10 must-read economics stories of the week

Welcome to your weekly update – a curated list of some of this week’s most interesting stories on economic growth and social inclusion. 

1. Facts and figures. A chart on world poverty since 1820. (ourworldindata.org)

2. In the US, rich kids end up filing more patents than poor kids. This is one way in which inequality harms broad-based growth and prosperity. (Harvard Business Review)

3. Africa’s business landscape is changing rapidly. The Financial Times takes a closer look. (Financial Times)

4. Inequality is starting to scare corporate America. (The New York Times)

5. The Brazilian economy is in bad shape. Here is one take on what is happening and what needs to change. (Aljazeera)

6. Slums in the US? High poverty areas in the United States are more widespread than one might think, according to a recent study. (The Atlantic)

7. 5 Things to know about China’s currency devaluation. (Wall Street Journal Blogs)

8. Greece’s debt is unsustainable. While some would disagree with this statement, this article aims to clarify the debate and show a way forward. (voxeu.org)

In case you missed it:

9. What you need to know about economic inequality and growth. (Washington Center for Equitable Growth)

10. Interview with ECB President Jean-Claude Trichet about why advanced economies must pursue structural reforms to create a more stable foundation for future growth. (BCG Perspectives)

Have you read?
Last week’s must-read economics stories

Author: Jennifer Blanke is Chief Economist at the World Economic Forum.

Image: Residents are seen in the Villa 31 slum, which censuses show has grown 50 percent in the past four years to currently house some 40,000 people, near the 100-year-old railway station Retiro in the heart of Buenos Aires, February 9, 2014. REUTERS/Enrique Marcarian