Sometimes expressions that dominate common parlance serve to cloud rather than to clarify the central issues. You cannot mention the huge level of government borrowing without someone saying, "So you mean that there is a fiscal black hole?" 25 Jul 2010 There is a debate raging among economists about why inflation has recently been obstinately high. In many ways it holds the key to our economic future. 18 Jul 2010 Two of the eurozone's economic problems are dangerously inter-related. The first is enormous levels of government debt – about 120pc of GDP for Greece and Italy. The second is the loss of competitiveness of the eurozone's southern members, which also, generally speaking, are the ones with high budget deficits and/or ratios of government debt to GDP. 11 Jul 2010 Be careful what you wish for. Not long ago, the pound was on the skids and some commentators warned of impending catastrophe as the world's investors took fright at the UK's prospects. In fact, the pound has risen. 04 Jul 2010 While the G20 leaders may be debating cuts, what the world needs is increased demand and the surplus countries must deliver it. 27 Jun 2010 By comparison with what we had grown used to, this Budget was a breath of fresh air, says Roger Bootle. 23 Jun 2010 Tuesday's budget falls on an inauspicious date. It was on June 22, 1940, that France surrendered to Nazi Germany, and on the same date a year later that Germany invaded the Soviet Union. It is also the date of Napoleon's second abdication in 1815, after the battle of Waterloo. More importantly, though, it is also my birthday. 20 Jun 2010 The latest inflation figures, which are due out on Tuesday, will be an important indicator of prospects for interest rates and hence for the wider economy. Both the Bank of England and the markets will be watching them anxiously. 13 Jun 2010 There are two good sources of valuable lessons in life – great successes and terrible failures. The last government gives an ample supply of both. 06 Jun 2010 Last week, as the markets quaked and then partly recovered, another bombshell was dropped by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), the august Paris-based international organisation. 30 May 2010 Many in the markets now fear a full-scale financial meltdown, amounting to a second Lehmans crisis. Last week's weakness in world equity markets was not so surprising. 23 May 2010 So here we are with a surprise coming together. They have buried their differences and plighted their troth. Mind you, this is the honeymoon period. There is no guarantee that the amity will last. 16 May 2010 Some commentators have suggested that the economic outlook is so awful that this was an election the parties should all have wanted to lose - looking at the results, you might conclude that in this aim they have all succeeded. 09 May 2010Roger Bootle
Roger Bootle is one of the City's leading economists. In his column he sheds light on how the UK and world economies are performing and the challenges facing the world's policymakers.
LATEST FROM ROGER BOOTLE
Right, I’ll see your double dip and raise you an economic black hole
Making light of some dark reasons as to why Inflation remains high
PIIGS may yet fly, but not while they're trapped in this rickety eurozone
We must not be seduced by apparent attractiveness of a strong pound
Austerity’s all very well, but someone must spend more to ensure recovery
Budget 2010: Tough and tame at the same time
Budget 2010: This Budget will be one we'll want to forget, but we'll be unable to do so
The critical point for peak inflation is drawing nearer, believe it or not
Studying Brown's failures will keep Osborne on track
Despite a challenge, I'm sticking to my view that interest rates will stay low
When the ECB should be about leadership, all Europe has is chaos
Reducing the deficit is daunting but it could have a silver lining
If the deficit is conquered, voters may well reward those who achieved it
Sunday, 1 August 2010
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