Tag: Money
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No end in sight for meteoric bitcoin rise
Could bitcoin replace traditional currency? The cryptocurrency’s value has doubled in a fortnight. One bitcoin is now worth over $15,000. But some believe the revolution has only just begun.
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Man Booker shortlist sets off literary storm
Does it make sense to rank novels like horses? The six nominees for the highly prestigious Man Booker fiction prize have been announced. As always, the choices are very contentious.
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Monetary system under threat after pound dives
The pound has suffered a second dramatic fall in four months. Confidence in Britain’s currency is at a low ebb. But is this a sign that the way money is valued is fundamentally flawed?
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Cashless future as notes and coins decline
Last year Britain processed 19,276 debit card payments every single minute. Mobile and contactless card payments are both rising — and fast. Should we embrace a future without cash?
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UK reaches tipping point on service charges
The British government is planning to force restaurants to let staff keep tips and to make it clear that service charges are optional. Some say that it is now time to ban tipping entirely.
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‘Seismic’ results kick off year of US voting
The first contests of this year’s US election have delivered shocks in both major parties. But with 49 states still to vote and a general election to follow, is the campaign season too long?
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Exposed: the pitfalls of giving to charity
Britain’s major newspapers have launched appeals for donations to good causes at Christmas. Giving is a traditional feature of the season — but should we focus our attention closer to home?
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Chancellor plans permanent budget surplus
George Osborne has announced plans to limit UK governments to running balanced budgets in all but exceptional circumstances. Is it irresponsible for governments to spend beyond their means?
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Leaders line up to reject MPs’ pay rise
David Cameron is to ask the body which sets MPs’ pay to rethink their recommendation for a 10% rise, with his political opponents also voicing their disapproval. Should MPs be paid more?
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Cut top bankers’ pay massively, says guru
A former aide to David Cameron says that banks which receive taxpayer funds should pay their bosses much less, like civil servants. Can this tackle public disillusionment with our democracy?
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Watchdog announces cap on payday loan charges
The Financial Conduct Authority has announced a cap on the amount of money payday lenders like Wonga can charge for a loan. But is this enough to prevent people from spiralling into debt?
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Millionaire’s treasure hunt arrives in Europe
At the weekend a US philanthropist hid envelopes stuffed with banknotes around a London park. Is the Hidden Cash craze just harmless fun, or a depressing example of our obsession with money?
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Vicars top the list of happiest workers
A UK government study has revealed that those with the highest paid jobs are not necessarily the most contented or fulfilled. Is well-being less dependent on wealth than we often think?
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Digital currency labelled ‘the new gold’
With conventional currencies like the Euro facing life-threatening crises, investors have turned to a radical alternative: the online currency ‘Bitcoin’. Is this the future of money?
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Inequality grows as the super-rich become richer
In a new book, journalist Chrystia Freeland shines a light on the global elite – a tiny group of super-wealthy globetrotters whose fortunes are only increasing. How destructive is inequality?