Unit 1: China's new carbon trading sceme

Details from the BBC

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-22932816# and
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-22931899#
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/22947197# video

Unit 2: The work programme; a supply side policy

Will it work? This report suggests the outlook isn't too good

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-22982321#

Unit 2: Rising consumption to increase China's economic growth?

So it would seem from this BBC clip

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-22961571#

Unit 1: Negative externalities suffered by Singapore

An unexpected story from the BBC

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-22961572# 

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-22997880#

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-22998592#

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-22999205#

Unit 1: Less information failuure in the processed food market?

Maybe, if this new packaging labelling system takes off

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-22964581  video

http://news.sky.com/story/1105440/major-uk-supermarkets-launch-new-food-labels

Unit 1: Workers leaving Saudi Arabia: Decreasing potential output

Nice story from the BBC

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-22903455#

Unit 2: Low taxes: a supply side policy to attract inward investment

The Irish story

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/22900671#

Unit 2: Why is the rupee depreciating?

Nice clip from the BBC

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-22883816#

Unit 2: Falling real disposable incomes in the UK

Great reports from Ch4 and BBC on the link between unemployment and falling real wages

http://www.channel4.com/news/wages-institute-for-fiscal-studies-recession-downturn

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-22880983#

Unit 2: Investment in the UK

Great example of private sector infrastructure investment in the London Gateway super port (thanks to tutor2u for pointing out this FT video)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=mZ7NkJMWLtg#at=113

Unit 2: Government infrastructure spending in China

A huge desalination plant is an example of capital spending by Government

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-22851529#

Unit 2: Low taxation; a supply side policy in Singapore

Interesting clip from the BBC

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-22850740#

Unit 1: Negative externalities from mining in India

As ever, the poor get shafted

http://bcove.me/mi6b1fxx

Unit 2: Tariffs and retaliation: China v EU trade war?

The EU tariffs on Chinese solar panels have provoked a retaliatory response

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-22456231 solar panels

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-22793186 wine

background from

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-22780266

Unit 1: Information failure in the painkiller market

Interesting report from the BBC

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-22713043#

Unit 1: The smoking ban in public places spreads to Russia

...according to the BBC, but will it work

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-22726284#

Unit 2: Unemployment and youth unemployment data for the EU

...is bleak

http://www.channel4.com/news/youth-unemployment-spikes-across-Europe


...as is the effect on young Greeks

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-22726231#

and young Irish

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-22698740#

Unit 1: The supply curve for sugar

Great clip from the BBC explaining how Cuban sugar mills are being restarted as the world price of sugar has risen

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-latin-america-22620566#

Unit 1: Productive efficiency in the container shipping market

Container ships just seem to get bigger and bigger!

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-22568123#

Unit 1: Should the age for buying alcohol be increased to 21?

A nice post from economicshelp with good evaluation and alternative policy

http://www.economicshelp.org/blog/36/society/legal-drinking-age/

Unit 1: The start of a market economy in Cuba?

The changes announced by the Cuban government begin to take effect, as seen in this clip from Aljazeera

http://bcove.me/vgmouy97

Unit 2: The Scottish Borders railway line: Government (infrastructure) spending with supply side effects

A nice clip from the BBC with lots of economic ideas tied up in it

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-22510460#

Unit 2: Tax relief for movie production

A successful supply side policy according to this post from tutor2u

http://www.tutor2u.net/blog/index.php/economics/comments/positive-indicators-for-the-uk-economy-may-the-force-be-with-us

Unit 2: Macroeconomic data update

.....from tutor2u

http://www.slideshare.net/tutor2u/a2-as-revision-uk-economy

Unit 1: Firm fines £50,000 for water pollution

One of the issues with regulation is enforcement; any fine for breaking the law has to be large enough to discourage others from breaking the law......like this one

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-cambridgeshire-22477788

Unit 1: Does graffiti lead to positive or negative externalities?

Interesting video from Aljazeera

http://bcove.me/u0hhbv7n

Unit 2: Protectionism from the EU: Tariffs on Chinese solar panels

An interesting story from the BBC

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-22456231 video
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-22445640# article

Unit 2: Australia cuts interest rates

Interesting BBC article explaining why Australia's central bank has cut interest rates

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-22430652#

Unit 2: Policies to reduce unemployment

Thanks to tutor2u for this slideshare presentation

http://www.slideshare.net/tutor2u/policies-to-reduce-unemployment

Unit 2: Why a cut in interest rates may not stimulate investment by firms

Great evaluation from this BBC clip

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-22378705#

Unit 2: The continuing decline of the Spanish economy

....as reported by the BBC

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-22349004#

Unit 1: EU intervention in the pesticide market because of negative externality effects on bees

But, not everyone agrees with the restrictions: A case of information failure in the market?

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-22338755# video
http://news.sky.com/story/1084470/bees-european-union-forces-pesticides-ban article

Unit 2: What is GDP?

Nice, simple explanation from the BBC

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-22290374

Unit 1: Scotland bans cigarette displays

....and so comes in to line with the rest of the Uk according to this BBC clip. It also highlights the problem of introducing laws and regulations, namely that their has to be sufficien enforcement

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-22328177#

Unit 2: Fantastic data links

....from economicshelp

http://www.economicshelp.org/blog/7401/economics/tips-on-using-ons-data/

Unit 2: Inflation revision

A post with data and links to a lot more from tutor2u

http://www.tutor2u.net/blog/index.php/economics/comments/unit-2-macro-inflation-april-2013-update?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+economics_news+%28tutor2u+Economics+Blog%29#When:13:35:03Z

Units 1 & 2: Key terms glossaries

...from tutor2u, BUT MY STUDENTS SHOULD BE WARY OF USING THEM AS THEY MAY NOT BE WHAT OCR REQUIRE!!!!!!

http://www.tutor2u.net/blog/index.php/economics/comments/as-and-a2-key-term-glossaries

Unit 1: Fake bomb detectors: Information failure in markets

Thanks to tutor2u for this summary of the story

http://www.tutor2u.net/blog/index.php/economics/comments/unit-1-micro-information-failure-fraudulent-selling?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+economics_news+%28tutor2u+Economics+Blog%29#When:11:15:37Z

Unit 2: The costs of 27% unemployment in Spain

As reported by the BBC

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-21323642

and Aljazeera

http://bcove.me/k1hudxwk

Unit 2: UK Economy update

...courtesy of tutor2u

http://www.slideshare.net/tutor2u/a2-as-revision-uk-economy

http://www.tutor2u.net/blog/files/State_of_the_UK_Economy_April_2013.pdf

Unit 2: Rising unemployment and constant inflation

...according to the BBC and the latest data, but the picture isn't that clear

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-22191013# unemployment
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-22176211# inflation

Unit 1:Problems with the EU tradable permits scheme

Thanks to tutor2u for this summary of the current problems with the scheme

http://www.tutor2u.net/blog/index.php/economics/comments/unit-1-micro-carbon-trading-scheme-in-crisis?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+economics_news+%28tutor2u+Economics+Blog%29#When:17:00:30Z

and this

http://www.tutor2u.net/blog/index.php/economics/comments/unit-1-micro-carbon-trading-scheme-in-crisis?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+economics_news+%28tutor2u+Economics+Blog%29#When:17:00:03Z

...and this video clip from the BBC

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-22218733#

Unit 1: Negative externalities from illegal gold mining in Nigeria

I've highlighted this problem in an earlier post from Aljazeera. Unfortunately, it appears that things have got no better since then, according to the BBC

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-22128957#

Unit 1: Shale gas developments in China

Nice clip from the BBC

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-22076969#

a) What positive and negative externalities would be associtaed with exploiting these shale gas reserves?

Unit 2: Investment: Revision

Thanks to tutor2u

http://www.tutor2u.net/blog/index.php/economics/comments/unit-2-macro-investment-in-uk-economy-remains-low

Unit 1: Evaluating government intervention in the alcohol market

A post with good links from tutor2u

http://www.tutor2u.net/blog/index.php/economics/comments/unit-1-micro-evaluating-government-intervention-alcohol-pricing?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+economics_news+%28tutor2u+Economics+Blog%29#When:19:06:54Z

Unit 2: Monetary policy/Interest rates: Revision

Thanks to tutor2u

http://www.tutor2u.net/blog/index.php/economics/comments/unit-2-macro-revision-on-interest-rates#extended

Unit 1: Rising food prices are on the way

...aacording to Sky news

http://news.sky.com/story/1074634/food-prices-set-to-soar-after-big-freeze

a) Using S&D diagrams, explain why food prices are set to rise

Unit 1: Do some pesticides have negative externalities associated with their use?

The evidence seems to show that they may be linked to the decline of bees in Britain

http://bcove.me/km5vp157 Aljazeera
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-22037200 BBC
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-22042370 BBC


a) Should the government act in the pesticide market? If so, how?

Unit 1 and Unit 2: Revision quizzes

...from tutor2u

http://www.tutor2u.net/blog/index.php/economics/comments/as-a2-ib-economics-revision-quizzes-master-listing?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+economics_news+%28tutor2u+Economics+Blog%29#When:08:57:23Z

Unit 2: Inflation data

...from tutor2u. Good chart on a link near the bottom

http://www.tutor2u.net/blog/index.php/economics/comments/unit-2-macro-inflation-april-2013-update

Unit 2: How can India reduce it's trade deficit?

This BBC clip outlines the problem

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-22000681#

Unit 2: EU unemployment data and articles

....courtesy of tutor2u

http://www.tutor2u.net/blog/index.php/economics/comments/unit-4-macro-unemployment-in-europe-march-2013-update

and economicshelp

http://www.economicshelp.org/blog/1247/economics/european-unemployment/

and the BBC

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-22000996#

Unit 2: Welfare changes April 2013

Thanks to tutor2u for this summary

https://docs.google.com/file/d/0B4SW-aHq0BqTQi1NTkFQS1pWRlE/edit?usp=sharing

and this BBC video

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-21992422#

Unit 2: Aggregate Supply: Revision

Thanks to tutor2u

http://www.tutor2u.net/blog/index.php/economics/comments/unit-2-macro-revise-and-test-aggregate-supply

Unit 2: Aggregate Demand: Revision

Thanks to tutor2u

http://www.tutor2u.net/blog/index.php/economics/comments/unit-2-macro-revise-and-test-aggregate-demand

Unit 2: Macro objectives and policies: Revision

Thanks to tutor2u

http://www.tutor2u.net/blog/index.php/economics/comments/unit-2-macro-revise-and-test-macro-objectives?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+economics_news+%28tutor2u+Economics+Blog%29#When:15:00:38Z

Unit 2: GDP and National Income: Revision

Thanks to tutor2u

http://www.tutor2u.net/blog/index.php/economics/comments/unit-2-macro-revise-and-test-national-income?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+economics_news+%28tutor2u+Economics+Blog%29#When:12:47:49Z

Unit 2: Circular flow: Revision

Thanks to tutor2u

http://www.tutor2u.net/blog/index.php/economics/comments/unit-2-macro-revise-and-test-the-circular-flow?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+economics_news+%28tutor2u+Economics+Blog%29#When:11:52:05Z

Unit 1: New actions to reduce smoking in NY

Aljazeera report Mayor Bloomberg's latest intiative

http://bcove.me/r8cbmxpm

Unit 2: What's the difference between the National debt and the budget deficit?

The BBC explains

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-21846044#

Unit 2: Solar farms: An example of sustainable economic growth?

Nice clip from the BBC

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-21830846#

Unit 2: Government budget 2013 budget

...from the Guardian

http://www.guardian.co.uk/news/datablog/2013/mar/20/budget-2013-tax-spending-visualised

Unit 2: Unemployment data

...from the Guardian, including youth unemployment data

http://www.guardian.co.uk/news/datablog/2010/nov/17/unemployment-and-employment-statistics-economics

Unit 2: Macro data charts

....from the Guardian

http://www.guardian.co.uk/news/datablog/interactive/2013/mar/20/budget-2013-charts

Unit 2: Circular flow of income diagram

Thanks to tutor2u for finding this

http://www.ons.gov.uk/ons/infographics/how-ons-statistics-explain-the-uk-economy/index.html

Unit 1: Proposed maximum sizes for fizzy drinks is ruled illegay

....in NY according to Aljazeera

http://bcove.me/kky8835j

Unit 2: Actions in the tobacco and alcohol markets in Russia

Interesting clip from Aljazeera questionning how successful regulation and higher taxes will be in altering these 2 markets in Russia

http://bcove.me/5wahyfz4

Unit 2: Filling potholes; an example of government spending

From the BBC

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-21782675

Unit 2: Exports and their role in the UK economy

Thanks to economicshelp for this post

http://www.economicshelp.org/blog/7164/trade/importance-of-exports-to-the-economy/

Unit 1: Pros and cons of minimum alcohol pricing

Thanks to economicshelp for this

http://www.economicshelp.org/blog/7130/economics/minimum-price-for-alcohol-pros-and-cons/

Unit 2: Changes to the basket of goods 2013

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-21753044# BBC
http://www.channel4.com/news/inflation-basket-cpi-rpi-champagne-rum-ons Ch4 inc weights
http://news.sky.com/story/1063525/inflation-basket-ebooks-in-champagne-out Sky

Unit 1: Changing demand for eating in France

....reports the BBC

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-21671052#

a) Using demand theory, explain the possible reasons for the changing pattern of demand for eating in France

Unit 1: Is there market failure in the processed meat market?

The evidence seems to be indicating there is......but how valid is the evidence? The BBC reports

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-21696174#

a) What type of market failure might be present in processed meat markets such as those for bacon and sausages?
b) Comment on the likely success of 2 policies the government could implement to reduce the market failure

Unit 1: Examples of elasticity in the real world

Thanks to economicshelp for this list of examples

http://www.economicshelp.org/blog/7019/economics/examples-of-elasticity/

UNit 2: Feb 2013 EU unemployment data

.....from the BBC

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-21627623#

Unit 1: Correcting market failure: The polluter pays principle

Nice post from economicshelp

http://www.economicshelp.org/blog/6955/economics/polluter-pays-principle-ppp/

Unit 1: The rising price of petrol and diesel

Nice article from the BBC

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-21547684#

a) Explain the 3 reasons given for the rise in prices
b) Draw a S&D diagram to show these effects
c) Describe the pattern of petrol and diesel price changes shown in the diagram

Unit 2: Welfare to work: A failing supply side policy?

It's early days, but the initial gigns aren't encouraging if you pick out the numbers from this interview with Margaret Hodge

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-21546206#

Unit 2: Who does India trade with?

Lots of data regarding India's imports and exports

http://www.guardian.co.uk/news/datablog/2013/feb/22/cameron-india-trade-exports-imports-partners

Unit 2: Investment: Dyson's new production line in Singapore

High tech to produce a quality product

http://news.sky.com/story/1055505/dyson-to-clean-up-with-new-singapore-factory

Unit 2: Types and examples of protectionism

Thanks to economicshelp for this post

http://www.economicshelp.org/blog/6911/alevel/examples-of-protectionism/

Unit 2: Latest unemployment data

....seems encouraging

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-21517854#

Unit 1: Falling demand for driving tests from the young

Thanks to tutor2u for this post

http://www.tutor2u.net/blog/index.php/economics/comments/unit-1-micro-falling-car-use-among-younger-drivers

Unit 1: Should we tax fizzy drinks?

A summary from tutor2u, including further links

http://www.tutor2u.net/blog/index.php/economics/comments/taxing-fizzy-drinks-the-obesity-battle

and from economicshelp

http://www.economicshelp.org/blog/6886/economics/tax-on-sugary-soft-drinks/

and a BBC video

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-21495819#

Unit 1: Falling world demand for diamonds

...reports Sky

http://news.sky.com/story/1052527/de-beers-sales-fall-as-diamond-demand-slumps

a) Using demand theory, explain the fall in demand for diamonds
b) Using demand theory, explain why De Beers believes demand will rise in the future

Unit 1: Is there market failure in the teeth whitening business?

Possibly, if this clip is correct

http://www.bbc.co.uk/newsbeat/21446559#

a) What market failure, if any, do you believe exists in the teeth whitening market?

Unit 1: What is the equilibrium price for a US College basketball ticket?

We'll soon find out at Northwestwern University, according to Planet Money

http://www.npr.org/blogs/money/2013/02/12/171800681/hey-sportsfans-get-fired-up-for-a-uniform-price-multi-unit-dutch-auction?ft=1&f=93559255

Unit 2: CPI unchanged, but RPI increases

...according to the ONS

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-21425939#

Unit 2: The potential problem of a strong Euro

....is outlined in this BBC clip

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-21408504#

A) What costs and benefits could there be for the UK from a strong Euro

Unit 1: Is the e-cigarette market suffering from market failure?

This BBC clip raises the issue

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-21408502# video
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-21406540# article

a) What sort of market failure might be present in the e-cigarrette market
b) What government action, if any, could be aken to reduce this potential market failure?
c) To what extent would such policies be successful?

Unit 2: The circular flow of income

Thanks to tutor2u for finding this from the ONS

http://www.ons.gov.uk/ons/infographics/how-ons-statistics-explain-the-uk-economy/index.html

The interactive version, with data links to each section, is at

http://www.thinglink.com/scene/357455542404251650?buttonSource=userPage

Unit 1: Public goods: Revision

Thanks to tutor2u for this updated revision slideshow

http://www.slideshare.net/tutor2u/as-economics-public-goods

Unit 1: Specialisation: The F1 pitstop

Thanks to tutor2u for finding this BBC clip

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NOaARgQT4dk&feature=player_embedded#!

Unit 1: How regulation can reduce market failure: Paracetamol

Great clip from the BBC

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-21378624# video
and
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-21370910# article

a) In what respect would the free market for paracetamol appear to fail?
b) To what extent does this legislation appear to have reduced the market failure?
c) Suggest one other action the government could take to further reduce the market failure

Unit 2: Where does UK government spending go?

Great post from economicshelp with all the data you need

http://www.economicshelp.org/blog/142/economics/what-does-the-government-spend-its-money-on/

Unit 1: Rising onion prices in India

....could be critical, report the BBC

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-21331928#

a) Using a S&D diagram, explain why onion prices have risen

Unit 2: The rising demand for meat in India

The BBC reports that the traditionally vegetarian diet is changing

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-21322499#

a) Explain the rising demand for meat usingdemand theory

Unit 2: The effect of Polish migration on the UK economy

...appears to have been significant, according to this BBC clip

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-21305026#

a) Using an AD and AS diagram, comment on the effect of Polish migration on the UK economy

Unit 2: Free trade returns to US Beef exported to Japan and Taiwan

Both countries are lfting restrictions on imprts of US produced beef

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-21288750# Japan
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-19008147 Taiwan