Economy

  • Could interest rates turn negative?
    negative/positive buttons

    Cutting the interest rate paid on commercial banks' reserves to zero, or even negative rates, would be one way for the Monetary Policy Committee to improve the current effectiveness of monetary policy, says Vicky Redwood.

  • How will stockmarket volatility affect your investment portfolio?
    Stock chart

    In the face of continuing instability in the markets, how can you protect your portfolio? We ask the experts for their thoughts on what investors with different aims should do to combat the volatility.

  • Are we set for an autumn stockmarket meltdown?
    Market meltdown

    The great autumn crises all have their origins in August, and with this year seeing the biggest stockmarket falls since 2008, experts warn the FTSE 100 could continue to struggle.

  • Is sterling about to bounce back?
    Sterling

    Foreign exchange dealers predict that sterling is due to bounce back. Faith Glasgow weighs up the pros and cons.

  • Is Europe poised for recovery?
    European ruin

    European stockmarkets have rallied strongly, but managers are cautious about economic growth so it may be a while before happy days are here again, writes Faith Glasgow.

  • Investment outlook for 2009
    The investment outlook 2009

    With more financial pain in store, 2009 is set to be a challenge. Rachel Lacey takes a look at the investment horizon and asks how savers and investors should respond.

  • Inflation-proof your finances
    balloon rising

    With inflation on the rise, and no one sure if it's a short-term spike or a more permanent trend, it makes sense to take steps to protect your standard of living. Sam Barrett shows how.

  • Is deflation a blessing or curse?
    Deflated globe

    For the past 60 years, the UK has experienced positive inflation with the cost of living increasing year-on-year. But economists are now warning we could see the opposite happen, with prices actually falling.

  • The impact of inflation on UK investments

    The Bank of England's inability to control inflation will inflict a heavy burden on us all, warns Barry Riley, but enterprise - along with global equities - may just be able to deliver our redemption.

  • Is optimism returning to global markets?
    globe with arrows

    Prospects for the world economy are improving and optimism is returning to stockmarkets. Jim Levi gauges the mood of our asset allocation experts to see if it tallies.