Author Archives: Yves Smith

Links 5/4/2024

Turkiye Suspends All Trade With Israel in Surprise New Blow; Israel Threatens Retaliation

Turkiye is kicking Israel in a weak spot: its economy. How much might this trade freeze hurt?

Taxing Income from Wealth Can Always Raise More Money Than a Wealth Tax

Why a wealth tax is not all it is cracked up to be, but a well-designed income tax can do a fine job of curtailing wealth disparity.

After Much Posturing, US Imposes (So Far) Underwhelming Sanctions Against China for Russia Trade

After sending Yellen and Blinken to China to make threats, the Administration has imposed some strikingly weak sanctions

Oh Deary, Where Did My Rate Cuts Go? Fed’s Wait-and-See Now Entrenched? And Suddenly Lots of Talk About “Rate Hikes”

What Fed chair Powell said about rate hikes, no rate cuts, rate cuts, and the QT slowdown while getting rid of MBS entirely

The Culture of the CIA, a First Look

How the CIA evolved, or depending on your point of view, devolved into what it is today.

TaxCast #142: Blockchain Havens

How blockchain/crypto tax havens are displacing traditional tax havens.

Links 5/1/2024

AirBnB Again in Bed With Surveillance State Tactics by Asking for Biometric ID, Spurring Illinois “Mass Arbitration” Action

AirBnB seems determined to violate customer privacy by demanding government ID images, against the laws of some states. What gives?

AC, Power Banks, Mini Fridges: Oregon Equips Medicaid Patients for Climate Change

Health insurers like Oregon’s Medicaid find it cost effective to give patients equipment to protect them from heat as well as wildfire smoke

“The Four Key Reasons Why The U.S. Will Never Stop Targeting Russia’s LNG Sector”

The US has launched an LNG war against Russia. How likely is it to prevail?

Consumer Boycotts Can Inflict More Pain on Israel-Backing Companies than Divestiture

A look at some of the courses of action to impose costs on Israel and its backers, here, economic costs.