#economics

#economics

We have to understand economics for ourselves, or we're at the mercy of any charlatan, warns writer Michael Goodwin. He himself has contributed his two cents: first, he delved into decades of treatises and thinkers; then, in Economix (2012), he summarized in comic strips with illustrations by Dan E. Burr what he had gleaned: theories, practices, and pitfalls of the last two centuries of development.

"One of the great demographic surprises" of this time, Goldin writes, "has been the negative relationship between per capita income levels and fertility."

This is a story about Starbucks, economics, and good things that are hard to put a number on. The company invested over $500 million in additional labor hours. They brought back Sharpies so baristas could write names and smiley faces on cups. They set a goal to fulfill orders within four minutes while emphasizing personal connection.

We tend to think that we experience the world as it is. We see and hear things, store them away as knowledge, and then take new facts into account. But that's not how our brains actually work. In reality, we filter out most of what we experience, so that we can focus on particular points of interest. In effect, we forget most things so we can zero in on what seems to be most important.

Swift's tour appearances have become economic events. The singer's Eras Tour two years ago was the first such tour to cross the billion-dollar mark, according to Pollstar's 2023 year-end charts.

"One might think that coastal blue states might have more tenant friendliness, but that's not always the case," said Coulson, director of UCI's Center for Real Estate. "By our index, California is not even in the top 10."

Erika McEntarfer, a longtime government employee, was fired by President Trump after a jobs report showed slow hiring and lower job estimates for previous months. He accused her of manipulating numbers without evidence.

Unfortunately, anti-immigrant policies threaten to derail this economic engine. As attacks on immigrants are rising, local economies are weakening, with the fear of immigration raids keeping people home.

On Saturday's Velshi from MSNBC, the host brought up the new Gross Domestic Product (GDP) numbers released by the Commerce Department which showed a large 3% growth in the second quarter under President Donald Trump.

"People are getting more comfortable with booking short-term rentals and figuring out the pricing mechanics. Many STRs offer last-minute discounts to fill inventory, so that the closer you get to a stay, the less expensive it is."

India's prime minister, Narendra Modi, is visiting London to sign a landmark free trade agreement between his country and the UK, expected to cut tariffs and increase market access.

On average, nearly 60% of the FTSE 100's returns were generated on just 59 days each year - about 16% of the year - which coincided with major global or economic events.

Electricity generated from solar power is now 41% cheaper than the cheapest fossil fuel alternative, and onshore wind is 53% cheaper. In 2024, renewables helped avoid $467 billion in fossil fuel costs.

The share of first-time home buyers hit an all-time low last year, with 1.14 million new purchasers representing only 24% of the market share.

Attendance at conventions like the Specialty Food Show appears to reflect the effects of the Trump administration's policies, with sparse crowds and disheartening international business representation.

Ryan Becker, a senior vice president at the tourism group Visit California, described the challenges to attract visitors to the state for the Olympics - although the scenario may change in three years.

Archimedes was the King's trusted scientist in Syracuse around 250 BC, tasked to ensure the purity of a crown suspected to be mixed with bronze.

The companies that make smartphones ensure consumers pay, whether through a lump sum or added monthly charges. Basic models like iPhones and Samsung Galaxy phones start at $800.

In response to pressure from Donald Trump and business leaders, Canada has decided to remove its controversial digital services tax that targeted big US tech firms.

To meet the 30% affordability benchmark in coastal cities, homebuyers must provide down payments of 80% to 95%, making homeownership increasingly unattainable.

A pickup in the pace of innovation remains the catalyst most likely to reverse the long-run stagnation in manufacturing productivity.

Scaring the immigrant population into not feeling safe enough to work will lead to a complete destruction of our landscape and construction industries.

The head of Nato indicated that all 32 members agreed to increase military spending significantly, raising concerns about the attendant costs for social and environmental programs.

The policies, in combination, amount to an enormous transfer of resources from people at the bottom of the economic scale to those at the top.