Headwinds for electric vehicles and the battery industry[Christophe Andre-HIC]

Electric vehicles (EVs) are essential to contain global warming. Although the production of an EV generally generates more CO₂ emissions than that of an equivalent internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicle, its lifecycle footprint is usually much smaller, due to considerably lower emissions related to its operation. The CO₂ emission gains generated by moving from ICE vehicles to EVs depend on various factors, including the vehicle’s size, utilisation intensity and lifespan, as well as the way the

2025.01.08 11:07

Containing household debt requires more ambitious housing policies [Christophe André - HIC]

As inflation decelerates, central banks around the world have started cutting interest rates. The Bank of Korea lowered its policy rate by 25 basis points to 3.25% on October 11 th . While lower interest rates will support the economy, interest rate cuts may fuel housing price increases and lift household debt further. The Bank of Korea has repeatedly mentioned concerns over rising household debt as a reason for caution in easing monetary policy. While household debt has featured more prominentl

2024.11.08 11:11

Will AI hit employment, raise productivity, and increase inequality?[Christophe André -HIC]

Will AI hit employment, raise productivity, and increase inequality? The release of ChatGPT in November 2022 has raised great hopes that artificial intelligence (AI) can contribute to solving problems in many fields and lift productivity, but also fears that many jobs may disappear, and that income inequality could rise further. AI is commonly seen as a general-purpose technology, like the internal combustion engine, early electricity-based technologies, and computers. Such technologies have the

2024.09.10 11:05

Is the global economy only as strong as the most vulnerable link in the semiconductor supply chain? [Christophe André -HIC]

Strong productivity gains in the information and communication sector and professional and business services are boosting the US economy. Nonfarm business sector output per hour was up nearly 3% in the first quarter of this year compared to a year ago. While cyclical factors, including a sizeable fiscal stimulus, have contributed to the rebound, structural factors also seem to be at play. Business applications have jumped in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic and remain high, including for busine

2024.07.15 11:27