At odds with reality? The economics of betting
Economic analysis of traditional high street bookmakers and Internet-based betting exchanges shows that it is the lower cost base of the latter that allows punters to be offered more favourable odds than those offered by high street bookmakers. However, for larger bets, which need to be executed immediately, bookmakers may offer better odds than exchanges, since large bets on the latter can change the market clearing price.
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Carbon prices: working together or pulling apart?
Carbon pricing is often recommended by economists as a way to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. However, in practice, several different carbon prices are used in the aviation sector. What are each of these prices, and why do they differ? And are carbon markets even working correctly? Given the unfolding… Read More

Improving consumer engagement with financial services (and why banning commissions might be a bad idea)
The remuneration of financial intermediaries has been the subject of debate across Europe for several years. In its recently published Retail Investment Strategy (RIS), the European Commission has proposed to impose a (partial) ban for insurance intermediaries to receive inducements when independent advice is provided, or products are sold… Read More