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econstevem.bsky.social

@econstevem.bsky.social
81 followers 59 following 100 posts

Deputy Director for Macroeconomic Modelling and Forecasting at NIESR. Enjoy watching cricket and playing the piano. Using Bluesky in a personal capacity.

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National Institute of Economic and Social Research @niesrorg.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
Can economic policy be effective if the underlying data is flawed?📊 The latest CfM-NIESR survey has just been published, gathering expert views from leading economists on the usefulness and reliability of ONS statistics. Read here what the panel had to say ⤵️ niesr.ac.uk/news/septemb...
niesr.ac.uk
September 2026 CfM-NIESR Survey: The Usefulness of ONS Statistics - NIESR
Experts responding to the CfM-NIESR survey viewed ONS improvements to labour market data as the most important for strengthening economic policy.
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National Institute of Economic and Social Research @niesrorg.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
With the pensions' #triplelock back in the news headlines, it is well worth reading what our Senior Economist Ben Caswell has been proposing to 'solve the issue' - A 'Living Standard' Lock 🔒 Read more here ⤵️ niesr.ac.uk/news/state-p...
niesr.ac.uk
State Pension Triple Lock is Unsustainable and Must Go - NIESR
The coalition government introduced the triple lock in 2011. It ensures the state pension rises each year by CPI inflation, average earnings growth, or 2.5 per cent, whichever is the highest. On paper...
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National Institute of Economic and Social Research @niesrorg.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
Absolutely packed for this year Dow Lecture with MPC member Alan Taylor talking about #inflation, expectations, the risk of persistence and the implications for policy #MonetaryPolicy #InterestRates
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econstevem.bsky.social @econstevem.bsky.social · 27/09/2026
At the Oval for the final match of the season. After today, summer will really be over 😢
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National Institute of Economic and Social Research @niesrorg.bsky.social · 24/09/2026
Full house and great first session at the inaugural #LondonMacroPolicyForum A fireside chat between Sir Charlie Bean and New York Fed's President John Williams #MonetaryPolicy #LMPF2026
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National Institute of Economic and Social Research @niesrorg.bsky.social · 24/09/2026
A very lively discussion during the second session of the #LMPF2026 on #MonetaryPolicy with the inevitable focus on the current energy price shock and inflation trajectory - what can the Bank actually do about it? #LondonMacroPolicyForum
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National Institute of Economic and Social Research @niesrorg.bsky.social · 24/09/2026
The 'doom-and-gloom' session landing after lunch at #LMPF2026... Very insightful but not very optimistic views from the panellists talking about fiscal sustainability and the path of UK public debt... #FiscalPolicy #LondonMacroPolicyForum
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National Institute of Economic and Social Research @niesrorg.bsky.social · 24/09/2026
It's wrap-up time at the #LMPF2026 A very timely panel to conclude the day on the Macroeconomics of #AI, including Kanishka Narayan MP, @dianecoyle1859.bsky.social , chaired by Jonathan Haskel. Thanks to all the speakers and delegates that have engaged with this year's #LondonMacroPolicyForum!
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National Institute of Economic and Social Research @niesrorg.bsky.social · 22/09/2026
5️⃣Lessons for the #Chancellor ahead of the forthcoming #Budget The latest #blog by @fergusjimeneze.bsky.social sets out areas of broad agreement among the experts surveyed by CfM-NIESR over the last 12 months. The findings point towards a clear policy agenda Read here⤵️ niesr.ac.uk/blog/five-po...
niesr.ac.uk
Five Policy Lessons from the CFM-NIESR Survey - NIESR
Introduction The new Chancellor's first Budget falls against a challenging inheritance: the highest borrowing costs in the G7, a fiscal consolidation backloaded towards an election year, cash spending...
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Irish Fiscal Advisory Council @fiscalcouncil.bsky.social · 24/09/2026
The Council is delighted to host the annual Irish Society for Women in Economics (@isweconomics.bsky.social) Post-Budget Analysis Event. Join us on Wednesday, 7 October, at 5:30 p.m. at the @esri.ie. Attendance is free, but registration is required, and places are limited: ti.to/irish-fiscal...
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National Institute of Economic and Social Research @niesrorg.bsky.social · 21/09/2026
Britain’s #productivity problem might not be quite as bad as we’ve long assumed. In this week's #MondayInterview Peter Dixon and Liam McLaughlin discuss the new ONS approach to measuring labour productivity, what does it tell us and what it means for economic policy 👇 niesr.ac.uk/blog/what-do...
niesr.ac.uk
What Does the Latest ONS Release Tell Us About the UK’s Productivity Puzzle? - NIESR
What has the ONS's new approach changed about our understanding of the UK productivity problem?  Since the 2008 financial crisis, the UK has been stuck in a productivity rut. Output per hour worked, w...
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National Institute of Economic and Social Research @niesrorg.bsky.social · 18/09/2026
Yesterday's Bank of England decision on Quantitative Tightening (QT) started generating a big debate, but looking at the economics of it, what has actually changed? Director David Aikman gives his verdict unpacking the decision in his latest #blog ⬇️ niesr.ac.uk/blog/unpicki...
niesr.ac.uk
Unpicking The Economics Of The Bank’s QT Decision - NIESR
The Monetary Policy Committee voted 6–3 to hold Bank Rate at 3.75 per cent on Thursday. Alongside this, it announced that the Bank will reduce its stock of gilts held for monetary policy purposes to z...
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National Institute of Economic and Social Research @niesrorg.bsky.social · 19/09/2026
#WeekendWatching 📺 Did you miss our webinar on measuring #productivity yesterday? Watch it back here: A stellar panel with with a stellar chair: James Benford, @teraallas.bsky.social, Richard Hughes, and @chrisgiles.ft.com ⬇️ niesr.ac.uk/event/uks-pr...
niesr.ac.uk
Is the UK's Productivity Revival Real, or a Measurement Illusion? - NIESR
On 17 September, the ONS will publish its new component-based approach to measuring hours worked. This webinar discusses the implications of the new methodology and what it means for policymakers.
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National Institute of Economic and Social Research @niesrorg.bsky.social · 17/09/2026
CPI #inflation is up to 3.1%, but #GDP growth remains resilient. What does this mean for the Bank of England's imminent rate decision? The NIESR Monetary Policy Dashboard breaks down the latest data which are providing a mixed signal to the MPC ⬇️ #InterestRates niesr.ac.uk/monetary-pol...
niesr.ac.uk
Monetary Policy Dashboard - NIESR
What factors affect the MPC members when they are assessing Bank Rate? Our dashboard contains analysis of the main determinants and likely policy responses.
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Chris Giles @chrisgiles.ft.com · 17/09/2026
Join me, James Benford (ONS), Richard Hughes (formerly OBR) and Terra Allas (Alliance Manchester Business School) for a webinar tomorrow on this niesr.ac.uk/event/uks-pr... As the title suggests, it will be forward looking
niesr.ac.uk
Is the UK's Productivity Revival Real, or a Measurement Illusion? - NIESR
On 17 September, the ONS will publish its new component-based approach to measuring hours worked. This webinar discusses the implications of the new methodology and what it means for policymakers.
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National Institute of Economic and Social Research @niesrorg.bsky.social · 17/09/2026
We are hiring for a Director of Communications and External Affairs. The successful candidate will be key to ensuring our research has impact. They will work closely with the Director and others to extend our reach with policymakers and the media. Apply by 27/09/26 niesr.ac.uk/vacancy/dire...
niesr.ac.uk
Director of Communications and External Affairs - NIESR
NIESR is one of the UK's most respected independent economic research institutes — trusted by policymakers, journalists and business leaders for rigorous, evidence-led analysis. We're looking for a Di...
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National Institute of Economic and Social Research @niesrorg.bsky.social · 16/09/2026
Today we published our analysis on #inflation: the estimate of seasonally adjusted inflation showed a marked increase (from 3.3% in July to 4.2% in August), indicating that underlying inflationary pressure are stronger than the headline rate suggests. Read here in full⬇️ niesr.ac.uk/publications...
niesr.ac.uk
Inflation Momentum Strengthens - NIESR
For a breakdown of what inflation is and how it is calculated, read our blog post here.   “As inflation rises above 3 per cent, the Bank’s Governor will be forced… To access the content, membership ac...
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National Institute of Economic and Social Research @niesrorg.bsky.social · 16/09/2026
⚡Bank Edging Closer to Rate Hike Due to Energy Price Roller-coaster⚡ Our reaction to the latest #inflation figures is out now
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National Institute of Economic and Social Research @niesrorg.bsky.social · 15/09/2026
⚡Wage Growth Will Determine the Triple Lock and Add Fiscal Pressure on the Government⚡ Our reaction to the latest #LabourMarket figures is out now #Wages #TripleLock #UKeconomy
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National Institute of Economic and Social Research @niesrorg.bsky.social · 13/09/2026
Can private donations fix Britain's struggling public services? Could Japan’s “hometown tax” offering a blueprint? NIESR Senior Fellow Misa Tanaka sheds some light on the topic in this #blog ⬇️ niesr.ac.uk/blog/can-don...
niesr.ac.uk
Can Donations Fix Britain’s Public Services? - NIESR
Can people be incentivised to donate to local governments and specific public sector projects? Japan's “hometown tax” (furusato nozei) offers a blueprint.
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National Institute of Economic and Social Research @niesrorg.bsky.social · 12/09/2026
What to do over the weekend? Apply to become the new Director of Communications and External Affairs Full details here ⬇️ niesr.ac.uk/vacancy/dire...
niesr.ac.uk
Director of Communications and External Affairs - NIESR
NIESR is one of the UK's most respected independent economic research institutes — trusted by policymakers, journalists and business leaders for rigorous, evidence-led analysis. We're looking for a…
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Reposted by @econstevem.bsky.social
National Institute of Economic and Social Research @niesrorg.bsky.social · 12/09/2026
#WeekendReading🔖 Is the rise in gilt yields a global phenomenon or more of a British 'headache'? In the last #MondayInterview @econstevem.bsky.social spoke to Senior Economist Peter Dixon to unpack some of the issues surrounding the latest movements in the bond market ⬇️ niesr.ac.uk/blog/rising-...
niesr.ac.uk
Rising Gilt Yields: A Global Problem with UK Fiscal Consequences - NIESR
Is this purely a problem for the United Kingdom? We might be forgiven for thinking so, given some of the reporting but in fact the rise in bond yields is a global phenomenon. Although 10-year gilt…
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National Institute of Economic and Social Research @niesrorg.bsky.social · 11/09/2026
⚡️Our latest #GDP Tracker suggests GDP will grow by 0.7 per cent in the third quarter of the year. This upgrade reflects the positive surprise in the July data, although more subdued growth is expected in the August and September data ⬇️ niesr.ac.uk/publications...
niesr.ac.uk
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National Institute of Economic and Social Research @niesrorg.bsky.social · 11/09/2026
⚡️UK Economy Beats Expectations, But Borrowing Costs Limit Budget Options⚡️ Our reaction to the latest #GDP numbers is out now
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National Institute of Economic and Social Research @niesrorg.bsky.social · 09/09/2026
Can private donations fix Britain's struggling public services? Could Japan’s “hometown tax” offering a blueprint? NIESR Senior Fellow Misa Tanaka sheds some light on the topic in this #blog ⬇️ niesr.ac.uk/blog/can-don...
niesr.ac.uk
Can Donations Fix Britain’s Public Services? - NIESR
Can people be incentivised to donate to local governments and specific public sector projects? Japan's “hometown tax” (furusato nozei) offers a blueprint.
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Reposted by @econstevem.bsky.social
National Institute of Economic and Social Research @niesrorg.bsky.social · 07/09/2026
⚡️Chancellor Needs to Act Before Markets Force Him To Do It⚡️ Associate Economist @fergusjimeneze.bsky.social reacting to this morning Chancellor's speech ⬇️ #Chancellor #UKeconomy #BondMarkets
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Reposted by @econstevem.bsky.social
National Institute of Economic and Social Research @niesrorg.bsky.social · 07/09/2026
Is the rise in gilt yields a global phenomenon or more of a British 'headache'? In our latest #MondayInterview, out today, @econstevem.bsky.social spoke to Senior Economist Peter Dixon to unpack some of the issues surrounding the latest movements in the bond market ⬇️ niesr.ac.uk/blog/rising-...
niesr.ac.uk
Rising Gilt Yields: A Global Problem with UK Fiscal Consequences - NIESR
Is this purely a problem for the United Kingdom? We might be forgiven for thinking so, given some of the reporting but in fact the rise in bond yields is a global phenomenon. Although 10-year gilt yie...
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Reposted by @econstevem.bsky.social
National Institute of Economic and Social Research @niesrorg.bsky.social · 05/09/2026
#WeekendReading 📑 The latest policy brief spotlights the main issues with the current UK public debt position: A plan to hold debt steady at current levels it is simply not good enough. It is a tacit agreement to allow a ratchet. And here is why⬇️ Read in full 👉 niesr.ac.uk/publications...
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Irish Fiscal Advisory Council @fiscalcouncil.bsky.social · 25/08/2026
The Fiscal Council’s latest Pre-Budget Statement warns that Budget 2027 is likely to be larger than is appropriate for an economy already performing strongly. Niall Conroy, our Acting Chief Economist, explains the key findings from the report.
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Irish Fiscal Advisory Council @fiscalcouncil.bsky.social · 25/08/2026
11/11 The Government should continue planned contributions to its savings funds. The Future Ireland Fund can help offset the predictable costs associated with an ageing population. By running larger surpluses, the Government would not need to borrow for these contributions.
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Irish Fiscal Advisory Council @fiscalcouncil.bsky.social · 25/08/2026
10/11 Ireland needs its own domestic budgetary rule. This should be carefully designed and set out in legislation. Such a rule could help protect public investment, which was cut sharply after the financial crisis.
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Irish Fiscal Advisory Council @fiscalcouncil.bsky.social · 25/08/2026
9/11 The Government’s medium-term plan is inappropriate because it allows net spending to grow faster than the economy's sustainable growth rate. Sticking to the plan would further increase Ireland’s reliance on risky corporation tax receipts.
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Irish Fiscal Advisory Council @fiscalcouncil.bsky.social · 25/08/2026
8/11 The Government is facing substantial spending pressures next year (€8.1 billion). A growing and ageing population will increase demand for public services. Inflation and other cost pressures will also mean additional spending, limiting the funds available for new measures.
Chart showing spending pressures that the Government is facing next year.
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Irish Fiscal Advisory Council @fiscalcouncil.bsky.social · 25/08/2026
7/11 Newly available public information shows how much Ireland's public finances rely on three very large companies. Together, Eli Lilly, Microsoft, and Apple likely paid almost half of Ireland’s corporation tax in 2025.
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Irish Fiscal Advisory Council @fiscalcouncil.bsky.social · 25/08/2026
6/11 The public finances are highly dependent on corporation tax receipts. Under the Government’s plans, for every €8 the it collects in corporation tax, it plans on spending €7 and saving €1.
Chart showing that thew vast majority of corporation tax planned to be spent rather than saved. Only €1 out of every €8 in corporation tax is planned to be saved.
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Irish Fiscal Advisory Council @fiscalcouncil.bsky.social · 25/08/2026
5/11 Spending overruns have been routine over the last decade, averaging more than €2 billion a year in today's terms. The last time spending was at, or below, budgeted levels was in 2013.
Chart showing how spending overruns have been commonplace over tha last decade.
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Irish Fiscal Advisory Council @fiscalcouncil.bsky.social · 25/08/2026
4/11 The actual budget package is likely to be much larger than what is announced on budget day. As a result of spending overruns, net spending has grown much faster than planned in recent years.
Chart showing that net spending has increased at a much faster pace than planned.
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Irish Fiscal Advisory Council @fiscalcouncil.bsky.social · 25/08/2026
3/11 The Government’s planned budget package for 2027 is larger than appropriate. Spending (net of tax changes) is set to grow faster than the sustainable growth rate of the economy. This comes after fast net spending growth in recent years.
Chart showing growth rates of spending net of tax policy changes in Ireland.
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Irish Fiscal Advisory Council @fiscalcouncil.bsky.social · 25/08/2026
2/11 The Irish economy is performing strongly and does not need support from budgetary policy. Employment has reached a record high and is still growing. Since 2019, economic growth has been much faster in Ireland than in other high-income European countries.
Chart showing economic growth in high-income European countries.
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Irish Fiscal Advisory Council @fiscalcouncil.bsky.social · 25/08/2026
1/11 The Fiscal Council’s latest report warns that Budget 2027 is set to be larger than appropriate for a strong economy. Spending overruns could make the package even bigger than announced on budget day, increasing Ireland’s reliance on risky corporation tax receipts.
Report cover page
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Irish Fiscal Advisory Council @fiscalcouncil.bsky.social · 03/09/2026
4/4 Overall, the pattern of overspends continues. And while stronger than expected revenues are offsetting these for now, the Government continues to rely heavily on risky corporation taxes.
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Irish Fiscal Advisory Council @fiscalcouncil.bsky.social · 03/09/2026
3/4 Corporation tax receipts rose further in August — a key month for multinational payments. Revenues look set to exceed forecasts for 2026.
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Irish Fiscal Advisory Council @fiscalcouncil.bsky.social · 03/09/2026
2/4 The Health overspend rose from €0.4 to €0.7 billion in August. This puts it on track to be the second largest Health overspend in over a decade.
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Irish Fiscal Advisory Council @fiscalcouncil.bsky.social · 03/09/2026
1/4 August’s update shows taxes growing strongly. But spending is also rising faster than planned, and Department of Health overruns are mounting.
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National Institute of Economic and Social Research @niesrorg.bsky.social · 02/09/2026
Borrowing cost is at its highest in decades -Despite being a global issue, in the UK costs have risen at one of the fastest paces in the world📈 So what are the factors driving up UK borrowing cost? Director David Aikman analysed these issues...and here are the answers⬇️ niesr.ac.uk/blog/politic...
niesr.ac.uk
Is Political Risk Driving UK Bond Yields? - NIESR
Disastrous local election results have triggered open talk of a Labour leadership contest. How much of the UK's excess yield relates to the political risk?
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National Institute of Economic and Social Research @niesrorg.bsky.social · 04/09/2026
*NEW PUBLICATION* The latest policy brief by Director David Aikman argues that the new UK Govt needs to do what no UK Govt has done in 25 years: run a primary surplus to bring #debt down and put the #publicfinances on a sustainable path📉 Read the full analysis here ⬇️ niesr.ac.uk/publications...
niesr.ac.uk
(Why) Can’t We Just Borrow A Bit More? - NIESR
The United Kingdom’s public debt stands at 94% of our national income. This policy brief outlines why we need to start to bring the debt ratio down.
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National Institute of Economic and Social Research @niesrorg.bsky.social · 05/09/2026
#WeekendReading 📑 Building on the findings from the #Bernanke Review, this blog from @econstevem.bsky.social explores some of the insights gained through a research project that sought to examine how we communicate uncertainty, and how we use scenario analysis ⬇️ niesr.ac.uk/blog/improvi...
niesr.ac.uk
Improving the Communication and Understanding of Risks in NIESR’s UK Macroeconomic Forecasts - NIESR
In the context of an increasingly uncertain world, the Bank of England commissioned former US Federal Reserve Chairman Dr Ben Bernanke to review their forecasting and related processes. This increase…
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National Institute of Economic and Social Research @niesrorg.bsky.social · 28/08/2026
How much is global energy market disruption costing the UK? The energy shock is taking 0.3% off GDP growth this year and 0.2% next year, before a return to the trend rate of approx. 1.3 per cent. Cumulatively, over the first two years, it is costing about £28.5 billion⬇️ niesr.ac.uk/blog/how-muc...
niesr.ac.uk
How Much is the Iran War Costing the UK Economy? - NIESR
How much will the Iran war cost the UK economy? Analysis shows that over the first two years, the shock reduces cumulative real GDP by about £28.5 billion.
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National Institute of Economic and Social Research @niesrorg.bsky.social · 29/08/2026
#WeekendReading🔖 Public finances and fiscal policy have been largely dominating the economic public debate in recent times Last month Director David Aikman outlined the options facing the newly appointed Prime Minister Andy Burnham⬇️ niesr.ac.uk/blog/should-...
niesr.ac.uk
Should Burnham Front-Load The Fiscal Squeeze? - NIESR
How should Andy Burnham approach his economic policy? This blog examines whether fiscal tightening should be front-loaded and what fiscal-monetary policy mix is needed.
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National Institute of Economic and Social Research @niesrorg.bsky.social · 30/08/2026
#WeekendReading🔖 The latest research on digital #skills Our analysis finds that the highest-level skills associated with innovation are concentrated around London’s Golden Triangle, with demand for AI-related skills even more geographically concentrated ⬇️ niesr.ac.uk/publications...
niesr.ac.uk
Digital Skill Demand by Region and Industry in the UK - NIESR
This paper proposes a new approach to quantifying digital skill demands using job platform data, focusing on regions of the UK, and on industries identified by the UK government as of strategic…
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