The Economy Archive

Published in December 2011

Reasons to be cheerful in 2012
by Harvey Jones | It's not been a fun year financially, but there are reasons to be hopeful that 2012 will be better!
UK growth figure revised up to 0.6%
by Simon Ward | Revised figures show a tiny increase in GDP for the third quarter of 2011.
Unemployment rises again
by Simon Ward | There are now 2.64 million people out of work, the highest number since September 1994.
Interest rates held again
by Simon Ward | The Bank of England's Monetary Policy Committee has kept rates at 0.5% and is not extending its programme of pumping money into the economy - yet.
Snow ‘would help prevent double-dip recession’
by Simon Ward | A white Christmas could stave off a return to recession, economist tells MPs.
Four reasons to be scared
by Ed Bowsher | I'm getting more worried about our financial prospects every day.

Published in November 2011

Today’s question: are we heading back to recession?
by Simon Ward | As the OECD forecasts a winter recession for the UK, we want to know your thoughts on our immediate economic future.
Autumn Statement: what it means for you
by Simon Ward | Chancellor George Osborne has delivered his Autumn Statement to Parliament. Find out how it affects your money.
Today’s question: what do you want from the Chancellor’s Autumn Statement?
by Simon Ward | As George Osborne prepares to deliver the Government's plans for the economy, we want to know what you think he should be focusing on.
Why Britain should want the Euro to collapse
by John Fitzsimons | Would it be such a bad thing if the single European currency disappeared as a result of the Eurozone crisis?
British misery index hits 19-year high!
by Cliff D'Arcy | Things are pretty grim in Britain right now, but should get a lot better in 2012!

Published in October 2011

'Cuts to blame' for massive rise in child poverty
by Robert Powell | Robert Powell reports on new research forecasting surging levels of child poverty by 2013 and finds out who's to blame...
Unemployment hits 17-year high
by Robert Powell | UK unemployment between June and August rose to 2.57 million – a 17-year high...
UK banks downgraded: What it means for you
by John Fitzsimons | Major UK banks and building societies have seen their credit ratings cut today.

Published in September 2011

Some things are getting cheaper!
by Ed Bowsher | Inflation is rising at the moment, but that doesn't mean all products are rising in price. Check out which goods are getting cheaper.
Seven things you don't realise are cheap
by Alison Hunt | Things are certainly tough in the UK at the moment, but take heart; the grass is not always greener elsewhere.

Published in August 2011

How to tackle your top three money worries
by Serena Cowdy | We show you how to stamp out your biggest financial concerns.
Interest rates to stay unchanged until 2012
by Robert Powell | The Bank of England Base Rate will stay at 0.5% until next year, according to several leading economists. So if this turns out to be true, what does it mean for your finances?
The phoney recession is over. Now for the real thing…
by Harvey Jones | The troubles of the last few weeks have shown that this financial crisis is only just getting started.

Published in July 2011

Twelve reasons to fear the future
by Cliff D'Arcy | Our resident doom-monger frets about the state of Britain in the years ahead!
10 reasons you need to cheer up
by Harvey Jones | It's not all doom and gloom! There are 10 reasons to be cheerful, says Harvey Jones.
How London’s boom bust the Midlands
by Robert Powell | Robert Powell looks at which regions were hit hardest by the recession...
Britain's safest banks
by Cliff D'Arcy | The financial crash proved that not all banks are equally strong. Where are your savings secure?

Published in May 2011

Wacky lessons you can learn from Britain's billionaires
by Cliff D'Arcy | There are a number of stimulating lessons we can take from the UK's richest residents.

Published in April 2011

Five reasons it's great to be British!
by Cliff D'Arcy | Despite the relentless doom and gloom, these five things should cheer you up.
You've been given a £910 pay cut this year!
by Cliff D'Arcy | Rising prices and taxes will cut your pay by £910 this year. We reveal how to get this back.

Published in March 2011

Spending cuts and Budget: your take
by Robert Powell | Are the spending cuts necessary? Was the budget fair? Robert Powell hits the streets to find out.
Don't listen to dodgy financial advisers
by Ed Bowsher | Some advisers may not have your best interests at heart when they advise you to check your investments at least once a year.
How to successfully diversify your portfolio
by Jane Baker | A well-diversified investment portfolio is an essential part of managing investment risks. Find out how to do it successfully.
'Cautious' investments can be very risky
by Ed Bowsher | Don't assume that a 'cautious' fund is a safe investment. You may be taking a big risk with your money.
The ultra cheap way to invest in shares
by Jane Baker | If you haven't yet used up your Stocks & Shares ISA allowance, index-trackers are an easy route into stock market investing.
Why fivers are so dirty
by Rosalind Kent | Five pound notes are dirtier and are likely to carry more bacteria than other notes. Why?
The best way to boost your wealth
by Ed Bowsher | The latest performance figures are out and it's clear that shares remain an excellent way to build long-term wealth.
The risks of investing your ISA
by Jane Baker | Thinking of taking the plunge into the stock market for the first time with your ISA? Here’s everything you need to know about the risks involved.
Longer days, bank holidays and wedding days!
by Robert Powell | Robert Powell hits the streets to get your thoughts on British Summer Time and bank holidays
RBS is being too clever by half
by Ed Bowsher | Steer clear of a new investment product from Royal Bank of Scotland. It sounds good when you first hear about it but the complexity should put most people off.
The four biggest index tracker mistakes
by Malcolm Wheatley | Side-stepping these index tracker pitfalls can save you thousands, writes Malcolm Wheatley.
Two simple ways to invest better in shares
by Neil Faulkner | If you’re looking for the best way to invest your SIPP or your ISA, there are two simple ways to do so that you can be confident will outperform most fund managers and private investors over 25 years or more.
Six great reasons to choose an index tracker
by Jane Baker | If you’re dipping your toe into the stock market waters for the first time, index trackers are a great place to start.
The best investments for your ISA
by Ed Bowsher | Here's the lowdown on the best investments for your stocks and shares ISA.

Published in February 2011

High interest rates will crash property prices
by Neil Faulkner | Rising interest rates will see the property market plummet to new lows.
Banks, bonuses and blame
by Robert Powell | Rob Powell hits the streets to get your views on banks, bonuses and the blame game.
Base rate set to rise by May
by Cliff D'Arcy | With inflation soaring, the base rate will soon rise. Will you win or lose from higher rates?

Published in January 2011

It's financial war!
by Ed Bowsher | The baby boomers have been a very lucky generation. Life will be tougher for those who came afterwards. I reckon there will be plenty of heated financial arguments at family dining tables.
The economy in 2011: what the forecasters say
by Neil Faulkner | We look at the forecasts for this year, and the records of the forecasters, and explain what a growing economy actually means.
Interest rates must rise next month
by Harvey Jones | Harvey Jones explains why interest rates need to rise in February...
Five lessons we failed to learn
by Cliff D'Arcy | The credit crunch shook us, but we have yet to absorb these financial truths...
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