Merryn’s blog

Japan’s economy is recovering. But what about the markets? Merryn Somerset Webb looks what’s needed to make the Japanese recovery sustainable.

The once-legendary fund manager Anthony Bolton is set to retire in 2014. But once again, he could be getting his timing all wrong, says Merryn Somerset Webb.

Britain’s housing market has a built-in tendency to correct its own imbalances. Unless the government decides to get involved.

When it comes to meddling in housing markets, governments just can’t seem to be able to help themselves, says Merryn Somerset Webb. That’s a shame for first-time buyers.

Looking at house prices in and around the rest of Britain makes you realise just how expensive London really is.

The British public has been living with its head in the sand when it comes to the true state of the housing market. So, it’s a refreshing change to see the Irish are under no such illusions with theirs.

Governments around the world are pursuing extreme monetary policies. But they’re not working. Why?

Société Générale’s Albert Edwards thinks the government’s ‘Help to Buy’ scheme is one of the stupidest economic policies he’s ever seen. It’s impossible to disagree with him, says Merryn Somerset Webb.

Demand for student accommodation is high. And there are certainly plenty of ways to invest in it. But do any of them make sense? Merryn Somerset Webb investigates.

Japan’s bout of money-printing could have knock-on effects for Germany – and that could hasten the arrival of easy money Europe.

The number of companies buying back shares is rocketing, enriching executives and squeezing out legitimate investors. And it’s being paid for with quantitative easing.

It used to be true that public sector employees were paid less than their equivalents in the private sector. But it’s not any more. And when you take pensions into account, public sector pay is much higher.

Buying global ‘mega-cap’ stocks gives you diversification and exposes you to international currencies. But you’d be better off buying the equivalent British stocks.

Hyperinflation rarely happens in ‘coherent and cohesive’ societies says GMO’s James Montier. Unfortunately, Europe is neither of those things.

The absurdity of the student loans system means that even relatively well-paid graduates won’t be able to pay off the full amount over their working lives – leaving the taxpayer to pick up the tab.