If war is coming to Europe, is membership of the EU and neutrality mutually inconsistent?

A packed podcast:It may be the ultimate social faux pas, but dare we say the latest Revenue annual report contains a wealth of fascinating data?Back taxes owed by SMEs could be - maybe are - a real problemShort-termism: anyone wondering why some companies and countries don't inest enough in themselves need look no further than META's (Facebook) results this week. The shares tanked because the tech giant announced a huge capital spending program (mostly in AI). Financial markets want one thing only: instant gratification. That translates as "show us the cash". Dividends, share buybacks and increases in revenues are the golden trifecta that leads to higher share prices. But investment means spending cash. That's the big no-no. The paradox, of course, is that the only thing that leads to long-term growth in dividends, share buybacks and revenues is investment. Companies and countries that stint on investment don't grow. You couldn't make it up.If (hopefully a big if) another European war is on the way, is being a member of the EU and remaining neutral mutually inconsistent?And all the latest data! Become a member at https://plus.acast.com/s/the-other-hand-with-jim.power-and-chris.johns. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Om Podcasten

Economics and finance demystified.A recent listener's comment:"I first heard about ChatGPT on your podcast and immediately started using it. I’m 73 and wrote my first program at 16. Having witnessed all developments in computing down the years I think this is the greatest since www. Your pod is informative in many different areas, politics, economics, society changes, housing crisis etc but at times goes beyond that. This episode tying up all this but also the implications of AI with a knowledgeable guest. ENTHRALLING! Keep it coming."cjpeconomics.substack.com Become a member at https://plus.acast.com/s/the-other-hand-with-jim.power-and-chris.johns. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.