Category Archives: Economic fundamentals

Alfred McCoy: Controlling the ‘World Island’

More on Alfred McCoy re how how H.J. Mckinder’s “world island” has shaped Western strategic thinking, here with respect to the Pacific

The China Shock Hits Germany

How China was hollowing out Germany’s manufacturers before the loss of cheap Russian energy made matters worse.

Stagflation Watch for the US Economy as a Whole

Upgrading a US recession watch for the US to a stagflation watch due to inflation even as ISM indexes signal current contraction

Trump Reaffirms Threat of Even Higher Tariffs on India; Deflationary Shock Risk for Global South

If Trump does not blink on his tariff threat against India over Russia oil buys, could his program kick of deflationary pressures?

Trump Threatens India With Secondary Sanctions Over Russian Oil Purchases. What Next?

Trump’s attempt to bully India into dropping Russian oil buys is not succeeding. What happens now?

Economists Wake Up to West’s Trade and Technology Dependence on China

Useful data on and discussion of China’s dominance of inputs and technologies essential to the West.

Europe’s Energy Future Hinges on Global Powers

The EU’s energy transition goals (and so much else) are becoming increasingly reliant on trade and tariff policies from the US and China.

Michael Hudson: From Babylon to Wall Street – How Bankers Make You Poor

A wide-ranging historical discussion with Michael Hudson, tracing the destructive rise the power of lenders from ancient times to today.

As Tariffs Bite and Jobs Stall, New Interactive Tool Tracks How Much Trump and GOP Are Raising the Cost of Living

As Trump’s new tariffs are about to squeeze American wallets even harder, a new tool helps keep track of the damage.

Trump Is Hellbent on Derailing India’s Rise as a Great Power

Is there some logic to Trump’s 25% tariff threat against India, or is this just more pique over his limited influence?

Unexpected China Factory Contraction Confirms Deflationary Headwinds, Overcapacity

China’s leaders admit to widespread overcapacity, such as in EVs and solar panels. Faillure to solve it could generate Japan-style deflation

CEOs Celebrate Even Bigger Wins in Class Warfare via Cutting Employment

CEOs are not just looting their companies but now the broader economy with the intensity of their headcount cutting.

The Post-Pandemic Disinflation: Low Sacrifice, High Prices

Central banks in advanced nations really do believe they did a masterful job of managing the post-Covid inflation. This article explains why

The EU-US Trade Deal: Von der Leyen Just Subordinated the EU as the US’ Largest-Ever Vassal State

The EU submits to Trump on trade and accepts further insult via required US investment and energy purchases

Fed’s Rates Not Restrictive for Markets. Financial Conditions Ultra-Loose. Manias Form, Margin Debt Blows Out, Junk Bonds Party in La-La-Land

Despite the Fed depicting its current rate policy as restrictive, manic pricing in many financial markets says otherwise.