The Irish Economy: still growing but slowing. Finance Minister for a day. UK: big inflation surprise
Rishi Sunak disgraces himself
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Latest data and forecasts for the Irish economy suggest 'growing but slowing'
Unemployment is forecast to stay very low - essentially an economy at full employment
Unemployment in many countries is forecast to stay low, despite low or no growth. That's because labour markets have been puzzlingly tight for years. Are we just extrapolating the recent past and forgetting that unemployment could rise?
Bond markets expect rate cuts next year. They won't get thise without a rise in unemployment, which few, if any, forecasters expect.
Somebody is getting this wrong.
If I was Finance Minister for a day!
Surely realpolitik dictates less prudence now in exchange for more prudence post-election? The Central Bank & IFAC both call for prudence NOW, arguably handing the election to Sinn Fein - who will be anything but prudent with the public finances.
A big UK inflation surprise
Not such a big surprise: Sunak reveals himself to be a grubby climate change denier.
Chris heard you on the dunphy podcast saying Biden hasn’t caused inflation in the states ?biden has printed trillions of dollars under his watch ran massive budget deficits and given loads of subsidies . He even tried to cancel us college debt for students . How can you say he hasn’t caused any inflation with these policies.
Still massive questions about EVs and the mining required for the materials used to manufacture their components. Also there's a hell of a lot of people who have a great fondness for their petrol cars (look at the numbers that turn up at car shows and motor racing events). The idea that electric is the be all and end all is ridiculous. Huge potential for combustion engines powered by sustainable fuels (which World Rally Championship cars use and Formula 1 will use in a couple of years time). In any case reducing car journeys should be the government's target rather than mandating expensive, heavy electric vehicles (more frequent public transport would redice car journeys)