Is The UK Really Uniquely Awful?

High cost of living, falling real wages — you might be surprised, but they’re not just British problems.   

The UK just can’t escape the clouds.

Photographer: Simon Dawson/Bloomberg

Welcome to Money Distilled. I’m John Stepek. Every week day I look at the biggest stories in markets and economics, and explain what it all means for your money.

Welcome back. I hope you enjoyed your bank holiday and all who sailed in her.