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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 · 13h
Should the Bank of England stop paying interest on commercial bank reserves? It sounds like a quick fix for the public purse, but in our latest #Budget2026 explainer, just published, @econstevem.bsky.social explains why changing course could do more harm than good👇 niesr.ac.uk/blog/bank-en...
niesr.ac.uk
The Bank of England Should Not Stop Paying Interest On Banks’ Reserves: Here Is Why - NIESR
As the Chancellor looks to find additional sources of revenue in his upcoming Budget, some commentators (e.g., Gerald Holtham) and politicians (e.g., Robert Jenrick and Richard Tice, both of Reform UK...
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National Institute of Economic and Social Research @niesrorg.bsky.social · 05/10/2026
The pledge to end the triple lock in 2030 goes against the Govt's aim of rebuilding credibility, also adding significantly to the state pension bill In the 2nd of our #Budget2026 explainers Ben Caswell outlines what's wrong with the PM proposal around the triple lock ⤵️ niesr.ac.uk/blog/ending-...
niesr.ac.uk
Ending the Triple Lock: A Welcome Step, But It Must Happen Sooner Rather Than Later - NIESR
Ending the triple lock 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 i...
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National Institute of Economic and Social Research @niesrorg.bsky.social · 07/10/2026
Beyond the Bubble: The #Budget Balancing Act Join NIESR & @ipsosintheuk.bsky.social for an exclusive webinar exploring the difficult choices at the heart of this year's Budget, with a great panel: Gideon Skinner, David Aikman, Andy Haldane. Sign up here⤵️ events.teams.microsoft.com/event/56b099...
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Irish Fiscal Advisory Council @fiscalcouncil.bsky.social · 06/10/2026
The Government should be saving more of these risky receipts. This would make its tax base more secure. It would ensure it covers future ageing pressures and weathers the next recession without the need for painful cutbacks or sharp tax increases.
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Irish Fiscal Advisory Council @fiscalcouncil.bsky.social · 06/10/2026
Stripping out the excess corporation tax, the parts that look riskiest, the Government plans to run larger deficits, rising from €12 billion in 2026 to €20 billion in 2030.
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Irish Fiscal Advisory Council @fiscalcouncil.bsky.social · 06/10/2026
The Government continues to use high-risk receipts to fund permanent tax and spending measures. It plans to spend about six-in-seven euros of all corporation tax revenues it takes in. Most of it is for current spending.
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Irish Fiscal Advisory Council @fiscalcouncil.bsky.social · 06/10/2026
Spending increases net of tax measures have been running at a blistering pace. A sustainable speed limit of 5% was set in 2021. But governments have since budgeted for 6%, before actually delivering about 10%, double the speed limit. Today’s figures suggest almost 9% in 2026.
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Irish Fiscal Advisory Council @fiscalcouncil.bsky.social · 06/10/2026
The Fiscal Council has just published its Flash Release on Budget 2027. Here are the key takeaways: Budget 2027 puts the public finances on a worse trajectory by repeatedly breaking established spending limits and increasingly relying on high-risk corporation tax.
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Irish Fiscal Advisory Council @fiscalcouncil.bsky.social · 02/10/2026
4/4 The key takeaway is that overspends continue and strong revenues are offsetting them for now. But the Government is relying heavily on risky corporation tax. The White Paper 2026 surplus is €2.3 billion smaller than forecast in March, and the Budget will reduce it further.
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Irish Fiscal Advisory Council @fiscalcouncil.bsky.social · 02/10/2026
3/4 The Department of Health is heading for its second-largest overspend outside of the pandemic. Overruns have risen from €390 million in July to €650 million in August, and €730 million in September.
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Irish Fiscal Advisory Council @fiscalcouncil.bsky.social · 02/10/2026
2/4 Taxes continue to grow strongly. Corporation tax is €4.4 billion ahead of last year’s end-September outturn. The Department of Finance sees this as a timing effect that may unwind, so it has barely revised its 2026 tax forecasts since April. Spending is rising quickly too.
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Irish Fiscal Advisory Council @fiscalcouncil.bsky.social · 02/10/2026
1/4 Two releases came out today. The “White Paper” gives an updated glimpse of the fiscal situation before next Tuesday’s Budget package, but is thin on spending detail. We also have updated tax and spending numbers to September.
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National Institute of Economic and Social Research @niesrorg.bsky.social · 02/10/2026
Our latest #TermPremia Tracker has just been published⚡️ UK gilts hit their highest level in 19 years, with the 10-year yield rising 56 basis points to 5.43%. Around two-thirds of this increase came from higher interest rate expectations Read the analysis in full here⤵️ niesr.ac.uk/reports/term...
niesr.ac.uk
Term Premium Tracker: Bond Yield Surge to Multi-Decade Highs - NIESR
UK 10-year gilt yields rose 59 basis points over the quarter to 5.43, their highest level since 2007. Around two-thirds of this increase came from higher interest rate expectations.
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National Institute of Economic and Social Research @niesrorg.bsky.social · 02/10/2026
We just published the first of our #Budget2026 explainers 💼💬 Senior Economist Peter Dixon examines the growing tension between fiscal policy and monetary policy. Read the full blog for a deep dive into the macroeconomic balancing act facing policymakers⤵️ niesr.ac.uk/blog/budget-...
niesr.ac.uk
Budget 2026: When Fiscal and Monetary Policy Collide - NIESR
This year’s Budget, scheduled for 28 October, takes place against a challenging economic and fiscal backdrop. Inflation looks set to go higher, as global energy prices remain elevated while there are ...
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National Institute of Economic and Social Research @niesrorg.bsky.social · 03/10/2026
#WeekendWatching 📺 Did you miss earlier in the week the 2026 Dow Lecture with MPC member Alan Taylor? No worries, you can watch it back here ⤵️ #inflation #MonetaryPolicy #InterestRates niesr.ac.uk/event/dow-le...
niesr.ac.uk
Dow Lecture with Alan Taylor: Expectations and the Risk of Inflation Persistence: what we know, what we don't know, and the Implications for Policy - NIESR
The 2026 Dow Lecture on Monetary Policy examines one of the key sources of uncertainty facing the Bank of England today: the extent to which any further shocks to energy prices could give rise to…
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National Institute of Economic and Social Research @niesrorg.bsky.social · 04/10/2026
#WeekendReading 🔖 The first of our #Budget2026 explainers 💼 Senior Economist Peter Dixon sheds light on the growing tension between fiscal policy and monetary policy. Here in full⤵️ niesr.ac.uk/blog/budget-...
niesr.ac.uk
Budget 2026: When Fiscal and Monetary Policy Collide - NIESR
This year’s Budget, scheduled for 28 October, takes place against a challenging economic and fiscal backdrop. Inflation looks set to go higher, as global energy prices remain elevated while there are…
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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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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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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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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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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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