Practical Economics
Federal Debt: A Heavy Load
Federal Debt: A Heavy Load
The debt continues to grow, but record-low interest rates could ease the long-term damage.
December 22, 2020
How the Fed's Moves Affect You
How the Fed's Moves Affect You
It’s pumping trillions of dollars into the economy and keeping rates near zero. Savers are sunk, but borrowers get a boost.
July 2, 2020
U.S. Manufacturing Is Already Ailing from Coronavirus
U.S. Manufacturing Is Already Ailing from Coronavirus
Supplies are hard to come by, and in the longer-term demand may be at risk.
March 9, 2020
Consumers Will Feel Impact of Rapidly Falling Interest Rates
Consumers Will Feel Impact of Rapidly Falling Interest Rates
Mortgage and car loans will experience the most significant dips, while some holders of Treasuries may get a slight boost.
March 7, 2020
Is a Recession Imminent?
Is a Recession Imminent?
Shoppers will have to carry the load for now because weak business investment shows no sign of perking up anytime soon. Odds are, they’ll be able to.
August 26, 2019
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Will You Have to Pay More Sales Taxes on Your Online Purchases?
Will You Have to Pay More Sales Taxes on Your Online Purchases?
One thing’s for sure: Consumers who live in one of the five states without a sales tax won’t be affected by the Supreme Court’s ruling.
June 21, 2018
3 Factors That Could Drive the Next Recession
3 Factors That Could Drive the Next Recession
The economy is humming along nicely, but how long can the good times continue?
June 12, 2018
What to Expect From the New Fed Chief
What to Expect From the New Fed Chief
By and large, Jerome Powell will move along the path set by his predecessor.
January 8, 2018
How a Border Tax Would Affect You
How a Border Tax Would Affect You
A plan to limit imports could raise prices but also create more jobs.
April 12, 2017
A Housing Shortage Looms: Builders Can’t Keep Up
A Housing Shortage Looms: Builders Can’t Keep Up
Starter homes especially are becoming scarce.
September 20, 2016
Is Credit-Card Debt Out of Control?
Is Credit-Card Debt Out of Control?
Balances are on the rise, but defaults are still low.
September 6, 2016
Help Wanted in America: Skilled Workers
Help Wanted in America: Skilled Workers
In an ever-more-competitive job market, technology increases the need for skilled workers.
June 24, 2016
The Unintended Consequences of a Boost in Overtime Pay
The Unintended Consequences of a Boost in Overtime Pay
New rules mean millions more employees will be overtime-eligible. But will employers find workarounds?
June 21, 2016
America's Perilous National Debt
America's Perilous National Debt
At $14 trillion and climbing, it's like "termites in the basement."
June 2, 2016
U.S. Economy to Perk Up in Second Half
U.S. Economy to Perk Up in Second Half
Consumers are recovering from a swoon induced by a wobbly stock market. But energy, other sectors will continue to struggle.
May 6, 2016
Savers Feel the Pain of Low Interest Rates
Savers Feel the Pain of Low Interest Rates
The Fed's low-rate policy has cost U.S. savers $470 billion.
May 3, 2016
Improving Prospects for Most Small Businesses
Improving Prospects for Most Small Businesses
Firms in the housing and tourism sectors can prosper as home sales surge and low gas prices encourage more travel.
March 29, 2016
Is the Stock Market Signaling a Recession Ahead?
Is the Stock Market Signaling a Recession Ahead?
Sinking stocks don't necessarily presage an economic downturn.
March 12, 2016
2016: A Second Good Year for Housing
2016: A Second Good Year for Housing
The housing market picked up last year in many areas of the U.S. Look for it to grow as well or better this year.
February 29, 2016
No Recession Brewing for U.S. Economy
No Recession Brewing for U.S. Economy
Barring some serious shock, the economy overall should still post a good, albeit not great, year.
February 9, 2016
Jobs and Hiring Outlook, 2016
Jobs and Hiring Outlook, 2016
Tech and health care continue to lead the fields where jobs go wanting. Employers who need to fill those slots will have to pick up their game.
December 15, 2015
What's in Store for Investors, Savers in 2016
What's in Store for Investors, Savers in 2016
Look for more bumps ahead, but a bear market is unlikely.
December 11, 2015
Learn What the Fed's Eventual Rate Increase Means to You
Learn What the Fed's Eventual Rate Increase Means to You
Slightly higher loan payments and short-term market volatility are in the cards.
September 20, 2015
Where the Housing Market Is Headed in Late 2015
Where the Housing Market Is Headed in Late 2015
First-time home buyers will be a big driver of this market's recovery.
July 25, 2015
Look for the Economy to Heat Up
Look for the Economy to Heat Up
More jobs, higher incomes are poised to fuel growth.
May 21, 2015
Economist: We're Taxing the Wrong Things
Economist: We're Taxing the Wrong Things
Arthur Laffer is sticking to his guns about the hazards of over-taxing the economy.
May 7, 2015