Questions and answers about
the economy.

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Why are food prices rising in the UK?

The annual rate of food price inflation in the UK has accelerated to 4.5%. Behind the increase is a blend of supply shocks, policy changes and climate disruption that together have pushed food costs well above general inflation.

Trade & supply chains

How do new technologies spread across the global economy?

The development of new technology is at the heart of economic growth. But the ways in which new products and processes spread around the world are vulnerable to changes in trade policy, with growing protectionism likely to constrain progress.

Banks & financial markets

Can reforms of financial regulation encourage economic growth?

The UK government is proposing regulatory reforms of the financial services sector as part of its agenda for boosting economic growth. The main focus is on encouraging domestic investment by pension funds and relaxing household access to credit. The chances of success are highly uncertain.

DATA HUB

Historical price of computer memory and storage

This chart shows an example of reductions in the costs of new technologies over time, highlighting the dramatic fall in the real cost of computer memory and storage over time. In the space of just a few decades, the cost of computer (random access) memory dropped exponentially, from hundreds of trillions of dollars per terabyte in the 1950s to around a thousand dollars per terabyte today.

Public spending, taxes & debt

Which taxes are best and worst for growth?

Tax affects economic growth by reducing consumer spending and lowering incentives to invest. But different fiscal policies have variable overall economic effects, with taxes on income better than those levied on corporate profits in terms of their wider impact on GDP.

Business, big & small

Rugby union in England: how can financial sustainability be achieved?

With clubs posting significant losses and a number going out of business, the future of rugby union in England is uncertain. Recent boosts in attendance and TV viewers offer promise, but significant structural changes to the sport are required – to governance, revenue and salaries.

Public spending, taxes & debt

Fiscal rules: what value if they change whenever politically convenient?

The UK has had seven different sets of fiscal rules since 2010, suggesting that they are simply not fit for purpose. Sound fiscal policy urgently needs the Chancellor to accept accountability and transparency, including an annual ‘state of the economy’ address outlining progress – and failure.

All Answers