When Growth Fails
“Growth for the sake of growth is the ideology of the cancer cell” – Edward Abbey, The Second Rape of the West, 1975. In the above quote, Abbey refers to the shrinking wilderness of his beloved Arizona, industrialised by resource extraction and urban expansion. However, such a statement goes far beyond wilderness: when economic expansion is the common goal, it damages the very foundations that … Continue reading When Growth Fails
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
The Paradox of Progress
The Paradox of Progress – Why Technological Advances Aren’t Boosting Wages Introduction Technological advances have always been the main driver of economic growth and prosperity; major historical events such as the Industrial Revolution (1760-1830), and –more recently – the rise of the internet have brought around higher productivity, and with that, higher wages. However, although events past the 1980’s (such as the rise of artificial … Continue reading The Paradox of Progress
The Economics of Chinese New Year
“The Economic Impact of Chinese New Year: Growth, Disruptions, and Opportunities” The Spring Festival, also known as Chinese New Year, just took place. It is not only a time of cultural celebration but a period of great economic activity in China. The impact on its economy is huge, affecting tourism, retail, manufacturing and also transportation. The Spring Festival is one of the most celebrated annual … Continue reading The Economics of Chinese New Year
News Briefing – 14/03/25
World Economics: UK Economics: UK politics: World politics: Continue reading News Briefing – 14/03/25
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
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
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
Mapping India’s Economy
Mapping India’s Economy: Where It Is and Where It’s Going “India’s economy is likely to stand firm in an uncertain world”, according to Goldman Sachs. Recently, the nation’s economic climb has been amid the centre of global discussions. Their $3.7 trillion GDP has now surpassed the UK, ranking fifth largest in the world. The quote deduces that in a world of corrupt governments and economic … Continue reading Mapping India’s Economy
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
