Hints and tips:
...The FT's Alex Barker and George Parker explain....
...Duncan Weldon, TUC: Economists and economic historians are likely to still be debating the productivity puzzle in years to come....
...Duncan Weldon, TUC: Talking about a UK housing market does not make much sense. In reality, we have a series of regional property markets....
...Duncan Weldon, TUC: The Bank of England will certainly not want to change its forward guidance having only issued it in August, but it may have to....
...Duncan Weldon, TUC: This not the recovery the chancellor wanted. Not only is it several years late, but it remains unbalanced....
...Kate Barker, former MPC member: Expect the economy to slow a little less in 2014 than does OBR – and productivity rises/skills issues to push up on earnings....
...Duncan Weldon, TUC: The cost of housing – both home ownership and rental prices – remains too high, particularly in London and the southeast....
...Duncan Weldon, TUC: The labour market has been stronger in 2012 than almost anyone predicted. However this is no reason for complacency....
...Kate Barker, former MPC member: Economy An expected modest consumer spending recovery in 2012 failed to materialise in part due to high energy prices....
...Duncan Weldon, TUC: “Plan A has already failed on its on terms. The structural deficit will not be eliminated this parliament and debt to GDP ratio is not set to be falling by 2014/15....
...Duncan Weldon, TUC: “Tight credit is certainly one factor – along with fiscal policy, the squeeze on real incomes and the eurozone crisis holding back the economy....
...Duncan Weldon, TUC: “With a new Governor taking office, who has expressed a desire for change, it seems likely the Treasury will consider changing the Bank’s mandate....
International Edition