Economics Observatory | Insights on the UK and global economy

What policies could kick-start economic growth in the UK?

For two decades, the UK economy has seen weak growth, driven by low business investment, inadequate market dynamism and persistent policy instability. These failures shape the daily reality of households whose living standards have stagnated. New policies are needed that can stimulate growth and move the country back on a path to prosperity.

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Health, physical & mental

What are the lingering effects of the pandemic on young people’s wellbeing?

The social restrictions and disrupted educational experiences resulting from Covid-19 have had a negative impact on many young people’s mental health. The damage to wellbeing has been more persistent in certain groups, particularly among girls and those who identify as non-binary.

DATA HUB

World’s largest arms companies

The global arms industry remains dominated by the US.

In 2023, Lockheed Martin was the world’s largest arms producer, generating over $60 billion in arms revenue.
The five largest arms companies were all based in the United States, followed by the UK’s BAE Systems.

Click here to read Ron Smith on UK national security.

Nations, regions & cities

From crisis to stability: what next for Bolivia’s economy?

Bolivia is at a decisive moment in its modern economic and political history, after nearly two decades of dominance by the Movement Toward Socialism party. Whoever ends up taking charge will need to draw up an economic stabilisation programme – though implementing it will be challenging.

MAGAZINE

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The UK’s financial services sector is facing falling investment, posing a risk to this vital part of the country’s economy. In response, regulators must balance consumer protection with growth, by ensuring proportionate oversight, clear rules and targeted support.

Trade & supply chains

How has Brexit affected UK financial services?

Brexit has altered the way that UK financial firms are operating, particularly in their interactions with European partners. Since the referendum, British firms are exporting less but are investing more abroad, suggesting many have re-wired their strategies.

Banks & financial markets

Measuring risk: how can researchers map the UK financial sector in real time?

Large shocks like the 2007/08 global financial crisis have reshaped the UK financial sector. Using network theory, researchers can monitor change in real time, exploring how different risks can be transmitted throughout the UK financial system.

Banks & financial markets

Why is it so difficult to measure productivity in the financial services sector?

The financial services industry is one of the UK’s economic powerhouses, generating significant value and employing highly skilled workers. But measuring productivity within the sector is challenging, making it hard to design effective policies that maximise the potential of this critical part of the economy.

Prices & interest rates

Could tensions between Iran and Israel trigger a new wave of inflation?

The immediate inflationary impact of widening conflict in the Middle East is likely to be limited. But potential trade and supply chain disruptions, weakening business sentiment and elevated uncertainty could have major consequences for the global economy. Governments face tough budgetary choices.

Nations, regions & cities

How productive is the West of England?

The West of England has a diverse economy, including rural areas, services-based jobs and advanced manufacturing hubs. Investment in infrastructure, skills and research and development (R&D) could help to boost the region’s productivity.

Public spending, taxes & debt

What future for residential property taxation in Britain?

Council tax is unpopular, unfair and overdue for reform. An alternative would be to fund statutory services through central government, introduce a modest local service charge, and absorb stamp duty and capital gains tax on housing into a single recurrent residential land and property ownership fee.

Energy & climate change

How can climate promises be met while maintaining fiscal sustainability?

While the public finances in many countries are now under great pressure, this is no time to forget commitments to tackling climate change. Indeed, conditional on action being taken early, governments’ support for the transition to net zero could ultimately improve fiscal sustainability.

Energy & climate change

Frontline stories: protecting biodiversity

Ahead of COP26, the climate change summit in Glasgow in November 2021, Richard Davies talked to Dr Jane Goodall DBE, one of the world’s leading environmentalists, founder of the Jane Goodall Institute and a United Nations Messenger of Peace.

Energy & climate change

‘Backyard wildlife’: has the pandemic reconnected us with nature?

As lockdowns have changed the ways in which people spend their time and money, many have made a priority of engaging with the local natural environment. This has led to investments in nature, increases in wildlife populations – especially birds – and improvements in wellbeing.

Public spending, taxes & debt

How much revenue might be raised by a one-off wealth tax?

If the government decides to raise taxes after the pandemic, an alternative to taxes on work or spending could be a one-off wealth tax. A well-designed tax of this kind could raise significant revenue in a fair and efficient way without excessive administrative costs.

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