Stephen Beer : Economy

My views on economic policy and the financial sector. I've campaigned with Christians on the Left on bank reform to separate risky banking from the banks which handle retail deposits.

Inflation and interest rates: can we curb the cost of living without a recession?

Not an easy task given uncertainties, especially if energy and commodity prices do fall later in the year. Ultimately, radical economic reform required.

Keeping faith with ESG principles is hard to do

My letter in the Financial Times on ESG, ethics, and activist investing.

The shock of war: inflation and central banks

Central banks are struggling to head off general inflation while dealing with price shocks that will be negative for growth. They waited too long, which has made their tasks more difficult.

Banks and fossil fuel funding

Banks continue to fund fossil fuels but have plans to reduce their exposure. My chat with TWR.

Has the Bank of England done too little too late?

The Bank of England has raised interest rates, but that does not mean it has been most effectively managing inflation risks.

The 100 trillion dollar question

My assessment of the finance pledges at COP26 and what really matters.

ESG must learn from the tech bubble - returns matter

Investors must not forget about profits, even as they focus on wider criteria.

What should the Bank of England do about inflation?

The Bank should signal it will act if higher prices look likely to translate to higher inflation rate.