AUTHOR
Stuart Watkins
Stuart graduated from the University of Leeds with an honours degree in biochemistry and molecular biology, and from Bath Spa University College with a postgraduate diploma in creative writing.
He started his career in journalism working on newspapers and magazines for the medical profession before joining MoneyWeek shortly after its first issue appeared in November 2000. He has worked for the magazine ever since, and is now the comment editor.
He has long had an interest in political economy and philosophy and writes occasional think pieces on this theme for the magazine, as well as a weekly round up of the best blogs in finance.
His work has appeared in The Lancet and The Idler and in numerous other small-press and online publications.
Will higher trade-union power cause a wage-price spiral?
UK Economy
Will higher trade-union power cause a wage-price spiral?
Inflation is hotting up, leading workers to demand wage rises to compensate. Union membership is on the rise again. Will this spark a wage-price spira…
8 Apr 2022
UBI which was once unthinkable is being rolled out around the world. What's going on?
Global Economy
UBI which was once unthinkable is being rolled out around the world. What's going on?
Universal basic income, the idea that everyone should be paid a liveable income by the state, no strings attached, was once for the birds. Now it seem…
8 Apr 2022
Want to quit your job and live an egalitarian life off the land? Things aren't quite that simple
Economy
Want to quit your job and live an egalitarian life off the land? Things aren't quite that simple
The idea of adopting a simpler lifestyle free from social hierarchies, economic inequalities and tiresome modern work appeals to many romantics – but …
24 Dec 2021
How to invest as we move to a hydrogen economy
Energy
How to invest as we move to a hydrogen economy
The government has started to roll out its plans for switching us over from fossil fuels to hydrogen and renewable energy. Should investors buy in? St…
9 Dec 2021
In praise of capitalism, the noble path that leads to profits
Economy
In praise of capitalism, the noble path that leads to profits
Contrary to modern myth, profits are not always a result of greed, but a signal of virtue. Stuart Watkins reports.
3 Dec 2021
How to invest in lab-grown meat – the future of food production
Soft commodities
How to invest in lab-grown meat – the future of food production
With lab-grown meat, steak is back on the menu for greens and animal lovers – but at what cost? Stuart Watkins reports
5 Nov 2021
“Superforecasting”: can you profit from predicting the future?
Investment strategy
“Superforecasting”: can you profit from predicting the future?
Some people, it seems, really are better at seeing what lies ahead than others. But would their crystal ball be of any help to investors? Stuart Watki…
30 Jul 2021
Are we living in a new era of political sleaze?
UK Economy
Are we living in a new era of political sleaze?
Cosy relations between politicians and corporations are back in the news. Just how bad is the problem? Stuart Watkins reports.
30 Apr 2021
The Great Reset: a fresh start or yet another assault on freedom?
Global Economy
The Great Reset: a fresh start or yet another assault on freedom?
The World Economic Forum’s latest big idea is being trumpeted as a new beginning for the global economy. Yet in truth there is nothing new about it – …
26 Feb 2021
Invest in water and provide a buffer against future pandemics
Soft commodities
Invest in water and provide a buffer against future pandemics
Global water shortages have long hampered growth and development, and climate change has exacerbated the problem. Will the coronavirus pandemic be a t…
25 Feb 2021
Political hot air lifts hydrogen stocks: here's how to profit
Renewables
Political hot air lifts hydrogen stocks: here's how to profit
Boris Johnson is committed to a green revolution. Hydrogen, long touted as the obvious answer to our energy woes, will have to be at least a part of t…
19 Nov 2020
What’s worse: monopoly power or government intervention?
Global Economy
What’s worse: monopoly power or government intervention?
Politicians of all stripes increasingly agree with Karl Marx on one point – that monopolies are an inevitable consequence of free-market capitalism, a…
1 Oct 2020
Could a universal basic income save the world?
UK Economy
Could a universal basic income save the world?
Long touted as a simple solution to the complex problems that arise in capitalist societies, universal basic income is having another moment in the sp…
10 Sep 2020
MMT: the magic money tree bears fruit
Global Economy
MMT: the magic money tree bears fruit
“Modern Monetary Theory” is becoming modern monetary practice. But how far will policymakers go in this radical experiment, and at what cost? Stuart W…
17 Jul 2020
MMT: what is modern monetary theory and will it work?
Economy
MMT: what is modern monetary theory and will it work?
“Modern monetary theory” – or MMT – is all the rage among progressive thinkers, especially in the United States. What is it? And does it stand up to s…
14 Jul 2020
How to profit as the world goes vegan
Share tips
How to profit as the world goes vegan
Plant-based diets are becoming increasingly popular and even the fast-food giants are looking to cash in. It looks like veganism might be more than a …
7 Jul 2020
Are we back on the road to serfdom?
Economy
Are we back on the road to serfdom?
The coronavirus crisis has led to levels of state intervention unprecedented in peace time. The Austrian School reminds us of the challenges, say Dan …
22 May 2020
Investing in hydrogen: the cleaner, greener fuel that will power the future
Renewables
Investing in hydrogen: the cleaner, greener fuel that will power the future
Hydrogen is the most abundant element in the universe and when it burns it releases nothing but energy and water. Could it be the answer to our climat…
21 Apr 2020
The productivity puzzle: is Britain stuck in a rut?
Economy
The productivity puzzle: is Britain stuck in a rut?
Growth in output per worker is vital to the wealth of nations. Since the financial crisis, Britain has consistently fallen behind on this score. Why? …
28 Nov 2019
Four alternatives to the typical holiday
Features
Four alternatives to the typical holiday
Fed up with the usual tourist traps when you go on holiday? Then it’s time for something completely different, says Stuart Watkins.
27 Sep 2019
Hit the sofa for the summer with these video games
Spending it
Hit the sofa for the summer with these video games
Computer gaming has come a long way from space invaders and shoot ‘em ups. Here are seven of the best.
16 Aug 2019
Erdogan whittles away Turkish democracy
Economy
Erdogan whittles away Turkish democracy
It was a symbolic loss for his party, but now Turkish president Recep Tayyip Erdogan wants to have another try.
18 Apr 2019
We’ll Bremain until Halloween
Economy
We’ll Bremain until Halloween
What happens in the meantime? We watch a few more horror shows. Stuart Watkins reports.
18 Apr 2019
Poll loss weakens the grip of Turkey’s strongman
Economy
Poll loss weakens the grip of Turkey’s strongman
Turkish local elections have produced a political earthquake for President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and his Islamist coalition.
4 Apr 2019
Please regulate me, says Zuckerberg
Economy
Please regulate me, says Zuckerberg
The Facebook boss has called for global rules to police social media. Stuart Watkins reports.
4 Apr 2019
Sin is going out of fashion
Stockmarkets
Sin is going out of fashion
Younger generations are less likely to turn to drink for solace or pleasure. What will this mean for our booze-soaked culture and economy? Stuart Watk…
25 Jan 2019
The economic consequences of veganism
Economy
The economic consequences of veganism
We hope you enjoyed your Christmas turkey. But should you leave the poor beasts alone next year and serve tofu on the big day instead? Stuart Watkins …
28 Dec 2018
Rome plays the long game with Brussels
Economy
Rome plays the long game with Brussels
Italy’s response to pressure from Brussels over its budget may be better orchestrated than it appears.
30 Nov 2018
May’s ex-deal is nailed to the perch
Economy
May’s ex-deal is nailed to the perch
All sides in the debate have declared the PM’s Brexit deal dead. What comes next? Stuart Watkins reports.
30 Nov 2018
Head off the beaten track in Sierra Leone, Ethiopia and India
Travel and holidays
Head off the beaten track in Sierra Leone, Ethiopia and India
Sierra Leone, Ethiopia and Ladakh – three adventures away from the usual tourist trails.
23 Nov 2018
“Peak Water”: how to invest in a world that’s drying up
Economy
“Peak Water”: how to invest in a world that’s drying up
There’s water everywhere, but if there is to be a drop to drink in the future, big changes will be needed. Investors can help keep the taps running, s…
25 Oct 2018
Pilgrimages: walking the stairway to heaven
Travel and holidays
Pilgrimages: walking the stairway to heaven
Stuart Watkins looks at some of the world's most scenic pilgrim trails.
12 Oct 2018
Modern capitalism and the rise of the bullshit job
Economy
Modern capitalism and the rise of the bullshit job
Modern capitalism was supposed to deliver productivity gains, efficiency and unimagined wealth for all. Why then are so many of us labouring away at p…
31 Aug 2018
Electric cars: the milk float comes of age
Art
Electric cars: the milk float comes of age
Electric cars are now a viable option for serious motorists. Should you buy one? Stuart Watkins reports.
8 Jun 2018
The call of the tribe
Travel and holidays
The call of the tribe
In pristine lands far from the beaten track, age-old ways of life survive, says Stuart Watkins.
11 May 2018
How the left-behind took back control in Preston
Economy
How the left-behind took back control in Preston
Austerity and the Brexit referendum opened up a political space where things could be done differently. But are Labour’s plans a move in the right dir…
4 May 2018