Positive inflation numbers take pressure off the RBNZ to act at April 28th meeting

Apr 18, 2016 12:09 pm UTC| Insights & Views Economy

The Reserve Bank of New Zealand is scheduled to review its OCR on 28th April. Falling commodity prices and a recently stronger NZD have meant continued or increasing downward risks for New Zealand inflation. In the final...

Australian economy to perform strongly amidst challenging environment in 2016

Apr 18, 2016 11:24 am UTC| Commentary Economy

In 2016, the Australian economy is likely to perform strongly amidst challenging environment, according to Westpac. In 2015, Australias real GDP grew 3%, while a recent rally in commodity prices implies that risks on the...

Currency War Series

Monetary Authority of Singapore eases monetary policy in response to deteriorating global economic outlook

Apr 14, 2016 15:37 pm UTC| Commentary Central Banks Economy

The Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) on Thursday, surprised the market by loosening its monetary policy. The central bank set a target of a zero per cent currency appreciation, and said that this change of stance was...

How the wisdom of crowds could solve the mystery of Shakespeare's 'lost plays'

Apr 14, 2016 15:33 pm UTC| Insights & Views Economy

Are the many wiser than the few? Are the masses cleverer than the expert? This is a question which has in recent years attracted an explosion of interest, perhaps most famously popularised by James Surowieckis 2004 book,...

Fundamental Evaluation Series

'Helicopter money' – why economists are now thinking the unthinkable

Apr 14, 2016 15:27 pm UTC| Insights & Views Economy Central Banks

For the 85th month in a row, the Bank of England has voted to keep interest rates at a low of 0.5%. Along with the European Central Bank and US Federal Reserve, it remains wedded to the idea that low interest rates,...

The sharing economy comes to scientific research

Apr 14, 2016 08:29 am UTC| Insights & Views Economy

My husband is a brilliant man with a deep love for home improvement shows. I could do that! he says. I just need a fancy saw, some tool, this other thing, wood and a plan. Sometimes these projects turn out great, but as...

The science of happiness can trump GDP as a guide for policy

Apr 14, 2016 07:55 am UTC| Insights & Views Economy Life

For centuries, happiness was exclusively a concern of the humanities; a matter for philosophers, novelists and artists. In the past five decades, however, it has moved into the domain of science and given us a substantial...