A cluster of profit warnings

Rarely a day goes by without one or more household names in the world of business, finance and commerce releasing a profit warning to the city. Listed companies are required to do so - releasing information that might materially affect the market value of their business - but the rash of profit warnings from different sectors of the economy is a reflection of the demand and cost pressures facing private sector companies. The squeeze is on and it will be interesting to see how corporate Britain reacts and responds to these challenging times.

Parcel problems ruffle Rentokil

Starbucks reports falling profits

Bovis sets out new profits warning

Downturn sparks Electrolux loss

Ethical Economics

First and foremost, the title is not an oxymoron. We dismal scientists get a pretty bad rep for being dispassionate. In fact, I was recently asked to give the most soulless example of an economic judgement that I can think of. I put forward the following: