth (only 22,000 jobs added in August) and rising unemployment. The Fed’s September 16th-17th meeting is expected to result in a modest rate cut (25 basis points) which may hurt the US dollar. OECD … 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
Keynes in the Comments Section: Why Everyone Became Economists
A Century ago, economic discussion was limited to the confines of lecture halls and academic journals. Certainly, one would have been hard pressed to find a member of the public who could engage in some degree of literacy with you on the economic state of the country. Today, there has been a shift where these debates occur in real time across social media platforms, dinner … Continue reading Keynes in the Comments Section: Why Everyone Became Economists
The Economics of Procrastination
The Economics of Procrastination: Why You’ll Always Do Your Work at the Last Possible Second You tell yourself you’ll write your essay tomorrow. But then it’s 4am, and suddenly you’re staring at a blank page. Procrastination isn’t just a poor decision, it makes no economic sense. Behavioural economics suggests we consistently prioritise the present over the uncertain rewards of the future. It encourages individuals to … Continue reading The Economics of Procrastination
Trade with the EU: Booming Growth or a Fallacy?
Rachel Reeves has had a busy start to her Chancellorship. Within the first 10 months, she has had a 40 billion Pound budget and watched in horror at the unprecedented upheaval of the last century of global trade. Trump’s uncertainty has ushered in a renewed vigour to look elsewhere for loyal partners and new, reliable investors. Or are they new? The Labour government was elected … Continue reading Trade with the EU: Booming Growth or a Fallacy?
