What else could the UK government spend its £4.2 billion Brexit contingency fund on?

Dec 24, 2018 08:23 am UTC| Insights & Views Politics Economy

The cabinet has stepped up contingency plans for a no-deal Brexit, with departments across Whitehall charged with making this a priority. Although all indications are that there is no majority in parliament for leaving...

Not all consumers are equal – in terms of what they save by using efficient appliances

Dec 24, 2018 08:03 am UTC| Insights & Views Business Economy

Have you ever seen one of those big yellow cards on refrigerators, washing machines and other new appliances? These government-mandated notices indicate about how much energy the average U.S. consumer will save by...

The Fed cares when the stock market freaks out – but only when it turns into a bear

Dec 21, 2018 11:12 am UTC| Insights & Views Central Banks Economy

Stocks have been falling for more than two months, with investors all but begging the Federal Reserve to stop lifting short-term interest rates. Higher rates hurt stocks by making other, less risky investments look more...

How US demographics changed in 2018: 5 essential reads

Dec 21, 2018 10:59 am UTC| Insights & Views Economy

Editors note: As we come to the end of the year, Conversation editors take a look back at the stories that for them exemplified 2018. The end of the year is a classic time for reflection. But, in todays turbulent news...

What's the economic impact of a government shutdown?

Dec 21, 2018 10:59 am UTC| Insights & Views Economy

President Donald Trump and Congress are once again on the verge of a partial federal government shutdown. If they fail to reach an agreement, it would be the third shutdown in two years. The immediate and most visible...

UK gilts suffer after Q3 GDP remains expectedly unchanged ahead of long Christmas holidays

Dec 21, 2018 10:23 am UTC| Commentary Economy

The United Kingdoms gilts suffered during Fridays afternoon session, after the countrys gross domestic product (GDP) remained unchanged, as per market expectations, during the third quarter of this year, released early...

NZ ANZ-Roy Morgan consumer confidence lifts slights above average ahead of Christmas celebrations

Dec 21, 2018 07:31 am UTC| Commentary Economy

New Zealands ANZ-Roy Morgan consumer confidence index for the month of December registered 7 points off its October low. The overall index rose 3 points in December and sits a little above the historical average. The...