Even if not a technical recession (two quarters of negative growth), a severe coronavirus-induced downturn looks certain across major economies. … Continue reading “Coronomics: the case against “Corona Keynesianism””

The proposal to isolate those aged 70+ for four months looks like a desperate measure. As someone falling into this … Continue reading “The economics of Coronavirus-induced isolation: some initial thoughts”

Extraordinary times require extraordinary policy responses, writes IEA Economics Fellow Julian Jessop for CapX. While the usual objections to a … Continue reading “Case for ‘temporary’ UBI strengthen by the pandemic, says IEA fellow”

Responding to the Chancellor’s plans to increase public spending and borrowing, the IEA’s Director General Mark Littlewood warned that the … Continue reading “Chancellor “seems to think the only best way to boost growth is through public spending””

“The Chancellor’s announcements on housing miss the point”, warns the IEA’s Head of Political Economy, Dr Kristian Niemietz. Quoted by … Continue reading “Chancellor’s housing announcement “misses the point””

There is no settled definition of regulation; the concept is amorphous, and there is no clear boundary between regulation, law … Continue reading “Are our regulations fit for purpose?”

Perhaps we – and I include myself – have cried wolf too often in relation to increases in minimum wages. … Continue reading “Employment growth among the low-paid is already slow. Minimum wage hikes will make things worse”

Responding to the Chancellor’s decision to raise the national minimum wage, IEA Editorial and Research Fellow Prof Len Shackleton warned … Continue reading “Chancellor wrong to believe “pay can be pushed up by central diktat without damaging consequences””

The Chancellor claimed in his Budget speech to have received unprecedented backing from the independent Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) … Continue reading “The Budget “could have been far worse””