Author Archives: Yves Smith

Links 8/14/19

Jeffrey Epstein’s Death, Critical Thinking, and the Decline of Reporting

Why neither the government nor the press have covered themselves in glory in ‘splaining the death of Jeffrey Epstein.

Ideology is Dead! Long Live Ideology!

Economists like to say they’re immune to ideology. Research shows the opposite.

Links 8/13/19

How Richard Vague Discovered Gravity: An Interview + Book Review of A Brief History of Doom: Two Hundred Years of Financial Crises

Richard Vague extends his work on the dangers of private debt via his new book, A Brief History of Doom, on the role of debt in financial crises.

How New York City Has Worked to Protect People from the Deadliest Disaster: Heat

New York City has set out to protect people — and the planet — from heat.

No, Productivity Does Not Explain Income

Why a widely-held view about productivity that is foundational to the claim that people are paid what they deserve does not hold up to scrutiny.

Brexit Breakup

More consternation about Johnson’s possible Brexit moves.

U.S. Healthcare Industry Could Be Decimated by China Trade War

One way China could mess with the US.

Links 8/10/19

Austerity Has Made People Less Prepared for a No Deal Brexit

The government says it’s preparing for a Brexit crash out. But ten years of spending cuts have made the people of Britain intensely vulnerable to economic shock.

Bleak Financial Outlook for US Fracking Industry

The poor economics of fracking may finally be coming home to roost.

Links 8/9/19

Deskilling Among Manufacturing Production Workers

More evidence of how manufacturing workers have taken it on the chin.