Author Archives: Yves Smith

The Price of Monopoly and Oligopoly Power: Why Rising Markups Hurt Innovation and Widen Inequality

More evidence of the cost of monopoly and oligopoly power.

Russian Negotiator Reiterates “Nyet” on Ceasefire Even Before US Emissary Steve Witkoff Arrives in Moscow

Russia nixes the barmy US-Ukraine peace scheme faster and more directly than expected. What next?

Business Press Suddenly and Widely Reporting Damage Done by Trump Economic Policies

As the wheels start coming off the Trump economy, the president shows no sign of changing course.

Neoliberalism and a Healthy Population Are Incompatible

It can’t be said often enough that neoliberalism is unhealthy for children and other living things.

Trump Tariffs Plunge Local NYC Businesses Into Uncertainty

A look at the damage being done by Trump tariffs, though the eyes of small business operators in New York City.

So Much for Trump’s Peace Deal with Russia: US Backs Zelensky with Pre-Rejected-by-Russia Ceasefire Scheme

After the (arguably deserved) humiliation of Zelensky after an Oval Office row, the negotiation plan agreed in Jeddah is a big win for him

Links 3/12/2025

The Perceived Costs of Business Cycles and Inflation

Quelle surprise! People really hate the uncertainty that comes with business cycles. This bodes ill for the Trump regime.

Labour Is Becoming the Enemy of the Vulnerable and the Disabled

Labour goes all in for cutting social spending, first for the disabled, almost certainly with the excuse that it’s needed to fund rearming.

Links 3/11/2025

Charting the Uncharted: The (Un)intended Consequences of Oil Sanctions and Dark Shipping

An estimate of the magnitude of dark-shipped oil suggests that removing sanctions would raise, not lower, oil prices.

DOGE: Chaos, Damage, Drama Not Enough to Cover the Stench of Corruption

DOGE is up to even more no good than you imagined.

Climate Change: Insuring the World of Tomorrow

Leading edge conventional wisdom on the role of insurance as climate disasters increase underestimates the severity of the problem.