Some interesting thoughts on what drives Germany’s apparent success. The article does understate the problem that Germany’s success is significantly export driven – not everyone can export for obvious reasons. Also, the author notes that consumption has grown more slowly than economic growth without understanding that is exactly the source of an export-encouraged boom. Growth…
There are times when I’m impressed with elements of government and the ANC. It took them far too long, they allowed too much debate and uncertainty, but their ultimate conclusions on nationalisation and how to direct additional mineral wealth back into the fiscus, further develop a beneficiation industry around the mining industry are solid. I…
The US probably won’t go into recession again in the next two years. And by that I mean it’s more likely that they won’t than that they will. Â Larry Summers and Goldman Sachs both now estimate a one-in-three chance of a double-dip recession. But as I mentioned before, the definition of “recession” isn’t as important…
From the Bureau of Labour Statistics Series Id:Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â LNS11300000 Seasonally Adjusted Series title:Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â (Seas) Labor Force Participation Rate Labor force status:Â Â Civilian labor force participation rate Type of data:Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Percent or rate Age:Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â 16 years and over The above graph is possibly the most important number. Â How much economic activity are we losing because US citizens simply aren’t working? The…
Germany’s economy is growing at a time when few others are. This is partly led by an export boom, which obviously can’t be the solution for the global economy. More than that though, they generally do have a productive labour force with high levels of physical and human capital. @justinfloor tweets a link to this…
It’s chock-full of analysis, numbers, tables and charts showing how as much as things change, the scope for financial crises changes very little. The comparison of Developed and Emerging Markets is particularly interesting in that the differences, while they do exist, are far smaller than stereotypical views. Emerging Markets do tend to have more ongoing…
Improved education is the key to long-term employability of our population and a reduction in structural unemployment. Some argue that the political strength of teachers’ unions is an obstacle to improving standards and skills and attendance by teachers. Now SADTU seems to be supporting calls for nationalisation. So those who should be part of the…
Jeremy Cronin’s response to calls for the Fuel Levy to be used to fund Gauteng roads provides no evidence for the existing of thinking. He’s been horribly mis-represented, is a horrible communicator, or is a horrible policymaker – and I don’t even necessarily believe the Fuel Levy is the appropriate way of funding Gauteng roads.…
