Economic Trends

Long-term trends grow from short term trends. We attampt to determine the short term trends and where they are pointing.

Income Inequality

Income Inequality Misconceptions in the U.S.

Leave a Comment / Economic Trends, General / By

Income inequality is frequently portrayed as a fundamental problem in the United States that erodes social cohesion and economic mobility. Media outlets and advocacy groups regularly highlight narratives of stagnant incomes and an ever-widening gap between rich and poor. However, closer examination of income data reveals that these depictions are hyperbolic, if not outright misleading. When we delve into the research, a more nuanced picture emerges—one that refutes many of the popular misconceptions about inequality and its implications for American society.

Income Inequality Misconceptions in the U.S. Read More »

NYSE ROC 2-1-25

February Market Update- NYSE, NASDAQ and Crypto

Leave a Comment / Economic Trends / By

Unusual things move the market. Lately, FED announcements have been responsible for moving the market, but at its January 28-29 meeting, the FED didn’t have much to say, i.e., they kept rates steady, so the market was relatively stable. The one telling comment from FED Chairman Jerome Powell at this meeting was his shift in how he spoke about Crypto. He seemed to be opening the door for banks to custody Bitcoin.

February Market Update- NYSE, NASDAQ and Crypto Read More »

Global Tariffs

Is Trump Right About Tariffs?

Leave a Comment / Economic Trends / By

One of Trump’s big talking points in this election cycle was tariffs. So, what are tariffs and are they a good thing?

Tariffs or “import duties” have existed since the country began in the 1700s. Initially, they were imposed by Britain on imports to the Colonies. One memorable instance is the 1767 Townshend Revenue Act, which eventually resulted in the Boston Tea Party. (But not for the reasons you might think.)…

For many years economists believed, as Janet Yellen says, “if a company wants to export to the United States at below-market prices, we should buy the goods and send a thank-you note” but recently economists have begun rethinking that idea. What if those cheap imports last long enough to destroy all domestic production? Then you are at the mercy of foreign producers and all those domestic jobs moved overseas…

“When considering trade policy, it is important to recognize the difference between using tariffs to tilt the international playing field in favor of American businesses and using them as a negotiating tool…

Tariffs can help level the playing field when currency exchange rates aren’t doing the job they should be. Interestingly, back in 2005, it was none other than Democrat Chuck Schumer who led the charge to impose a 35% tariff on China…

Is Trump Right About Tariffs? Read More »

M2 Annual Percent Change 2024

How Much is the Money Supply Growing?

Leave a Comment / Dollar / By

The “M2 money supply” includes liquid assets such as Cash, Checking Accounts, Savings Accounts, CDs, etc. 

Looking at the chart below we can see that the M2 money supply increased gradually for many years until the pandemic when it shot up drastically, and then in 2022 the FED significantly decreased the money supply for the first time. But over the last year or so it appears to be resuming its previous uptrend.

How Much is the Money Supply Growing? Read More »

Scroll to Top