Category Archives: Economic fundamentals

Socio-Economic Determinants of the Italian Referendum Vote

More proof that the Italian rejection of Renzi’s constitutional reform referendum was not a simple “populist uprising”.

Bill Black: After 30 Years of Throwing Working People Under the Bus, Democratic Party’s “Centrist” Leaders Remain Clueless About Voter Revenge

The Democrats abandoned the working classes long ago and like an abusive spouse, never thought their victims would leave them.

Capitalism in the Time of Trump?

Neoliberal capitalism has led to underinvestment, lowering productivity and increasing inequality. Will Trump make things better or worse?

Michael Hudson: Economists’ Deadly but Innocuous-Seeming Proclamations

A wide-ranging interview by Michael Hudson on the mind games that economists play.

Back From Full Employment To “Inclusive Growth”

“Inclusive growth” is economics NewSpeak for pretending to be concerned about the diminished opportunities for the middle and lower classes.

Europe’s Crisis Was Caused More By Reckless Lending Than By Reckless Spending

Remedies have failed to produced growth and lower indebtedness because they’re focused on protecting toxic behavior by banks in Europe’s core

Saudi Arabia Surrenders To U.S. Shale

Saudi Arabia has finally blinked. What does that mean in practical terms?

Macroeconomics in the Crossfire (Again)

Economists are finally ‘fessing up to the fact that macroeconomics was never all that good and has regressed in recent decades.

Can Uber Ever Deliver? Part Four: Understanding That Unregulated Monopoly Was Always Uber’s Central Objective

Why Uber’s goal is replacing urban car service with a higher cost, less efficient operation that would extract wealth from the public.

Wolf Richter: Italians Vote “No,” Renzi to Resign, Banking Crisis Now Looking for Taxpayers

Will the failure of Renzi’s constitutional referendum and resulting political uncertainty finally force Italy’s banking crisis to a head?

Trump’s Win is a Warning: Europe Urgently Needs a New Deal

Europe is ignoring the lessons of New Deal era much to its peril.

Can Uber Ever Deliver? Part Three: Understanding False Claims About Uber’s Innovation and Competitive Advantages

Why Uber does not have any significant competitive advantages save very deep pockets that allow it to engage in sustained predatory pricing.

The Electoral Consequences of Globalization

A look at some of the economic and political issues related to globalization.

Can Uber Ever Deliver? Part Two: Understanding Uber’s Uncompetitive Costs

Why Uber is the taxi industry’s high cost producer and cannot grow into profitability.