America’s Trade Deficit: An Enormous Concern

Another milestone (or more accurately millstone) was recently passed by the U.S. economy as the January trade deficit surged to an all-time record high of $107.6 billion, up some $26 billion from December’s $80.7 billion imbalance.* Like the gigantic federal budget deficit, the trade imbalance is no longer talked about by the financial press.  There … Continue reading America’s Trade Deficit: An Enormous Concern

Memo to The Donald: Cut Tariffs NOT Rates

So far, President Trump’s economic response to a potential coronavirus outbreak and a further stock market sell off has been expected – calls for more interest rate cuts and an additional round of monetary stimulus.  For the stock market, economy, and the virus itself, neither measure will have their desired effect and, in fact, may … Continue reading Memo to The Donald: Cut Tariffs NOT Rates

The Ethics of a Gold Standard

The efficacy of a metallic monetary system is beyond dispute at least among real economists which eliminates just about 95% of whom are now engaged in the “profession.”  Money, which gold is, allows for specialization, the division of labor, and provides the means for mankind to escape from barter and, thus, a primitive existence.  Like … Continue reading The Ethics of a Gold Standard