Why a 2020s rerun of the Roaring Twenties remains wishful thinking | Larry Elliott

The 1920s also began dismally. But for a fourth industrial revolution to happen, much more has to be done

Optimism abounded as 2019 drew to a close. If the 2010s had been a lost decade of weak growth and stagnating living standards then the years to come were going to be much better.

The talk was of a new Roaring Twenties, a repeat of the decade that followed the first world war. There were even Great Gatsby-themed fancy dress parties to celebrate the good times to come.