Global Economics

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

Last week Atlas posted this note regarding the Edelman Trust Barometer illustrating Americans’ distrust of the media, corporations, non-government organizations (NGOs), and the government itself. 

The whole world was downgraded by the International Monetary Fund (IMF).  Does that matter? Perhaps we should first consider what the IMF is.  It is an international organization headquartered in Washington D.C.