Relevant and even prescient commentary on news, politics and the economy.

Fixing the 340B Program, a Critical Safety Net for Uninsured and Low-Income Patients-Part 2

Fixing a Critical Safety Net Program: 340B, Third Way, Darbin Wofford and David Kendall – Part 2 The Solution: A Patient-Centered 340B Program The 340B program is an essential tool for uninsured and vulnerable patients to access lifesaving medicines. But program discounts should improve patient access and lower costs—not pad hospital profits and incentivize further […]

A holly jolly holiday season for initial jobless claims

It appears there will be no layoffs pre-Christmas and Christmas. After Christmas, the delays in implementing EVs at GM will result in layoffs in Michigan. A holly jolly holiday season for initial jobless claims  – by New Deal democrat Initial jobless claims rose 2,000 last week to 205,000, while the four-week average declined -1,500 to […]

Fixing the 340B Program, a Critical Safety Net for Uninsured and Low-Income Patients -Part 1

Angry Bear has posted about the 340B Drug Pricing program several times now. What is key to this program is it making available medicines which are out of reach for those who are lower income and uninsured patients. However, the program is being used to divert funding to other hospital facilities. Some are going as […]

Existing home sales try to find a bottom, while severe bifurcation with new home market continues

In my lingo, existing home sales still down and mortgage rates for new homes still high. Builders are doing what they can do to encourage sales. New Deal democrat gives a clearer view and a hint of an outcome. Read on . . . Existing home sales try to find a bottom, while severe bifurcation […]

Continuing the Chat with AI On Better Government

J.P. asks AI to summarize their discussion on better government from the other day. J.P. McJefferson: “Chatting With AI On Better Government,” jpmcjefferson.blogspot.com. ME (J.P.) This discussion we’ve been having is somewhat long and detailed. I’m afraid people may not have the time to read it all. Do you think there is any way you […]

Trade the Southern Border for Ukraine and Israel

Parts of the Mexican border are already closed due to the influx of migrants. Puerto Peñasco or Rocky Point and Lukeville crossing, Eagle Pass and Piedras Negras, San Ysidro, etc. and several rail crossings. Reader Jim Han offered up a Thom Hartmann commentary suggesting Dems take the deal Repubs are offering up. Thom also points the […]

Housing under construction continues to levitate

Housing under construction continues to levitate  – by New Deal democrat Although they aren’t the most leading of housing metrics, because of supply-chain issues during the pandemic, housing units under construction has been the most important one, because they represent the actual economic activity of construction. With the exception of 2001, which was an investment-led […]

Have wages “really” increased since before the pandemic?

Have wages “really” increased since before the pandemic?  – by New Deal democrat All of the remaining 2023 data – housing sales and construction, and personal income and spending, as well as the Index of Leading Indicators – will be reported this week. After Christmas, only initial claims will be reported next week. Today there […]

New Deal democrats Weekly Indicators for December 11 – 15 2023

 – by New Deal democrat My “Weekly Indicators” post is up at Seeking Alpha. The big decline in long term interest rates this week in the wake of the Fed’s announced “pivot” towards lowering rates created one of the biggest changes in the long leading indicators for several years. Meanwhile most of the coincident indicators continue to […]