Signals

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Audiobook Downloadable / ISBN-13: 9781409170464

Price: £19.99

ON SALE: 11th August 2016

Genre: Economics, Finance, Business & Management

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SIGNALS is the story of the world economy, told in the language of everyday objects, places and events – from magazine covers and supermarkets to public protests.

‘A tour de force’ Lord Rose, former CEO and Chairman of Marks & Spencer
‘Dr Pippa Malmgren’s book is essential reading’ Dr Liam Fox, former British Defence Minister
‘Better than Piketty’ James Galbraith, Chair of Government and Business at the University of Texas

Pippa Malmgren argues that by being alert to the many signals around us, we can be empowered to deal with the varied troubles and treasures the world economy inevitably brings. Economics is not just maths and data. Perfume and makeup are part of the world economy too. Signals will help you understand why the size of chocolate bars, steaks and apartments are shrinking. It explains why the government says we face deflation yet everyone feels their cost of living is rising and their standard of living is falling. Rising protein prices are felt not just during your weekly shop but by the leaders of emerging markets who are obliged to reach for food and energy assets to feed their people. The increasing near misses between America’s spy planes and the fighter jets of China and Russia are no coincidence.

Malmgren reveals how our daily lives are affected by the ongoing battle, created by central bankers, between inflation and deflation. The fallout of this battle is evident in the rise of anti-establishment voting, the return of social unrest to emerging markets, the movement of manufacturing jobs back to the West, and by pressure from mass immigration. Economic forces are breaking the social contract between citizens and their states. If the only real solution is innovation, then the key question becomes whether governments are hostile or hospitable to efforts to build tomorrow’s economy today. Malmgren shows us who is already building the future and how to be part of it.

With its wonderful range of examples, from a Vogue magazine cover to a protest by a Tibetan monk, Signals demonstrates that although we can’t predict the future of the world economy, we can better prepare ourselves for it. Far from being the concern of only a privileged few, Malmgren shows that economics is a hot topic that touches every life.

Written and read by Dr Pippa Malmgrem

(p) 2016 Orion Publishing Group

Reviews

A tour de force
Lord Rose, former CEO and Chairman Marks and Spencer
A fascinating read. Full of lateral insights
Lieutenant General Nick Pope CBE, Deputy Chief of the General Staff
Rather wonderful
FINANCIAL TIMES
Pippa's work is impressive and groundbreaking
Dr. Liam Fox MP, Secretary of State for International Trade and President of the Board of Trade
In Signals: How Everyday Signs Can Help Us Navigate the World's Turbulent Economy, Dr Philippa Malmgren draws attention to the everyday signals - from magazine covers to shop fronts - that reveal the state of the world's economy and help us to understand recent tectonic shifts in global politics ... its anecdotal, accessible and democratising approach is welcomed
Ed Jones, LSE blogs
Fascinating, stimulating book! First-class quality
Toshihiko Fukui, former Governor of the Bank of Japan
Very interesting. It will make you feel smart.
William Leith, EVENING STANDARD
Dr Pippa Malmgren's book is essential reading
Dr Tun Mahathir Mohamad, former Prime Minister of Malaysia