Questions and answers about
the economy.

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Live music in the UK: what’s the state of the industry?

Superstar musicians and sold-out arena tours indicate a thriving music business in the UK. But this hides another reality – one of rising costs, administrative barriers post-Brexit, declining earnings and grassroots venues closing. The live music industry is in urgent need of tailored support.

1-3 October 2024 Bristol

Pensions, savings & investment

How do elections affect the stock market?

Uncertainty around elections – and the potential policy decisions of new governments – can lead to fluctuations in the stock market. Over the longer term, the party in power seems to make limited difference to the performance of shares in publicly listed companies.

DATA HUB

US election results

Donald Trump has won the U.S. presidential election resoundingly, carrying five swing states, with additional gains in Nevada and Arizona unconfirmed but likely. Trump also became the first Republican nominee to win the popular vote since George W. Bush in 2004.

In the coming weeks, the Economics Observatory team will provide analysis on the election results and their implications for the U.S. and world economy.

For insights into how Trump’s election may influence the stock market, read Clive Walker’s analysis from earlier this year

Public spending, taxes & debt

Ahead of the autumn 2024 budget, what’s the state of the UK economy?

The UK economy faces numerous problems, including low productivity, high public debt and wide regional disparities. The new government’s first budget is an opportunity not only to respond to immediate pressures, but also to present a blueprint for a more balanced, inclusive and resilient economy.

Jobs, work, pay & benefits

What share of the economic pie goes to workers?

Over the last two decades, the proportion of national income going to employees and the self-employed – the labour share – has declined in many advanced economies. This has not happened in the UK, which might seem like good news for workers, but it conceals slow wage growth and rising inequality.

Public spending, taxes & debt

Fiscal rules: what value if they change whenever politically convenient?

The UK has had seven different sets of fiscal rules since 2010, suggesting that they are simply not fit for purpose. Sound fiscal policy urgently needs the Chancellor to accept accountability and transparency, including an annual ‘state of the economy’ address outlining progress – and failure.

Jobs, work, pay & benefits

Is work in the UK becoming more insecure?

The increase in zero-hour contracts and the emergence of the gig economy over the past decade have raised concerns that working life is becoming less secure. Evidence suggests that while the share of workers experiencing insecure work has not gone up, some groups are more at risk.

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