The magnitude of the financial crisis and its impact on the real economy has probably surprised all observers. Although crises can not be predicted, at least we know since Kindleberger's book, “Manias, Panics and Crises,” that there have been 1720 to 1975 29 financial crises. It must therefore be counted every ten years or so. Readmore…
Archive for January, 2011
Hartz sells
The Economics of early fortune
January 14th, 2011
What Sex and Hartz have in common? Correct: Sex sells and Hartz too! Hartz is the Populists a constant source of media attention, and if such a thing for the expansion of power, positions and income contribution, economists call it fortune – which brings us to the point. The fact that an existing asset is considered one of Hartz IV recipient when determining his need, is a part of the current wave of Hartz media. Readmore…
book market
follow the formula of a football?
January 13th, 2011
A football book titled “Why Germany lost?” this country would become a bestseller. Firstly, this question of our national past. She has reached the top ten world championships since 1970 at least seven times in the semifinals, which itself is not the record title holder Brazil succeeded. On the other hand we do not adopt the necessary self-irony, which is typical for an Englishman. Readmore…
Mirror, mirror on the wall …
The states in regional competition
January 12th, 2011
“The purpose of federalism is precisely to make possible different solutions.”The 20th Anniversary of German reunification is history. However, the question whether the East and West converge, continues on the political agenda. Measured by GDP per capita remains the East for over 10 years to 70% of the West German level. Readmore…
Stability safety zone country €
January 11th, 2011
The casino is open again! Driven by historically low interest rates in major capital markets roll the carry trade to every corner of the world. The property prices in East Asia, Arab oil, the currencies of emerging economies and the prices of multinational companies shoot to the top. The expectations are self-fulfilling: If a sufficient number of investors believe in the speculative gains, enough already with flexible exchange rates from the revaluation of the target country currency in order to make sure princely returns. Readmore…
More democracy, less minarets?
January 9th, 2011
Bruno Frey and Willy Brandt has not convinced me that it was good to dare more democracy. Frey's arguments pull in a stylized form of the particular consequences of the Swiss democratic experience. They show generally positive effects which emanate from certain forms of democratic organization on political life. Readmore…
Only relatively better
January 8th, 2011
The economic situation has improved in Germany in recent months. Nevertheless, we are in the worst economic crisis of the postwar period. The overall economic performance was in real terms over the year by 5 percent below the previous year. Taking the industry as a production scale, then gapes in comparison with 2008, even a hole of about 20 percent. Readmore…
A never-ending story
minimum wages, unemployment and structural change
January 6th, 2011
“We hold statutory minimum wages still be problematic because they pose a threat to collective bargaining.”The controversial debate over minimum wage seems to be no end. In the U.S., both supporters and opponents come once again into the hair. Located in the verbal fray, as always, Paul Krugman. Readmore…
Sloterdijk, churchyard
January 3rd, 2011
Philosopher philosophizes about capitalism and the modern income tax: Paul Kirchhof – in the friendly “benign neglect” of provocation Sloterdijkschen – defended the compulsory taxes as the price of individual civil liberty, the guarantees of the State.The state must protect the freedom of citizens, but also the freedom of the citizens are protected against the state. Readmore…
book market:
economic theory as a political ideology?
January 2nd, 2011
The title of this paper is, however, without the question mark, also the title of a book by Hans Albert. The first edition, based on Hans Albert's dissertation was published in 1954, then still a political ideology and economic theory. Now, 55 years later, when Mohr released the third edition. Readmore…