Yearly Archives: 2020

The Misguided Discussion of “Herd Immunity”

On the large gap between what the public and the scientific/medical community think about Covid-19 immunity, including testing for it.

Last Chance to Save the Euro?

The actions taken so far to salvage the single-currency union expose its fatal flaws. The last bout of stress will be a test to destruction if fundamental changes aren’t made.

The Coming Debt Crisis

Emerging market economies loaded up on debt after the crisis, which is now looking like a particularly bad move.

2:00PM Water Cooler 4/8/2020

Today’s Water Cooler: Plenty of other news, but the big news is that Sanders “suspends” his campaignl.

Angela Merkel Urged To Put European Solidarity Over German Interests and Back Coronabonds

Angela Merkel is under pressure to abandon her long-standing “Germany first” policy towards the EU. Will she finally relent?

Links 4/8/2020

Martin Wolf and Wishful Thinking on Ending Coronavirus Lockdowns

It would be nice to go back to something like the old normal. But the coronavirus is still very much in charge.

How to Pay for the Pandemic War

Government responsese to the pandemic are making a hash of one of the comparatively easy issues.

New York Fed, FDIC Tout “Opacity in a Banking Crisis” to Keep Corporations, Hedge Funds, PE Firms & Counterparties in the Dark about Weak Banks

An article by Fed and FDIC researchers argues for hiding banks’ dirty laundry. Too bad the authorities didn’t make banks shape up instead.

Links 4/7/2020

The FT Says It’s Time for the Bank of England to Start Direct Funding of the Government: Modern Monetary Theory Has Won the Day

Modern Monetary Theory has a new convert. Too bad Americans are behind the curve.

Cancer Patients Face Treatment Delays And Uncertainty As Coronavirus Cripples Hospitals

Coronavirus creates a terrible bind for cancer patients and their doctors.

2:00PM Water Cooler 4/6/2020

Let’s make Monday Fun Day!