MiFID directives have increased charges and reduced choice

4 June 2019
Monetary Policy

MiFID directives have increased charges and reduced choice

IEA research quoted in The Spectator

Recent IEA research on the impact of MiFID II regulations is praised in The Spectator, with 'Not everyone's cup of tea...' referred to as a 'positive contribution' to the Brexit debate. The article notes that the EU directives which were supposed to protect the consumer have actually increased charges and reduced choice – while at ... Continue reading
4 June 2019
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Low interest rates have costs as well as benefits

2 November 2017
Monetary Policy

Low interest rates have costs as well as benefits

Julian Jessop appears on BBC Newsnight

Julian Jessop, Chief Economist at the Institute of Economic Affairs has appeared on BBC Newsnight to discuss the Bank of England's interest rate rise. In the interview Julian argues that ultra low interest rates have their costs as well as their benefits. If you are in a position where interest rates are expected to remain ... Continue reading
2 November 2017
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Bank of England was right to hike and should do more

2 November 2017
Monetary Policy

Bank of England was right to hike and should do more

Julian Jessop comments on BoE interest rate rise

Commenting on the Bank of England raising interest rates by 0.25%, Julian Jessop, Chief Economist at the Institute of Economic Affairs, said: "The Bank of England made the correct decision today and should be ready to raise interest rates further next year, provided the economy continues to weather the impact of Brexit better than most ... Continue reading
2 November 2017
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Shadow Monetary Policy Committee calls for Bank Rate to be raised

31 July 2017
Monetary Policy

Shadow Monetary Policy Committee calls for Bank Rate to be raised

IEA's SMPC votes decisively for Bank Rate raise

The Institute of Economic Affairs' Shadow Monetary Policy Committee has voted decisively - eight votes to one - to recommend that the Bank of England's Monetary Policy Committee raise interest rates immediately. The SMPC's reasoning for voting for a Bank Rate rise are as follows: To reverse what was seen as a unnecessary cut last ... Continue reading
31 July 2017
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Bank rate rise would reverse household squeeze

18 July 2017
Monetary Policy

Bank rate rise would reverse household squeeze

Andrew Lilico appears on The Today Programme

Andrew Lilico, joint Chairman of the IEA's Shadow Monetary Policy Committee has appeared on BBC Radio 4's Today Programme to discuss bank rates and whether they should be raised. In the interview Andrew argues that rates have been at emergency levels for some years and in order to justify emergency rates there should be an ... Continue reading
18 July 2017
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The Bank of England needs diversity

15 February 2017
Monetary Policy

The Bank of England needs diversity

Philip Booth writes for City AM

Philip Booth, Senior Research Fellow at the Institute of Economic Affairs has written for City AM today on group think at the Bank of England and its failings. In his article Philip argues that despite the financial crash, the Bank of England seems to have become more self-confident in their forecasts. It is increasingly ditching ... Continue reading
15 February 2017
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Quantitative easing should end, but it is not for politicians to decide

6 October 2016
Monetary Policy

Quantitative easing should end, but it is not for politicians to decide

Philip Booth writes for The Telegraph

Philip Booth, Academic and Research Director at the Institute of Economic Affairs has written for The Telegraph about the purpose and current politicisation of monetary policy. In the article Philip argues that the purpose of monetary policy is not to help one group at the expense of another or to help pensioners to maintain their ... Continue reading
6 October 2016
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Bank rate cut is premature

4 August 2016
Monetary Policy

Bank rate cut is premature

Philip Booth comments on the decision to cut bank rate

Commenting on the news that the Bank of England will cut the base interest rate to 0.25 per cent, Philip Booth, Academic and Research Director and IEA SMPC representative said:  "Today's decision to cut the base interest rate is both disappointing and ill-advised. The post-Brexit economic problems are down to consumer and business uncertainty and ... Continue reading
4 August 2016
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Too early for an interest rate cut

14 July 2016
Monetary Policy

Too early for an interest rate cut

Andrew Lilico speaks to the Today Programme

Andrew Lilico, IEA fellow and chair of the Shadow Monetary Policy has appeared on Radio 4's Today Programme to argue against a cut in interest rates this month. He explained that following the referendum, the MPC must pause and reflect until adequate data is available. Less than a month after the vote, we are none ... Continue reading
14 July 2016
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Now is the time for calm heads

14 July 2016
Monetary Policy

Now is the time for calm heads

SMPC members write to the Times

Amid speculation that  Bank of England could make the first cut to UK interest rates in more than seven years on Thursday, the IEA's SMPC have warned against such a move. Economists who make up the shadow MPC of the Institute of Economic Affairs say in a letter to The Times today: “The economic repercussions ... Continue reading
14 July 2016
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