US politicians are facing the fiscal cliff September 25, 2012 FOR months, the markets have had their eyes fixed on the Federal Reserve; the contents of the Federal Open Market Committee’s (FOMC) monthly minutes and the possibility of another round of quantitative easing (QE3). But now the US has another problem to deal with – the so-called “fiscal cliff” at the end of 2012, when [...]
Technology only boosts growth if countries can exploit it effectively September 25, 2012 OVER the last five years, the British economy has experienced its worst growth since the 1920s. Yet, in important respects, the economy is faring far better than it did back then. Part of the reason lies in low interest rates and forbearance on the part of lenders, which have both helped to soften the damage [...]
George Osborne’s economic policy seeks to blind markets from the truth September 25, 2012 ANDREW Mitchell, the government’s chief whip, remains in some difficulty after his exchange with the police at the gates of Downing Street. At the heart of the incident there is an objective reality. Either he used the word pleb, or he didn’t. Either the police were officious jobsworths, or they were the epitome of politeness. [...]
Silver surfers prepare to leave gold bugs behind as they ride the wave September 25, 2012 FOLLOWING recent policy announcements from the Federal Reserve, European Central Bank (ECB) and the Bank of Japan, making an investment case for metals may not be original. But, with rallies off lows in June, some may prefer silver over gold. It can be argued that silver has more scope to regain its record high, as [...]
After more banks signed up to Funding for Lending, is it likely to help UK business? September 25, 2012 YES Corin Taylor Funding for Lending – the scheme run by the Bank of England which seeks to stimulate the economy by making cheaper loans available to firms and individuals – is fine as far as it goes. But we must be sure not to overstate its likely benefits. Those companies that would already qualify [...]
Rapid Responses September 25, 2012 The shale debate [Re: Britain needs to embrace the global shale revolution, Friday] Britain must position itself at the forefront of the shale revolution. The US has had a head start because, firstly, its government has allowed extraction. Secondly, its main shale fields are in remote locations away from residential areas. Thirdly, it’s been developing [...]
Hodgson: Terry’s retirement is a big blow to my England plans September 25, 2012 ENGLAND manager Roy Hodgson has admitted the loss of John Terry to international retirement is a significant disappointment. The central defender and former England captain on Sunday announced the immediate end of his international career and blamed the Football Association’s disciplinary hearing into his role in the Anton Ferdinand race row, which began yesterday, for [...]
Winger Walcott wishes to start up front to stay September 25, 2012 ARSENAL forward Theo Walcott is adamant that the possibility of being selected to start as a striker will be a significant influence when he makes his decision about whether or not to stay at the club. The 23-year-old’s contract expires at the end of the season and manager Arsene Wenger has already conceded it will [...]
I believe JT has jumped before he could be pushed September 25, 2012 JOHN Terry’s decision to retire from international duty does, I suspect, actually have something to do with his age. If he was 26, I don’t think he’d bother. He’s had all the trauma from the summer’s court case and I think he’s retired because he believes the FA will find him guilty in their own [...]
Monty wants McIlroy kept well away from the Tiger September 25, 2012 FORMER Ryder Cup captain Colin Montgomerie believes it is important Europe’s Rory McIlroy avoids America’s Tiger Woods in the Ryder Cup singles on Sunday. Montgomerie was the captain when Europe won at Celtic Manor two years ago and despite understandable public interest in seeing the tournament’s two greatest talents directly compete, believes it to be [...]
