Topic: Economics

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8 reasons America is not in decline

As many as 70 percent of Americans believe that the United States is in decline. And who can blame them? High unemployment. Crushing debt. Political gridlock. For all the unrelenting gloom, Old Dominion University political science professor Steve Yetiv explains that America remains strong in key areas, unlikely to be superseded by another country anytime soon. He urges readers to consider these 8 facts:
Europe's debt crisis: 5 ways it's been put to good use

Europe’s debt crisis has roiled financial markets and populations. But beyond nationwide strikes and gyrating markets, Europe has put its crisis to good use. Here Jacob Funk Kirkegaard, a research fellow at the Peter G. Peterson Institute for International Economics points out five trends that will ultimately strengthen the European Union and the euro currency.
Six predictions for consumers in 2012

It’s been nice, 2011, but as we move into the new year, many consumers are no doubt wondering what 2012 has in store for them, particularly when it comes to their wallets. Is a double-dip recession in the cards? Will it be easier to get a mortgage? Is a checking account switch in order? What will interest rates be like in the new year? Here are my Top 6 predictions for consumers in 2012:
Amazon's top 10 book picks for November

Amazon's editors pick their top 10 books for the month of November.
'Zero job' economy: 11 ways Washington can fix it

A stagnant job market has ramped up the pressure on President Obama and Congress to come up with solutions. What can be done? Here are 11 proposals.

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Global News Blog
Aung San Suu Kyi's 'test run' outside of Myanmar (+video)

On her first international trip since 1988, Aung San Suu Kyi is in Thailand to attend a World Economic Forum summit on Friday. Next month she will travel to Europe, collecting while there the Nobel Peace Prize awarded her in 1991.
What the world's poor can teach us on jobs

The prospect of long-term joblessness in Europe and the US should focus attention on a new type of economics that seems to work for helping the worst-off in poor countries.
Stefan Karlsson
British inflation grows and grows. Is it temporary?

The British inflationary rate increased again in March, despite stagnant economic growth. Is it cause for worry?
Stefan Karlsson
Can price inflation fix a lagging economy?

Yes, but the boost it provides is temporary and offers no permanent solution.
The Circle Bastiat
Should we change the way we teach economics?

Because of the recent financial crisis, teaching the basic principles of economics is harder than ever.
Casino mogul Adelson pressures Spain to bend rules for EuroVegas

American casino mogul Sheldon Adelson's EuroVegas project could bring Spain much-needed investment, but the deal comes with demands for unappealing legal and financial exemptions.
The Circle Bastiat
Will J.C. Penney's new pricing policy succeed?

Retailer J.C. Penney announced a new pricing policy that will make its prices more rigid and other retailers are moving in that direction.
8 reasons America is not in decline

As many as 70 percent of Americans believe that the United States is in decline. And who can blame them? High unemployment. Crushing debt. Political gridlock. For all the unrelenting gloom, Old Dominion University political science professor Steve Yetiv explains that America remains strong in key areas, unlikely to be superseded by another country anytime soon. He urges readers to consider these 8 facts:
The Circle Bastiat
Why do European central bankers sound like Austrian economists?

After attending a European Central Bank workshop on global liquidity, the author learned that European monetary economists sound surprisingly like Austrian economists. 
The New Economy
Davos meeting: Gloomy about economy, worried about capitalism

The annual World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, will discuss not only the Europe's debt woes but also the future of capitalism. Even some billionaires in Davos are worried about income inequality.
European debt crisis: Germany's fight against Keynes

The European debt crisis provides Germany the opportunity to preach its disciplined approach to monetary policy. Should it succeed in remaking Europe in its monetary image, Europe will prosper. Those who follow the Anglo-American model of Keynsian loose money must fall in line.
Europe's debt crisis: 5 ways it's been put to good use

Europe’s debt crisis has roiled financial markets and populations. But beyond nationwide strikes and gyrating markets, Europe has put its crisis to good use. Here Jacob Funk Kirkegaard, a research fellow at the Peter G. Peterson Institute for International Economics points out five trends that will ultimately strengthen the European Union and the euro currency.
On the Economy
Why 'trickle down' economics don't work

Supply side economic practice deepens the deficit and worsens inequality
Stefan Karlsson
How space aliens could fix the economy

An other-worldly market for goods would increase demand for exports and prop up the economy, some Keynesians suggest.
After New Hampshire primary: Will voters 'fire' Romney?

Mitt Romney's comment on firing people only helps open a debate about 'traditional' economics. Even economists are torn – after being humbled by the Great Recession. Can politics fill the void?
The Circle Bastiat
Ron Paul: 'We are all Austrians now.'

What does Ron Paul mean when he evokes Austrian economic theory?
Six predictions for consumers in 2012

It’s been nice, 2011, but as we move into the new year, many consumers are no doubt wondering what 2012 has in store for them, particularly when it comes to their wallets. Is a double-dip recession in the cards? Will it be easier to get a mortgage? Is a checking account switch in order? What will interest rates be like in the new year? Here are my Top 6 predictions for consumers in 2012:
Stefan Karlsson
Ron Paul's economic views aren't completely off base

Some have attacked Ron Paul for his Austrian views of American monetary issues, but those views aren't necessarily wrong
Readers Write: Herman Cain, Rick Perry tax plans fall 'flat'; Europe soul searches

Letters to the Editor for the weekly issue of December 5, 2011: One reader takes down Herman Cain's and Rick Perry's flat-tax plans, arguing that a progressive tax is the only fair, functioning policy. Another reader says that Europe's debt crisis is forcing a generation to rethink 'real value.'
Green Economics
Is China working to reduce carbon?

China may be trying to shake its reputation as a "green villain"
Green Economics
Computers as furnaces?

Some ecological economists are proposing putting large, heat-generating supercomputers, which normally require cooling,  into residential basements as heating sources. Is this a clever new way to recycle energy, or too far-fetched to work?
Amazon's top 10 book picks for November

Amazon's editors pick their top 10 books for the month of November.
Can governments change the economy? American economists share Nobel.

American economists Thomas Sargent of New York University and Christopher Sims of Princeton were awarded the Nobel Prize in Economics for developing analytical methods used by governments today.
Paper Economy
The lost decade?

Is there a possibility of a Japanese-style "lost decade" here in the U.S.? Has it already happened?
When some yell 'scarcity,' time to act abundantly

The recent Republican plan to offset hurricane relief through budget cuts reflects an outmoded 'scarcity doctrine' that invites limitation in society. Applying a loaves-and-fishes 'abundance model' does the opposite. A small liberal arts college in North Carolina shows why.