Japan’s Fiscal Deficit.

by | Mar 3, 2011 | News, Press

Nikkei Veritas – Market Eye column, 3rd March 2011 The tone of the debate in Japan about the budget deficit has changed. Although the political obstacles to change are great, there seems to be a greater sense of urgency over the need for its reduction. A key...

Deficit cuts should take priority.

by | Feb 21, 2011 | News, Press

Financial News, a Dow Jones Company., 21st February 2011 UK inflation is running at double the Bank of England’s 2% target and is expected to rise further, some say to 5%. But the economy is far from booming. GDP fell in the fourth quarter of 2010 by 0.5%,...

Tug-of-war over equity ratios.

by | Feb 1, 2011 | News, Press

Financial World, 1st February 2011 Companies’ balance sheets matter to their management, employees, shareholders and creditors. Bank balance sheets are vital for the whole economy. Creditors want strong balance sheets and management and shareholders want weak ones....

We cannot support ever-rising debt.

by | Dec 29, 2010 | News, Press

The Times – Economic Opinion, 29th December 2010 Most macro-economic theories had egg all over them when the financial crisis broke. Only a few economists, among whom I am naturally proud to be included, warned of the looming problems. The signs of trouble lay...

Japan’s Population.

by | Dec 20, 2010 | News, Press

Nikkei Veritas – Market Eye column, 20th December 2010 In modern times, Japan is the first major country to experience a falling population, though it is likely to be followed by others. For example, Germany’s population is expected to start falling in about ten...