Brickonomics

Plunging building materials imports shows speed of downturn

The cash spent on imported building materials plunged in the final quarter of 2008 despite the huge drop in the value Sterling providing a clear indicator of the rapid decline in construction activity. In cash terms the value of imports...

Posted by Brian on March 4, 2009 10:37 AM

The beast of inflation may be in retreat, but it can still bite

As if the confusion over the credit crunch's causes and effects is not enough, we now have the related confusion over inflation. What is a good level for inflation to fall to if deflation is a fear? We have just...

Posted by Brian on December 16, 2008 12:34 PM

Import figures highlight scale of construction slowdown

Data released today showing the level of building materials imports into the UK provides a further indication of the depth of the recession facing construction. Historically the material import figures provide a good gauge for the state of the UK...

Posted by Brian on December 3, 2008 11:16 AM

Falling pound adds fuel to inflation fire in construction

The latest inflation report from the Bank of England and the comments from the Governor Mervyn King have effectively put paid to hopes that interest rates are on the way down. Consumer Price Inflation leapt back to 3% in April...

Posted by Brian on May 16, 2008 4:28 PM