Economics underlies everything we do. It lurks behind such questions as why recessions take place, why interest rates change, why there was a fuel crisis, and when is the best time to buy a house or take out a loan. But economics is a great deal more than money and jobs. It crosses every aspect of our society - drawing on other disciplines such as politics, psychology, sociology and ethics. Living Economy picks apart some of the most important issues of our day, such as whether Britain should join the EMU and why we're so insecure in our jobs now compared with 50 years ago. It provides you with the background you need to make informed decisions on political parties, when to buy a house, or when to invest in the stock market. It will also give you an idea as to when interest rates will rise or whether recession is around the corner. Without jumping on a political soapbox it explains some of the choices available to governments, such as whether to raise money through VAT or stealth taxes, and what policies they can employ to make us all better off.It also explains how the tapestry of economics is stitched together, allowing you to form your own opinions on national debates and make educated decisions concerning your financial choices. Living Economy strips out the jargon and settles the theories in context through an array of colourful examples and enlightening case studies. Living Economy sheds light on a baffling subject that affects us all. It is an inspiring read for those of us with both an inquiring mind and an eye on our wallets.
Jenny Scott is to be congratulated in writing an introductory guide to the key macroeconomic issues of the day which impresses both in its coverage and its relevance to people's lives. Living Economy is no 'dry as dust' academic tome divorced from the real world of economics and markets, but a lively read which is mercifully jargon-free.'
Ruth Lea, Head of the Policy Unit, Institute of Directors
Jenny Scott was born in 1970 and studied economics at Cambridge University before spending two years working as an analyst at the Bank of England. She joined Reuters in 1994 and, after an early posting in Amsterdam, returned to London to write about international capital markets. Jenny joined the Reuters UK economics desk in 1998 and spent two and a half years covering everything from monthly inflation and unemployment data to interest rate decisions and the government's annual budgets. She is currently the BBC's economics reporter.
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