Economics Observatory
@econ-observatory.bsky.social
Daily answers to economic questions. Policy briefings, writing & data masterclasses & a new data hub.
Today's #ChartOfTheDay shows the significant role the UK has played in AI model development over the years.
These strong development credentials contribute to the UK’s appeal as a destination for AI research, development and innovation.
These strong development credentials contribute to the UK’s appeal as a destination for AI research, development and innovation.
November 20, 2025 at 10:14 AM
Today's #ChartOfTheDay shows the significant role the UK has played in AI model development over the years.
These strong development credentials contribute to the UK’s appeal as a destination for AI research, development and innovation.
These strong development credentials contribute to the UK’s appeal as a destination for AI research, development and innovation.
With the November Budget just a week away, the big question is: what happens to taxes?
Today’s #ChartOfTheDay shows a stark flaw in the system— a clear spike in taxpayers reporting incomes just below £100k as people deliberately avoid crossing into the high-tax zone where marginal tax rates jump
Today’s #ChartOfTheDay shows a stark flaw in the system— a clear spike in taxpayers reporting incomes just below £100k as people deliberately avoid crossing into the high-tax zone where marginal tax rates jump
November 19, 2025 at 12:14 PM
With the November Budget just a week away, the big question is: what happens to taxes?
Today’s #ChartOfTheDay shows a stark flaw in the system— a clear spike in taxpayers reporting incomes just below £100k as people deliberately avoid crossing into the high-tax zone where marginal tax rates jump
Today’s #ChartOfTheDay shows a stark flaw in the system— a clear spike in taxpayers reporting incomes just below £100k as people deliberately avoid crossing into the high-tax zone where marginal tax rates jump
🔎 Read about the economics of defence this weekend at the Economics Observatory.
🔗 buff.ly/HFhwKrz
🔗 buff.ly/HFhwKrz
November 15, 2025 at 5:32 PM
🔎 Read about the economics of defence this weekend at the Economics Observatory.
🔗 buff.ly/HFhwKrz
🔗 buff.ly/HFhwKrz
🇧🇷 This week is #COP30 in Brazil — marking 30 years since the first COP in 1995.
In that time, global CO₂ emissions from fossil fuels have climbed from 22.9 Gt to 37 Gt (+61%).
🇨🇳China and 🇮🇳India drove most of the rise, while the 🇪🇺EU saw the biggest decline.
#ChartOfTheDay
In that time, global CO₂ emissions from fossil fuels have climbed from 22.9 Gt to 37 Gt (+61%).
🇨🇳China and 🇮🇳India drove most of the rise, while the 🇪🇺EU saw the biggest decline.
#ChartOfTheDay
November 12, 2025 at 9:46 AM
🇧🇷 This week is #COP30 in Brazil — marking 30 years since the first COP in 1995.
In that time, global CO₂ emissions from fossil fuels have climbed from 22.9 Gt to 37 Gt (+61%).
🇨🇳China and 🇮🇳India drove most of the rise, while the 🇪🇺EU saw the biggest decline.
#ChartOfTheDay
In that time, global CO₂ emissions from fossil fuels have climbed from 22.9 Gt to 37 Gt (+61%).
🇨🇳China and 🇮🇳India drove most of the rise, while the 🇪🇺EU saw the biggest decline.
#ChartOfTheDay
#COP30 kicks off today in Belém, Brazil, with adaptation finance set to dominate the agenda.
Our #ChartOfTheDay illustrates the problem: Estimated needs vs. international public flows for developing nations leaves a financing gap of over $339 billion.
Our #ChartOfTheDay illustrates the problem: Estimated needs vs. international public flows for developing nations leaves a financing gap of over $339 billion.
November 10, 2025 at 3:24 PM
#COP30 kicks off today in Belém, Brazil, with adaptation finance set to dominate the agenda.
Our #ChartOfTheDay illustrates the problem: Estimated needs vs. international public flows for developing nations leaves a financing gap of over $339 billion.
Our #ChartOfTheDay illustrates the problem: Estimated needs vs. international public flows for developing nations leaves a financing gap of over $339 billion.
Yesterday the Bank of England kept interest rates at 4%. Households expectation of future inflation has been increasing over the last year, likely due to recent increases in energy and food prices. Despite this, CPI inflation has remained at 3.8% for the last 3 months.
#ChartOfTheDay
#ChartOfTheDay
November 7, 2025 at 1:32 PM
Yesterday the Bank of England kept interest rates at 4%. Households expectation of future inflation has been increasing over the last year, likely due to recent increases in energy and food prices. Despite this, CPI inflation has remained at 3.8% for the last 3 months.
#ChartOfTheDay
#ChartOfTheDay
In the UK, plans to introduce pay-per-mile charges for electric vehicles are being considered to counteract the sharp fall in government revenue from fuel duties.
#ChartOfTheDay
#ChartOfTheDay
November 6, 2025 at 2:36 PM
In the UK, plans to introduce pay-per-mile charges for electric vehicles are being considered to counteract the sharp fall in government revenue from fuel duties.
#ChartOfTheDay
#ChartOfTheDay
Where are NYC tenants reporting the most housing violations? 🏙️
In 2024, residents of 11226 (Flatbush, Brooklyn) filed the highest number of housing violation reports: 35,283.
With mayor‑elect Mamdani promising to shake up renters’ rights, how might this map change?
#ChartOfTheDay
In 2024, residents of 11226 (Flatbush, Brooklyn) filed the highest number of housing violation reports: 35,283.
With mayor‑elect Mamdani promising to shake up renters’ rights, how might this map change?
#ChartOfTheDay
November 5, 2025 at 12:33 PM
Where are NYC tenants reporting the most housing violations? 🏙️
In 2024, residents of 11226 (Flatbush, Brooklyn) filed the highest number of housing violation reports: 35,283.
With mayor‑elect Mamdani promising to shake up renters’ rights, how might this map change?
#ChartOfTheDay
In 2024, residents of 11226 (Flatbush, Brooklyn) filed the highest number of housing violation reports: 35,283.
With mayor‑elect Mamdani promising to shake up renters’ rights, how might this map change?
#ChartOfTheDay
🇯🇵 Sanae Takaichi is Japan's first female prime minister.
But Japan still lags behind in women’s political representation.
In 2024, only 16% of parliamentary seats were held by women – half the 34% average of other G7 nations.
#ChartOfTheDay
But Japan still lags behind in women’s political representation.
In 2024, only 16% of parliamentary seats were held by women – half the 34% average of other G7 nations.
#ChartOfTheDay
November 3, 2025 at 12:53 PM
🇯🇵 Sanae Takaichi is Japan's first female prime minister.
But Japan still lags behind in women’s political representation.
In 2024, only 16% of parliamentary seats were held by women – half the 34% average of other G7 nations.
#ChartOfTheDay
But Japan still lags behind in women’s political representation.
In 2024, only 16% of parliamentary seats were held by women – half the 34% average of other G7 nations.
#ChartOfTheDay
Trick or treat? 🎃
Sweets and chocolates are 11.2% more expensive than last year, significantly higher than overall food inflation (5.6%, RPI).
This Halloween, the price of sweets might just leave a sour taste.
#ChartOfTheDay #HappyHalloween
Sweets and chocolates are 11.2% more expensive than last year, significantly higher than overall food inflation (5.6%, RPI).
This Halloween, the price of sweets might just leave a sour taste.
#ChartOfTheDay #HappyHalloween
October 31, 2025 at 9:30 AM
Trick or treat? 🎃
Sweets and chocolates are 11.2% more expensive than last year, significantly higher than overall food inflation (5.6%, RPI).
This Halloween, the price of sweets might just leave a sour taste.
#ChartOfTheDay #HappyHalloween
Sweets and chocolates are 11.2% more expensive than last year, significantly higher than overall food inflation (5.6%, RPI).
This Halloween, the price of sweets might just leave a sour taste.
#ChartOfTheDay #HappyHalloween
The impact of migration on public finances depends less on how many people arrive and more on who they are.
OBR modelling shows younger, higher-earning migrants contribute the most, while dependants and older migrants draw more from public services.
OBR modelling shows younger, higher-earning migrants contribute the most, while dependants and older migrants draw more from public services.
October 30, 2025 at 4:21 PM
The impact of migration on public finances depends less on how many people arrive and more on who they are.
OBR modelling shows younger, higher-earning migrants contribute the most, while dependants and older migrants draw more from public services.
OBR modelling shows younger, higher-earning migrants contribute the most, while dependants and older migrants draw more from public services.
Non-EU employees held 4 million jobs in December 2024, almost double the 2.1 million they held in January 2021.
October 30, 2025 at 4:21 PM
Non-EU employees held 4 million jobs in December 2024, almost double the 2.1 million they held in January 2021.
68% of adult Ukrainian refugees wish to remain living in the UK, even in a future where it is safe to return home.
The main reasons are: they have more opportunities to work in the UK, they feel like they have built a life here, and they believe their quality of life has improved.
The main reasons are: they have more opportunities to work in the UK, they feel like they have built a life here, and they believe their quality of life has improved.
October 30, 2025 at 11:01 AM
68% of adult Ukrainian refugees wish to remain living in the UK, even in a future where it is safe to return home.
The main reasons are: they have more opportunities to work in the UK, they feel like they have built a life here, and they believe their quality of life has improved.
The main reasons are: they have more opportunities to work in the UK, they feel like they have built a life here, and they believe their quality of life has improved.
The demographic profile of refugees in the UK closely mirrors that in other host countries, with notable characteristics including a high proportion of women (64%) and a high share of individuals with a degree.
October 30, 2025 at 11:01 AM
The demographic profile of refugees in the UK closely mirrors that in other host countries, with notable characteristics including a high proportion of women (64%) and a high share of individuals with a degree.
🇺🇦 Around 4.3 million Ukrainian refugees have registered for temporary protection in the EU.
Germany & Poland host the largest numbers, each accommodating over 1 million displaced people. The UK ranks 4th, providing refuge to over 220,000 Ukrainians in 2025. 🧵👇
#ChartOfTheDay
Germany & Poland host the largest numbers, each accommodating over 1 million displaced people. The UK ranks 4th, providing refuge to over 220,000 Ukrainians in 2025. 🧵👇
#ChartOfTheDay
October 30, 2025 at 11:01 AM
🇺🇦 Around 4.3 million Ukrainian refugees have registered for temporary protection in the EU.
Germany & Poland host the largest numbers, each accommodating over 1 million displaced people. The UK ranks 4th, providing refuge to over 220,000 Ukrainians in 2025. 🧵👇
#ChartOfTheDay
Germany & Poland host the largest numbers, each accommodating over 1 million displaced people. The UK ranks 4th, providing refuge to over 220,000 Ukrainians in 2025. 🧵👇
#ChartOfTheDay
The impact of migration on public finances depends less on how many people arrive and more on who they are.
OBR modelling shows younger, higher-earning migrants contribute the most, while dependants and older migrants draw more from public services.
OBR modelling shows younger, higher-earning migrants contribute the most, while dependants and older migrants draw more from public services.
October 30, 2025 at 10:18 AM
The impact of migration on public finances depends less on how many people arrive and more on who they are.
OBR modelling shows younger, higher-earning migrants contribute the most, while dependants and older migrants draw more from public services.
OBR modelling shows younger, higher-earning migrants contribute the most, while dependants and older migrants draw more from public services.
Non-EU employees held 4 million jobs in December 2024, almost double the 2.1 million they held in January 2021.
October 30, 2025 at 10:17 AM
Non-EU employees held 4 million jobs in December 2024, almost double the 2.1 million they held in January 2021.
The impact of migration on public finances depends less on how many people arrive and more on who they are.
OBR modelling shows younger, higher-earning migrants contribute the most, while dependants and older migrants draw more from public services.
OBR modelling shows younger, higher-earning migrants contribute the most, while dependants and older migrants draw more from public services.
October 29, 2025 at 10:46 AM
The impact of migration on public finances depends less on how many people arrive and more on who they are.
OBR modelling shows younger, higher-earning migrants contribute the most, while dependants and older migrants draw more from public services.
OBR modelling shows younger, higher-earning migrants contribute the most, while dependants and older migrants draw more from public services.
Non-EU employees held 4 million jobs in December 2024, almost double the 2.1 million they held in January 2021.
October 29, 2025 at 10:46 AM
Non-EU employees held 4 million jobs in December 2024, almost double the 2.1 million they held in January 2021.
Post-Brexit, how is migration affecting the UK economy?
Net migration reached historic highs in 2023, driven by a rise in non-EU arrivals – 3.6 million between 2021-24, largely due to post-Brexit policy liberalisations.
70% came for work, study, or as accompanying family. 🧵👇
#ChartOfTheDay
Net migration reached historic highs in 2023, driven by a rise in non-EU arrivals – 3.6 million between 2021-24, largely due to post-Brexit policy liberalisations.
70% came for work, study, or as accompanying family. 🧵👇
#ChartOfTheDay
October 29, 2025 at 10:46 AM
Post-Brexit, how is migration affecting the UK economy?
Net migration reached historic highs in 2023, driven by a rise in non-EU arrivals – 3.6 million between 2021-24, largely due to post-Brexit policy liberalisations.
70% came for work, study, or as accompanying family. 🧵👇
#ChartOfTheDay
Net migration reached historic highs in 2023, driven by a rise in non-EU arrivals – 3.6 million between 2021-24, largely due to post-Brexit policy liberalisations.
70% came for work, study, or as accompanying family. 🧵👇
#ChartOfTheDay
🇮🇪 Ireland's migration data reveal a dramatic change.
Net migration was negative (more people emigrated than immigrated) until the 1960s and again in the 1980s. The pattern reversed in the late 1990s and early 2000s during a period of historically high economic growth in Ireland.🧵👇
Net migration was negative (more people emigrated than immigrated) until the 1960s and again in the 1980s. The pattern reversed in the late 1990s and early 2000s during a period of historically high economic growth in Ireland.🧵👇
October 28, 2025 at 1:41 PM
🇮🇪 Ireland's migration data reveal a dramatic change.
Net migration was negative (more people emigrated than immigrated) until the 1960s and again in the 1980s. The pattern reversed in the late 1990s and early 2000s during a period of historically high economic growth in Ireland.🧵👇
Net migration was negative (more people emigrated than immigrated) until the 1960s and again in the 1980s. The pattern reversed in the late 1990s and early 2000s during a period of historically high economic growth in Ireland.🧵👇
🇺🇸 The US debt-to-GDP ratio was 125% in 2025 and is forecast to reach 143% by 2030.
Debt is rising faster than in other advanced economies, underscoring growing fiscal pressures.
#ChartOfTheDay #IMF
Debt is rising faster than in other advanced economies, underscoring growing fiscal pressures.
#ChartOfTheDay #IMF
October 27, 2025 at 11:07 AM
🇺🇸 The US debt-to-GDP ratio was 125% in 2025 and is forecast to reach 143% by 2030.
Debt is rising faster than in other advanced economies, underscoring growing fiscal pressures.
#ChartOfTheDay #IMF
Debt is rising faster than in other advanced economies, underscoring growing fiscal pressures.
#ChartOfTheDay #IMF
Since the introduction of the triple lock in 2011, the value of the UK state pension has increased as a percentage of average earnings. The new state pension introduced in 2016 provides a higher rate than the existing basic state pension.
#ChartOfTheDay
#ChartOfTheDay
October 24, 2025 at 12:14 PM
Since the introduction of the triple lock in 2011, the value of the UK state pension has increased as a percentage of average earnings. The new state pension introduced in 2016 provides a higher rate than the existing basic state pension.
#ChartOfTheDay
#ChartOfTheDay
🇨🇳 China is by far the world’s largest producer of rare earth elements, producing over 270,000 tons in 2024.
Rare earths, such as neodymium, dysprosium, and terbium, are crucial for producing electric motors, wind turbines, smartphones, and advanced military equipment.
#ChartOfTheDay
Rare earths, such as neodymium, dysprosium, and terbium, are crucial for producing electric motors, wind turbines, smartphones, and advanced military equipment.
#ChartOfTheDay
October 23, 2025 at 10:35 AM
🇨🇳 China is by far the world’s largest producer of rare earth elements, producing over 270,000 tons in 2024.
Rare earths, such as neodymium, dysprosium, and terbium, are crucial for producing electric motors, wind turbines, smartphones, and advanced military equipment.
#ChartOfTheDay
Rare earths, such as neodymium, dysprosium, and terbium, are crucial for producing electric motors, wind turbines, smartphones, and advanced military equipment.
#ChartOfTheDay
UK borrowing rose to £20.2bn in September — the highest September figure since 2020 and the Covid-19 pandemic.
With the November Budget weeks away, the new figures highlight the pressure on public finances.
#ChartOfTheDay
With the November Budget weeks away, the new figures highlight the pressure on public finances.
#ChartOfTheDay
October 22, 2025 at 11:09 AM
UK borrowing rose to £20.2bn in September — the highest September figure since 2020 and the Covid-19 pandemic.
With the November Budget weeks away, the new figures highlight the pressure on public finances.
#ChartOfTheDay
With the November Budget weeks away, the new figures highlight the pressure on public finances.
#ChartOfTheDay