Knowledge and Insight

Classic sitcoms Yes, Minister and Yes, Prime Minister popularised the notion that true political power is held not by elected officials but by éminences grises who operate behind the scenes. 

Since the turn of the millennium there has been a sharp decline in visits to public libraries. The internet, the proliferation of charity shops selling cheap second-hand books and the ubiquitous Kindle seem to have taken their toll. Yet independent subscription libraries are enjoying a remarkable renaissance. Why?

For the second time in its short but eventful history, the US technology sector has been booming. Will there be another bust? We think growth in the sector is here to stay, but vigilance is required as some valuations start to defy gravity.

Quantitative easing and low interest rates may have helped restore economic stability, but they have failed to deliver meaningful growth. A growing number of economists and policymakers are blaming demographics — we are having too few babies and living too long.

Paying for care in later life is high on the list of many people’s financial worries, and the shifting sands of government policy have only added to the uncertainty.

We are hearing increasing calls that ‘Abenomics’ — Japan’s Prime Minister Shinzo Abe’s strategy for economic revival — has failed. We wish to challenge those voices.

EU countries waste an estimated 88 million tonnes of food every year, with UK households accounting for a sizeable proportion of that figure. MEPs recently voted in favour of new regulations to tackle the problem but declined to set binding targets. Is the issue getting the serious attention it deserves, or are policymakers, industries and households alike still merely nibbling around the edges?

The Rathbones Lacrosse World Cup is not just about 12 days of world-class sport. It is also about making a meaningful, lasting difference to the local area and to the young people inspired by the tournament. Rathbones CEO Philip Howell talks about the legacy of the FIL Rathbones Women’s Lacrosse World Cup and how it will encourage continued participation in the sport.

Europe has long been seen as the unloved problem child of the developed markets, beset with fiscal problems, threatened with disintegration and unable to escape from chronic underperformance. Now it is the new favourite. But can Europe justify its new-found popularity and higher valuations?