Warning: Today’s Post Will be even Wonkier Than Usual . . . Until recently the question of who pays tariffs (Paul Krugman) wasn’t controversial among economists. The overwhelming consensus was that under normal circumstances tariffs — taxes on imported goods — are passed on to consumers in the form of higher prices. There are caveats […]

 – by New Deal democrat In the past month, all of the various home price indexes have confirmed abating inflation in the shelter sector. This morning the FHFA and Case Shiller house price indexes were updated through December. Last week we got price information for new houses, and earlier in the month for existing homes. In this […]

Finally rested and can comment on Lloyd’s commentary. Definitely something the user of aluminum in products should read. Not all aluminum product are the same. Even so, it does offer a better use material in many instances. Is the aluminum can the key to a circular economy? Lloyd Alter Carbon Upfront! Is the aluminum can […]

 The State of the Union in Numbers. A Quick and Short Review In 2025, the economy expanded as GDP increased, inflation decreased slightly, and the size of imports and exports shifted. These and other measures provide a snapshot of economic activity, prices, and the labor market heading into 2026. How was the economy doing? In 2025, […]

This is why nations shouldn’t pay ransom. “The president reacted to the Supreme Court’s judgment by initially announcing a new universal 10% levy, using a different legal framework for the latest tariffs, but then increased the global tariff rate to 15% — the legal maximum which can be in place for 150 days before congressional […]

 – by New Deal democrat Last week’s Q4 GDP release, as usual, updated two long leading indicators: proprietors’ income (a placeholder for corporate profits, which won’t be reported until next month at the earliest), and private residential fixed investment, a proxy for housing. They were of particular interest this time because, while the normalized yield […]

There is quite a lot occurring with our fearless leader in charge who believes he can make decisions regardless of the results of his decision with regard to the Constitution. Congress can impose Tariffs. The president can not. “The Context You Need to Understand the Supreme Court’s Tariffs Decision,” Civil Discourse, Joyce Vance Thanks for […]

Erica York (VP Tax Foundation) discusses Trump’s imposing tariff, there being struct down and his reimposing other tariffs using Section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974. The president then has the authority to impose temporary restrictions such as tariffs or quotas on goods from other countries based on specific conditions. The temporary surcharge cannot exceed […]

Brief update on the impact of Trump’s efforts to bring Cubans and Cuba to its knees. A small nation which has not had much of an impact on the United States. At best Cuba is an annoyance to the U.S. Its ability to directly threaten U.S. security interests is limited. The United States can afford […]

Like most boomers, I’m retired. My retirement is funded by (a) a 403b defined contribution plan, (b) Social Security and (c) personal savings. I waited until age 70 for SS benefits, to max those out. Not everyone is so fortunate. “How’s this for a somber retirement forecast: The typical American worker has less than $1,000 […]