UK consumer confidence down whilst German confidence is on the rise
27 Aug 2010 [0 Comments | 363 views]
The CBI distributive trades index looked good last month. The index, produced by asking retailers if sales are up or down on last year, and taking one from the other, hit 35 in August, the fourth best reading since early 2004, which is when we first started monitoring this report. More to the point, July’s [...]
Focus: GDP latest, the week of telling data draws nigh
27 Aug 2010 [0 Comments | 320 views]
There will be no IABN news next week. As a result, we thought we would take this opportunity to give you a quick summary of some of the key things to watch out in for our absence, as well as an update on the most recent developments. UK GDP latest This morning, the latest estimate [...]
The three schools of economic thought
26 Aug 2010 [0 Comments | 408 views]
As you probably know there are three schools of economic thought, which relate to all this ‘recovery versus crisis’ stuff that is floating around at the moment. There is the Keynesian view – which sees aggregate demand as the key to recovery from recession. In the 1930s, and today, consumers around the world are saving [...]
German prudence scores over US spending
26 Aug 2010 [0 Comments | 467 views]
In the US things went from bad to worse yesterday, but in Germany it seemed like the complete opposite. Meanwhile, Ireland had a dollop of bad news. As for bonds, yields fell again, from a ridiculously low level, to even lower. As you probably know there are three schools of economic thought which relate to [...]
Another perfect storm of economic discontent: could it be a trade war?
25 Aug 2010 [0 Comments | 505 views]
Yesterday was one of those busy days, a day in which economic indicators and statements by experts came together to form something of a perfect storm. Markets were spooked. Alas, the data gives good reason for their fears. This is what happened. Weale warning Martin Weale, Director at the National Institute of Economic and Social [...]
Sarkozy says to banks: come to France and leave that dirty City of London behind
24 Aug 2010 [0 Comments | 492 views]
Maybe this is a tad hypocritical, but after spending much of the last two years deprecating the evils of Anglo-Saxon banks, the French premier, a certain nearly headless Nick Sarkozy has begun a drive to lure those same banks from London to Paris. The story goes that our Nick has been busy courting banks, offering [...]
Businesses say: who needs banks anyway?
24 Aug 2010 [1 Comment | 370 views]
A number of developments are pointing towards an interesting stage in the world of corporate finance, and the somewhat less glamorous world of small business funding. It seems businesses are bypassing the banks. This is how it used to work. Mr and Mrs Saver put their money in their bank for safekeeping. Rather than letting [...]
BHP Potash: the battle to feed three billion new souls
24 Aug 2010 [0 Comments | 393 views]
And then the world’s largest miner, BHP Billiton, made its bid for PotashCorp, the world’s largest producer of the mainly fertiliser product, potash. There’s a lot that makes this deal interesting. Firstly, there’s the question of how the demand for this product is set to explode over the next few years. Secondly, there is the [...]
First time buyers have never had it so good – Well at least that’s true if you turn a blind eye to little things like facts
23 Aug 2010 [1 Comment | 425 views]
Oh what joy. Apparently, affordability has returned to the housing market. It’s down to cheap interest rates. The cost of mortgage payments as a percentage of income is now half the level seen in 2007, gushed the Halifax. And those silly first-time buyers; despite this, only 35 per cent are taking advantage of improved conditions. [...]
Manufacturing: exports still stuttering
23 Aug 2010 [0 Comments | 238 views]
The CBI brought much merriment with the release of its latest industrial trends survey. But there is a sting in the tail, and it relates to exports. Responding to the latest CBI monthly Industrial Trends Survey, 21 per cent of manufacturers said that total orders were above normal and 34 per cent said they were [...]
