Republic of Ireland falls back into recession

The Republic of Ireland fell back into recession in the last three months of 2011, official figures have shown. Its economy shrank by 0.2% from October to December, following a contraction of 1.1% in the third quarter.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-17474799

What is a recession?

Useful article by tutor2u - http://www.tutor2u.net/blog/index.php/economics/comments/as-macro-key-term-recession

UK economy's shock GDP fall reignites fears of double-dip

"Double-dip!" was the cry from some observers, "Don't panic!" the call from other quarters, including, to no one's surprise, the Government.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/economics/8281864/UK-economys-shock-GDP-fall-reignites-fears-of-double-dip.html

Rushed remedies could put the UK back into recession

If the Government, keen to take advantage of the consensus over the need to repair the country’s finances — the national debt reached a record £890 billion last year — rushes plans to cut spending, it could place economic growth in jeopardy.

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/uk/article7127138.ece

Dissecting the recession presentation

Tutor2u presentation:
http://www.tutor2u.net/economics/presentations/workshops2010/AS1/player.html

China spending way out of recession

Beijing is behind the world's largest stimulus programme - investing around $566bn - and the government has pledged to go ahead with large-scale projects.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/asia-pacific/8256073.stm

Youtube video on the good, bad and ugly scenarios for the global economy

Phil Holden's take on the future of the global economy

Part 1 - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RnHTveIxiUU&feature=channel_page

Part 2 - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kN7jcSk4Up0&feature=channel_page

How the recession is progressing in the UK

Channel 4 video clip on how the UK is coping with the recession.

http://link.brightcove.com/services/player/bcpid1184614595?bctid=20970547001

Is the port of Felixstowe a good guide for the rest of the country?

The port of Felixstowe has seen a 20% decrease in the amount of traffic passing through over the past six months. During previous downturns the port continued to grow, albeit slowly, as Richard Bond explains.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/8016941.stm

Recession hitting Spain particularly badly

Spanish unemployment has more than doubled in the last year and is now surging above the 4 million mark and heading for 5 million and an average of more than 20% of the labour force. Over 700,000 jobs have been lost in construction alone as the fall out continues from the collapse in the once-booming residential property market.

http://www.tutor2u.net/blog/index.php/economics/comments/pain-in-spain/

BBC video link - http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/europe/8017840.stm

Recession cartoon

China's exports in sharp decline

Chinese exports plunged by more than a quarter in February from a year ago as the world's third-largest economy was hit by a drop in demand for its goods
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/7936528.stm

Video clip - Ghost factory sign of China's slump in exports
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/7921786.stm

The super rich hit by the economic crisis

The financial crisis is taking its toll on the world's richest people, wiping 332 names off Forbes magazine's "rich list" of world billionaires.
Just 793 people can now lay claim to a place on the list, but on average they have lost 23% of their wealth.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/7938227.stm

Video clip - http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/7938761.stm

Decreasing Chinese Aggregate Demand

Figures released in China have showed exports suffering their biggest decline for a decade. As Chris Hogg reports, factories are being closed, and jobs are being axed.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/7826768.stm

Germany uses Fiscal policy to counter the recession

German Chancellor Angela Merkel has been defending her 50bn euros ($67bn; £45bn) economic stimulus package for Germany, saying it will boost growth and protect jobs in Europe's biggest economy.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/7825609.stm

UK's worst slump in 28 years

This BBC clip explains that a lot of the fall in aggregate demand in the UK is due to falling consumer confidence.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/7822334.stm

Sony plans to shed 8000 jobs

Sony has announced plans to cut 8,000 electronics jobs - 5% of the division - as well as shutting 10% of its manufacturing sites.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/7772597.stm

The upside of recessions

Recessions, slowdowns, squeezes, however you describe them, do serve a purpose. They force efficiency. They force our whole society to figure out simpler and more effective ways of doing things.
http://www.tutor2u.net/blog/index.php/economics/comments/cathartic-recessions/

The rise of cyclical unemployment

Across the country and on a daily basis you will read of stories where workers are facing the threat or the reality of losing their jobs.
http://www.tutor2u.net/blog/index.php/economics/comments/the-rise-of-cyclical-unemployment/

'For Sale' sign company losing sales

The collapse in demand for houses has caused estate agents like Savills or Winkworth to cut back on their purchases of “for sale” signs
http://www.tutor2u.net/blog/index.php/economics/