faqs.org » Abstracts Index » Abstracts » Retail industry

Soul-searching over an earlier monetary union

Article Abstract:

The experiences of Germany with introducing economic and monetary union over the last five years could serve as a valuable lesson to those preparing for European economic and monetary union. Western Germany was faced with dealing with an eastern German economy which was in a very poor state, and a large shake-out resulted. Extensive restructuring allowed integration to take place quite quickly, and Germany has benefited from its traditional strength of investment goods purchased on quality rather than price.

Germany, Economic development

---

A bloated industry bleats for relief

Article Abstract:

The UK housing market continues to experience many difficulties, especially as unemployment rises once more and people become unwilling to make large financial commitments. The ongoing battle between chancellor Kenneth Clarke and the Bank of England over interest rates has served to undermine confidence, with people fearing that interest rates will soon rise again. However, some observers believe that it is now only a matter of time before house prices rise again, prompting people to consider moving.

House buying, Home buying

---

Central bank battle lines are drawn

Article Abstract:

Europe's central banks are already starting to show different views on how European monetary union (EMU) should be established. Germany's Bundesbank believes that the German strategy of targeting money is successful, and that it should be adopted by the planned European Central Bank (ECB). In contrast, the UK favours a system of inflation targeting.

Monetary unions

Some parts © 2012 Advameg, Inc.