Ray of hope? The rise of solar energy in China
China’s solar industry is a poster child for the country’s economic rise over the last four decades. The output of Chinese solar grew by 76%
A wartime labour market: The case of Ukraine
The full-scale Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022 has generated one of the largest labour supply and reallocation shocks in recent history. This column reveals,
Creating high-opportunity neighbourhoods: Evidence from the HOPE VI programme
Income segregation in the US has increased over the past four decades, restricting access to opportunity for many low-income families. This column reports on a
Why detours improve development outcomes
In Homer’s Odyssey, Odysseus does not reach home by following a flawless plan. His journey is defined by detours, storms, and course corrections. What matters is
US tariffs may deepen integration, elsewhere
While recent analysis has focused on direct impacts of US tariffs and potential retaliation, major US trading partners have intensified trade negotiations with each other,
The US dollar: Not a traditional safe haven
Safe-haven currencies are generally understood to appreciate when risk sentiment deteriorates, providing investors with insurance. This column demonstrates that the US dollar differs from that
You only live twice: A growth strategy for Ukraine
Between regaining independence in 1991 and the Russian invasion in 2022, Ukraine went from being on par with the more prosperous economies of the former
New evidence on the resilience benefit of borrower-based measures when interest rates go up
Borrower-based macroprudential measures are meant to provide a guardrail to counter an erosion of lending standards over time. This column explores whether such measures can
The Bank of England’s capital mistake?
On 2 December 2025, the Bank of England’s Financial Policy Committee announced it would be lowering the capital requirement for UK banks. This column argues
Beyond emergency responses: Why local context matters for refugee allocation
A growing body of evidence shows that rising inflows of immigrants and refugees can trigger political backlash. This column examines how local economic and cultural
