How to pick the 'right' amount to spend on holiday gifts – according to an economist

Dec 01, 2019 03:40 am UTC| Insights & Views Economy

Gift giving is a big deal this time of year. To find the perfect gift, Americans will spend about 15 hours shopping. Women will do about twice as much as men. And theyll shell out about US$1 trillion on gifts. While...

Emerging Market Crisis Series

Poverty: what low-income countries need is not more economic growth, it’s less shrinking

Dec 01, 2019 03:21 am UTC| Insights & Views Economy

It is widely accepted that countries are poor because their economies dont manage to grow sufficiently. But, perhaps surprisingly, the ability to create growth is not what most poor countries are lacking. In fact, all...

The city of Akure is developing fast. But citizens aren't having their say

Dec 01, 2019 03:20 am UTC| Insights & Views Economy

Akure, the medium-sized capital of Ondo State in Southwest Nigeria, has seen its population increase by more than 54% in 13 years. Akures population growth is explained by two factors. Ondo State is a part of the Niger...

Capitalist creep on campus: the largest, quietest privatisation in UK history – it's why we're striking

Nov 27, 2019 12:42 pm UTC| Insights & Views Economy

For the next week and a half, many UK university lecturers will be on strike again, but who outside of academia really cares? After all, university academics have great jobs. Indeed, every June to September, I get asked...

Treasurer Frydenberg to announce $520 million fund for small businesses investment

Nov 27, 2019 12:38 pm UTC| Insights & Views Economy

A new fund to provide small businesses with an alternative source of financing will be set up with a A$100 million contribution from the government. The fund will have an initial investment capacity of more than $500...

A theory of a tax revolt: Is South Africa on the brink?

Nov 27, 2019 12:34 pm UTC| Insights & Views Economy

Tax revolts date back to biblical times. Throughout the ages they have exhibited similar symptoms of a decline in taxpayer morale and confidence in a governments ability to manage public finances for the greater good of...

Lack of information on apartment defects leaves whole market on shaky footings

Nov 24, 2019 22:15 pm UTC| Insights & Views Economy

The litany of defects, poor building standards and regulatory failures has serious implications for apartment owners, occupiers and buyers alike. Fears of a loss of confidence in the sector have unfortunately come true....