Economics Observatory | Questions and answers about coronavirus and the UK economy

What do the UK’s high streets reveal about regional inequality?

UK high streets vary in both range and affordability. From Greggs’ national footprint to the dominance of Pret A Manger in London, the location and prices of different shops reveal the country’s economic, political and cultural divides.

Audio recordings

Prices & interest rates

What’s happening to the cost of rent in the United States?

Americans faced surging rental costs in the immediate aftermath of the pandemic. Since then, the cities and regions that have built the most houses have managed to bring prices under control. But in places where housing supply remains low, rents have continued to spiral.

DATA HUB

African GDP under Trump’s tariffs

Trump's tariffs are projected to reduce African GDP growth by 0.4% in 2025 and 0.6% in 2026.

Click on the chart to read Eman Moustafa & Amira El-Shal on how Africa should respond to US foreign policy.

Energy & climate change

How could US foreign aid cuts affect global public health?

The United States has announced deep cuts to its foreign aid programmes, including pausing activity at the country’s main federal aid agency. This is likely to increase the spread of infectious diseases in lower-income countries, as well as magnifying global economic and geopolitical instability.

MAGAZINE

Read the latest edition of our magazine here

Freshwater is essential for human life and economic activity. But rising demand and reduced supply threatens access to water for billions of people. Rethinking pricing and investing in efficiency are essential for policy-makers to address this global challenge.

Nations, regions & cities

After Australia’s election: what are the big economic challenges?

Australia’s voters have returned the Labor Party to power – not least as geopolitical uncertainty favoured the stability of incumbency. Key areas of the renewed government’s focus will be measures on industrial innovation and skill formation to boost productivity and help to raise living standards.

Trade & supply chains

The airport economist: how is southern India responding to the trade war?

Bengaluru and Chennai, two of southern India’s most vibrant cities, are emblematic of the country’s resurgence as a global economic powerhouse. With tariff barriers being raised in China and the United States, the Asian sub-continent may offer alternative opportunities for exporters and investors.

Nations, regions & cities

How should Africa respond to America’s new foreign economic policy?

The trade war between China and the United States will have knock-on effects on Africa, primarily from reduced demand for exports of raw materials. To protect their economies and to seize new economic opportunities, governments across the continent should promote deeper intra-regional integration.

Trade & supply chains

The airport economist: what’s happening in Taiwan’s economy?

Taiwan is close to being in the world’s 20 biggest economies by GDP. Trade and global connectivity are central, not least given the country’s key role in the global semiconductor industry. It also has a strong commitment to the environment and the economic opportunities around renewable energy.

Attitudes, media & governance

What are the big economic issues in Australia’s federal election?

On 3 May, Australia’s voters choose their next government. Both the incumbent Labor Party and the Liberal-National Coalition are campaigning on promises to tackle the cost of living and issues around energy, housing and immigration. But the dominant theme is how to respond to the Trump trade war.

Energy & climate change

How could green energy policy boost Mexico’s economy?

Countries that have access to vast amounts of renewable energy – such as Mexico – may be able attract companies to relocate by offering cheaper and cleaner production. But for such ‘powershoring’ to succeed, there needs to be competitive renewable energy capacity and strong trade links.

Pensions, savings & investment

Is gold a safe haven for investors?

The price of gold has risen in recent years, highlighting the role of this precious metal as a stable investment. While the value of gold is resilient and protected from inflation, its stability is not guaranteed in times of crisis.

Lessons from history

What’s the historical context for Britain’s low productivity growth?

The British industrial revolution brought about the transformation in productivity that created modern economic growth and raised standards of living across the globe. Yet the country has long struggled to sustain productivity growth that compares favourably with other advanced economies.

Data stories

What is happening to UK prices?

UK inflation has fallen more than expected, with lower costs for petrol offsetting rises in clothes prices. But this month’s data pre-date sharp increases in other regulated bills, including energy, water and council tax. Also looming are the effects of tariff wars and mounting economic uncertainty.

Data stories

The UK labour market: what’s happening with wages and jobs?

The UK labour market continues to send out mixed signals. The unemployment rate remains stable and there has been sustained wage growth across the economy. But vacancies are falling steadily, having recently slipped below pre-pandemic levels.

All Answers