Global Economics Update Is the loss of capacity a serious inflationary threat? Several commentators have argued that inflation will pick up sooner than generally anticipated as a result of a permanent loss of capacity during the recession. However, it seems just as likely that... 6th April 2009 · 1 min read
Nordic & Swiss Economics Update Norwegian rates close to their trough The Norges Bank’s decision to cut interest rates by a further 50 basis shows that it remains committedto preventing a major economic downturn. But with the economy set to experience a much... 25th March 2009 · 1 min read
UK Economics Focus Will the lower pound stave off deflation? The sharp drop in the sterling exchange rate does not preclude the danger that a short bout of deflation driven by commodity prices later this year will be followed by a broader and longerlasting... 2nd March 2009 · 1 min read
US Economics Update Fed goes for an inflation target, not Treasury purchases 18th February 2009 · 1 min read
UK Economics Update QE will not eradicate deflation dangers The uncertainties over the likely effectiveness of unconventional monetary policy measures and the potentially negative effect on inflation expectations suggest that the imminent adoption of... 12th February 2009 · 1 min read
UK Economics Focus Can pay freezes prevent further job losses? A number of companies have announced pay freezes in the past week or two. However, even if a significant proportion of the workforce foregoes a pay rise this year, we doubt that further sharp rises in... 11th February 2009 · 1 min read
UK Economic Outlook Living with deflation (Q1 2009) Deflation is back! For the first time in very nearly half a century, the UK is likely to experience negative consumer price inflation in 2009. 24th December 2008 · 1 min read
US Economics Weekly Quantitative easing is the last line of defence against deflation 22nd December 2008 · 1 min read
Nordic & Swiss Economics Update Swedish interest rates plunge by 1.75% The decision by the Swedish Riksbank to slash interest rates by 175 basis points highlights the degree to which the economic outlook has deteriorated. With the downturn set to worsen next year... 4th December 2008 · 1 min read
Nordic & Swiss Economics Update Iceland: Outlook bleak, despite IMF rescue Iceland’s $4.6bn IMF-led rescue package will provide the economy with much-needed funds to help cover its external financing requirement. But it will not be enough to prevent a severe and prolonged... 20th November 2008 · 1 min read
UK Economics Focus Falling inflation won't prevent consumer slump. Falling inflation will provide a significant boost to households’ spending power over the coming quarters. However, we doubt that real household income growth will rebound strongly enough to prevent... 18th November 2008 · 1 min read
UK Economics Focus Falling inflation won't prevent consumer slump. Falling inflation will provide a significant boost to households’ spending power over the coming quarters. However, we doubt that real household income growth will rebound strongly enough to prevent... 18th November 2008 · 1 min read
Global Inflation Watch The return of deflation (Q3 2008) The world economy is heading for the worst recession since the 1930s and commodity prices still have further to fall. As a result, headline inflation is set to plummet and may well turn negative in... 12th November 2008 · 1 min read
Europe Economics Update German pay deal confirms diminishing price pressures The latest information on pay negotiations in Germany supports our view that any pick-up in wages growth in the coming months will be modest and short-lived. While this is bad news for German... 12th November 2008 · 1 min read
