Economics

According to experts, the plunge in oil prices renews weaknesses within the already worrying global economy, which could shake up governments that depend largely on oil-based revenue. At the same time, reduced oil prices could provide benefits to consumers, giving...

The combination of the outright deflation in the Eurozone and the seemingly immunity of the US economy to the poor global developments has encouraged investors to extend the dollar's gains.  The euro has been pushed below $1.18.  Sterling neared $1.50....

Low oil prices today may be setting the world up for an oil shortage as early as 2016.  Today we have just 2% more crude oil supply than demand and the price of gasoline is under $2.00/gallon in Texas.  If...

With the resounding Republican victory in November’s midterm elections, most pundits are despairing that Congress and President Barack Obama will find any areas for cooperation in the coming two years. If there is a potential bright spot of mutual interest,...

The issue of increasing obesity levels throughout the world is gaining weight as an economic issue. Today, approximately one third of the world's population is obese or overweight.  As a result, the plague of obesity is creating an economic drain...

Amidst a declining currency and lower revenue from an oil glut, energy-exporter Russia continues to boost production. Amidst a declining currency and lower revenue from an oil glut, energy-exporter Russia continues to boost production.Russian oil output rose 0.3% in December...

The US dollar began the New Year with strong gains against both major and emerging market currencies.  Comments from the BOJ's Kuroda and ECB's Draghi underscore the divergence between the US and other high-income countries.  The former discussed other tools...

French economist Thomas Piketty rejected an honor from the French government, dismissing the award and urging French policymakers to focus on growth.Saying that it is not government’s role to decide who is honorable, Piketty rejected the Legion d’Honneur, an award...

American home prices fell slightly in the latest data, but consumer confidence has reached a yearlong high as cheap oil spurs higher consumption.The S&P Case-Shiller index saw a 4.5% year-over-year rise in home prices, but that included a 0.1% month-over-month...

The approaching New Year thins market participation.  This makes for some choppy price action.  The result is weaker equity markets and a softer US dollar.  The greenback is lower against the euro and sterling.  Sterling held just above $1.55 in...

Several economists at investment banks have predicted strong and improving economic growth in 2015, leading to growing confidence in higher interest rates for U.S. bonds.Goldman Sachs has published its forecasts for 2015, which predict global GDP growth of 3.4%, above...

The oil price drop that has dominated the headlines in recent weeks has been framed almost exclusively in terms of oil market economics, with most media outlets blaming Saudi Arabia, through its OPEC Trojan horse, for driving down the price,...

The Federal Reserve is optimistic about economic conditions, and many in the central bank are predicting more Americans will find full-time work in 2015. The Federal Reserve is optimistic about economic conditions, and many in the central bank are predicting...

Prime Minister Abe’s decision to call a snap election paid off big time for him and for the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP). The LDP and its coalition partner the Komeito emerged from the election with its two-thirds majority in the...

The 2014 Japanese election result was no more or less than a victory for the political status quo. All it did was reaffirm the Liberal Democratic Party’s (LDP) predominance and the opposition parties’ collective weakness. The 2014 Japanese election result...