Do politicians need economics degrees?
Perhaps high office holders do not need a higher education, let alone an economics degree. But they should at least know, and respect, the limits of their power. [...]
Economics
Why this is the biggest global bailout in history
Enjoy the relatively positive economic data while it lasts. But do not believe for a second it is sustainable. [...]
Sneaking a preview of our economic future
Based on real-time data from the economy, a small team of researchers around Professor Christoph Schumacher has created a model to estimate current GDP as it happens. [...]
Be careful what you wish for
The Covid-19 crisis does not and will not change the principles of economics – but that will not stop politicians from trying. We should not let them. [...]
The purpose of business is profit
Just as we should not change the basic rules of rugby lest we destroy the game itself, we should not change the basic principle of the market, either. In rugby and in capitalism, the purpose is to win. [...]
Economic literacy and the housing debate
At my next housing discussion, I will not mention I am an economist. Instead, I will demand that houses grow on trees, that infrastructure funding falls from heaven, and that people stop charging each other for products and services. Kumbaya, kumbaya. [...]
Will the Living Standards Framework replace budgetary analysis?
The Treasury should clarify the relationship between its Living Standards Framework and mainstream cost benefit analysis. [...]
The economics of cheating
That’s what we should tell cheating students (and some developing economies): Don’t do it! You might end up like East Germany. [...]
Analogue competition laws in a digital world
Competition law has been with us since the Sherman Act (1890). But is it still appropriate for the digital age? [...]
Top 10
On capitalism by another name, explaining Trump, the perils of health hype, understanding inequality, Brexit's language barrier, Ikea economics and more. [...]