As we say goodbye to 2020 and welcome in 2021, it's a good time to catch up on the very best of the Herald columnists we enjoyed reading over the last 12 months. From politics to sport, from business to entertainment and lifestyle, these are the voices and views our
Liam Dann: How to read an economic forecast
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It can be overwhelming trying to keep track of all the new outlooks and numbers this year. Photo / 123RF
If there's one thing we can all agree on it's that the economy is very interesting right now.
That doesn't mean we should ignore forecasts. They need to be read in context but they remain an important guide.
So on that note, here is a guide, to reading them.

Are low interest rates good or bad for poor people?
Do low interest rates help or hurt poor people?
It's a contentious question right now.
Traditionally it was a bit of a no-brainer.
Making money cheaper is supposed should help those at the lower end of the social spectrum - as long as it doesn't cause undue inflation.
But the extent to which low rates boost house prices has dominated discussion in the past few years.
This year, in the shadow of the Covid-19 pandemic, the unexpected surge in house prices has created an almost singular focus on low interest rates as the cause of inequality.
Middle-class panic has put heat on interest rates but what's the impact on real poverty?

Eight reasons NZ is in good shape to get through this
Back in April things looked particularly bad for the New Zealand economy.
But, taking it for granted that New Zealand was facing enormous challenges in the months ahead, Liam Dann took a look at the things we did have going for us.
Why? Because we needed to stay strong and focused on getting through this period so we could start to rebuild.
This year has been grim, and may be for a while, but NZ has some big things going for it.
