Category Archives: Free markets and their discontents

Libra Unraveling: Network of “Partners” Like Visa and Mastercard Refusing Even to Give Lip Service

Quelle surprise! Facebook’s touted Libra partners are getting cold feet.

The Implementation Flaw in Warren’s Wealth Tax

There are better ways to skin fat cats than Warren’s wealth tax.

Secular Stagnation: The Limits of Conventional Wisdom

The debate over secular stagnation continues, yet orthodox economists are loath to admit that the needed fix is more demand, which means more government spending.

Mark Carney’s Trojan Unicorn — Are Central Banks Considering Stealth Nationalization in Sovereign Digital Currencies?

Mark Carney talks about digital soverign currencies. But is he really describing nationalization? And if so, whither the commercial banks?

Rural Hospital Closings Reach Crisis Stage, Leaving Millions Without Nearby Health Care

How rural hospital closures have serious knock-on effects.

The Cost/Benefit Analysis of No Deal

Looking at the contours of a No Deal Brexit.

The Knock-On Consequences of the US-China Trade Tariffs on Global Value Chains

Looking at the math of the impact of tariffs on global value chains.

Coral Reefs, Climate Change, and Mobilization

Coral reefs can be saved. So let’s mobilize to do it.

Why Cheaper Drugs from Canada Likely Won’t Cure What Ails US

Why importing drugs from Canada is a band-aid on a gunshot wound.

Wolf Richter: How Employees & Employers Get Bled by Health Insurance

Health insurance costs will kill you if your medical issues don’t get you first.

Who Advocates For Surprise Medical Billing? – Private Equity Hides Behind Physicians’ White Coats

Private equity is a danger to your health via its role in suprise billing. To hang onto its meal ticket, it is funding dark money group and ads to block legislation.

Michael Hudson: Asset-Price Inflation and Rent Seeking

A meaty new paper by Michael Hudson.