A strategy for hedge funds and dangerous drivers
There are business lessons to be drawn from the bad habits of French drivers. We need to beware of activities whose outcomes have a Taleb distribution - many small gains punctuated by occasional large losses.
The Gift of the Magi
Not only does O Henry’s The Gift of the Magi tell us about the spirit of Christmas - its handy for economics students as well.
Merger lectures are best ignored
The biggest universities in the world are clearly not the best. So why do some British universities think that mergers will make them world class?
Reflections on the New Economy
John recalls his thinking during the extraordinary years of the 'new economy'.
In search of self-interest
He is self interested, materialistic, and obsessed with calculating his worth. But who is the rational economic man?
Of ants and omelettes
David Beckham would find it hard to explain the physics behind his free-kicks. It can be equally difficult to analyse the reasons why some firms are more successful than others
Migration ins and outs
Our understanding of the effects of immigration is often distorted by emotive political arguments. An economic analysis uncovers some interesting questions.
Simplicity has a price
Most popular non-fiction titles are aimed at an educated audience. But a reading age level test indicates that a 10-year-old could easily understand the world's best selling business book.
An era of big names
Some CEOs command celebrity status in the business world. But their companies' performances show fame doesn't always equal fortune.
A heavyweight metal
In the world of 'DIY economics' steel is as important as ever. Unfortunately, so are the unintended consequences.