Questions and answers about
the economy.

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How can macroeconomic forecasting in the UK be enhanced?

Technological advances such as machine learning and big data models can improve our understanding of current economic conditions. Nowcasting models bridge the data gap between statistical releases, helping to identify trends in real time and allowing more accurate and timely policy measures.

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Trade & supply chains

Globalisation and backlash: how has world trade evolved over 300 years?

Over the past three centuries, economic nationalism has ebbed and flowed: from the mercantile system that Adam Smith described in 1776 through waves of globalisation, backlash and battles for supremacy.

DATA HUB

Rising rent in the United States

Today's #ChartOfTheDay shows how rent has changed in the U.S. since 2020.

The southeast and southwest have seen the greatest increases in rent, with prices in several Florida counties growing by over 50%.

Wednesday 5th February 2025

Productivity & growth

The UK’s productivity gap: what did it look like twenty years ago?

How to boost UK productivity growth has long been a central concern of economic researchers and policy-makers. A report written twenty years ago highlights the continuing challenges of achieving that ambition, including the key roles of competition, investment, skills, innovation and technology.

Nations, regions & cities

What transport policies could improve the UK’s productivity?

Towns and cities with effective transport within and between them host more productive businesses, which can pay higher wages. But with too few of such places, the UK suffers from low productivity. Making the transport investments we need locally instead of according to national plans would help.

Trade & supply chains

How might the UK’s relations with China evolve? 

The new UK government is pursuing an approach towards China that promotes cooperation but challenge where needed. While increased trade with the world’s second biggest economy may bring benefits, economic opportunities with the European Union and the United States are likely to be greater.

Jobs, work, pay & benefits

Good work: what do we know about the quality of UK jobs?

The quality of jobs in the UK is generally good: by many measures, it has even improved over the last five years. But there are a number of concerning trends that could lead to more mediocre jobs, and away from enriching work and employees who are happy and fulfilled.

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