World economy

All Standard Notes
10 Documents
DateDescription
24.05.2013Inflation: International: Economic indicators page
UK inflation was 2.4% in the year to April 2013, down from 2.8% in March. Eurozone inflation in the year to April 2013 was 1.2%, down from 1.7% in March.
17.05.2013GDP - International comparisons: Economic Indicators page
Comparisons of latest GDP data and forecasts for the UK and the world's largest economies.
03.05.2013Japan's economy: from the 'lost decade' to Abenomics
The effects of the sluggish growth in the 1990s ("the lost decade") are still being felt today in Japan's economy. A new government has embarked on a radical plan to revitalise the fortunes of the world's third largest economy. These policies have become known as Abenomics, after the new Prime Minister Shinzo Abe.
03.05.2013Exchange rates: Economic Indicators page
The Sterling Exchange Rate Index - a measure of the pound's value against major trading partners - rose by 1.3% in April 2013, and was 2.9% lower compared with the same period a year before. The pound was on average worth $1.55 and €1.16 in April.
24.10.2012The eurozone crisis: action taken by the European Central Bank (ECB)
This note discusses some of the 'unconventional' measures taken by the ECB in response to the euro crisis and the political controversy they have generated.
25.05.2012The eurozone crisis - rescuing Greece
Greece's long-standing public debt problem became a crisis at the start of 2010 and has since escalated to a point where it threatens the survival of the euro. This note describes the country's May 2010 and February 2012 bail-out agreements, the results of the May 2012 elections, future prospects, and implications of euro exit
27.01.2012International comparisons of manufacturing output
The UK ranks ninth in the world in terms of total manufacturing output.
19.10.2010G20 & the November 2010 Seoul summit
The G20 has met at leaders' level since November 2008. The second summit in 2010 takes place in Seoul in November. This note provides background to the G20, outcomes of summits so far, the agenda for Seoul, and the G8/G20 relationship.
30.04.2010Global Economic Crisis & developing countries
This note was last published on 26 August 2009 and will not be updated. In the early stages of the financial crisis there were hopes that it would be largely contained within developed economies, with developing economies having 'decoupled' from them. These early hopes proved unfounded, with developing countries struck by declining trade, a loss of investor confidence and withdrawal of investment, a fall in the value of vital remittances, and much reduced growth and contraction in some cases. There are also fears that aid flows may suffer in the aftermath of the crisis. This note summarises key reports and statistics, with links to further resources.
27.03.2009Iceland's financial crisis
The global financial crisis has been tumultuous for Iceland. Until recently considered a rich, successful and competitive nation, Iceland suffered a dramatic collapse of its economy and currency following the collapse of its banking sector in October 2008. It was forced to negotiate a loan from the IMF and further financial support from a number of countries, and saw the fall of its government. The crisis has led to renewed suggestions that Iceland may apply to join the EU and adopt the euro. Following the Government's fall in January 2009, a caretaker Government took over in February and elections are expected on 25 April 2009. The major partner in the caretaker left-wing coalition, the Social Democratic Alliance, was a member of the previous administration and is strongly pro-EU, but its new partner, the Left Green Movement, has said it will continue to oppose EU membership.
All Research Papers
3 Documents
DateDescription
06.12.2012Pakistan in 2013
2013 will be another important year for Pakistan. Federal and provincial elections will be held during the first half of the year. If, as seems increasingly likely, the Pakistan People's Party-led Government sees out its full term in office and hands over to a civilian successor, it will be the first time in Pakistan's history that this has happened. But the political and economic situation remains highly volatile and unpredictable.
13.12.2010Loans to Ireland Bill. [Bill 125 of 2010-11]
This paper on the Loans to Ireland Bill has been prepared for the Second Reading Debate on the Bill in the House of Commons. The Bill authorises the Treasury to loan up to £3.25bn to Ireland, and contains an order-making power to increase this limit subject to affirmative procedure in the Commons. It also arranges for six-monthly reporting to Parliament on the status of the loan. All Commons stages were taken on 15 December 2010.
04.06.1998GDP per capita in OECD countries: the UK's relative position
GDP per capita in OECD countries: the UK's relative position. House of Commons Library Research Paper 98/64.