Global Economics

In the 1992 movie Wayne’s World, there’s that classic street hockey moment where Wayne and Garth yell “Game off!” every time a car comes down the street, everyone moves aside, the game stops and then “Game on!” as soon as the street clears.  It’s funny in a movie, but when tariffs in an economy are suddenly switched “on” and th

The engine in one of my cars turns off when at a complete stop until the brake is released.  The idea is to not burn fuel idling at lights or in traffic.  Recently, I noticed that it was no longer doing that but never took the time to figure out why.

In chess, success often depends on anticipating several moves ahead while adapting to changing circumstances.  Similarly, American businesses must balance short-term tactics with long-term strategies.  Not only are these firms competing with changing supply and demand, but policymakers can also rearrange the board, requiring businesses to change strategies at the drop of a hat (or tar

Since President Donald Trump announced new tariffs last Wednesday, global markets and economies have been in chaos.  As of this writing, the tariffs now include a blanket 10-percent duty on all trading partners and up to 145 percent for specific countries like China.  This has caused volatile moves in the markets.  U.S.

America has long been the linchpin of the global economy.  It has often been suggested that when America sneezes, the world catches a cold.  So far, the world’s largest economy has not reached for a tissue or even sniffled, but large trading partners are exhibiting signs of weakness.

Each year the Kansas City branch of the Federal Reserve hosts a symposium in Jackson Hole, Wyoming.  It’s a who’s who of economics, finance, and central banking.  The world’s brain trust gathers to enjoy the bears, do some fishing, and see the natural beauty that accompanies any event with the Grand Tetons as a backdrop.  In between sessions with the great outdo

China has made it to several headlines lately.  For instance, President Biden had a highly anticipated call with China’s President Xi Jinping.  And then there was this week’s visit from the Speaker of the House, Nancy Pelosi, to Taiwan.  Worries about geopolitical instability were top of mind for many pundits covering this story.  Unfortunately, it might be China

For some people assuming more power drives their behavior.  History books are filled with leaders exhibiting this characteristic.  A few fairly recent examples come to mind.  Changes in both Russia and China have allowed leaders to stay longer than the initial arrangement, and those at the helm of both Hungary and the Philippines seized more authority during the coronavirus pande

Coronavirus keeps impacting the global economy in unforeseeable ways.  Early on there were shortages of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).  This caused some folks to jump into action and funnel the badly needed gear to hospitals and first responders.  Then there were stories about the glass-packaging industry being under pressure to produce enough vials for vaccines.  And