Questions and answers about
the economy.

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How do new technologies spread across the global economy?

The development of new technology is at the heart of economic growth. But the ways in which new products and processes spread around the world are vulnerable to changes in trade policy, with growing protectionism likely to constrain progress.

Public spending, taxes & debt

Which taxes are best and worst for growth?

Tax affects economic growth by reducing consumer spending and lowering incentives to invest. But different fiscal policies have variable overall economic effects, with taxes on income better than those levied on corporate profits in terms of their wider impact on GDP.

Families & households

What’s changed through two decades of housing market dynamics?

Twenty-first century housing markets have had their ups and downs, but prices continue to rise. It’s win-win for the property-rich. Yet as corporate landlords and intermediaries open the door to institutional investors, it’s unclear where the route is to a fairer housing future.

DATA HUB

International arms exports

Who supplies the world’s weapons?

The global arms trade is heavily concentrated. Over 43% of global arms exports originate from the United States – more than the combined total of the next nine countries.

Saudi Arabia is its biggest customer, receiving 12% of all US arms exports.

Business, big & small

The Hundred: how might private investment in the tournament change cricket?

The Hundred cricket competition will soon have a new ownership structure. The sale of franchises will provide funds for the sport’s grassroots. But differences in the types of owners and ownership structures may bring bigger changes, including to TV rights and the county game.

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.

Transport & infrastructure

Visitor caps: what potential impact on the world tourism industry?

Caps on the numbers of visitors allowed at certain destinations aim to relieve pressure on hotspots of overtourism. Their introduction presents an opportunity for other places to attract more tourists and students, boost their economies and promote a more sustainable and equitable tourism industry.

All Answers