How a complex global trade system has reduced poverty, raised incomes, increased productivity, and lowered prices while a trade war will reverse those trends. In this episode you’ll learn: Why does the U.S. run such a huge trade deficit with China. What has the U.S. tariff rate on imports been historically. How global trade decreased poverty. Why there are both good and bad unintended consequences. How businesses adapt to tariffs. Show Notes The Power Economy by John Oliver … [Read more...]
177: How Business Contributes To Income Inequality
How high profits and low investment by business in R&D and workers lead to income inequality. Why the current situation is unsustainable and what can be done about it. Photo by Oskar Krawczyk In this episode you’ll learn: Why isn't productivity improving as quickly as in prior decades. Why are profits too high. How does CEO compensation compare to what employee make. Why public shareholders don't actually own the company. What is the level of income inequality in … [Read more...]
154: Do Homeowner Tax Breaks Cause Homelessness?
How a transitioning economy, government regulation and tax policy have contributed to stagnating wages, rising housing costs, and homelessness. Photo by Mike Gabelmann In this episode you'll learn: How many people are homeless in the U.S. What is moral hazard. To what extent has household income stagnated while home prices have risen. What contributes to rising home prices. What low income housing programs are available and how much is spent on them versus tax breaks … [Read more...]
142: Why Are Some Nations Wealthier Than Others?
Poor nations work harder than rich ones. Why then are they still poor? In this episode you'll learn: What is GDP per capita and why it is the best way to compare wealth between nations. What is purchasing power parity. How physical capital, labor and total factor productivity contribute to economic growth. Why the mix of economic sectors impacts the wealth of a nation. How exponential growth leads to a radically unpredictable economy. Show Notes OECD Average … [Read more...]
141: The Universal Law You Need To Overcome To Thrive
How to overcome the second law of thermodynamics in investing and living. In this episode you'll learn: Why disorder and chaos is more common than order. How investing with index funds and ETFs helps combat disorder. Why poverty is more common than wealth. Why we must act to combine the utilitarian with the beautiful. Show Notes The Second Law of Thermodynamics - Steven Pinker - Edge Neanderthals Were People Too - Jon Mooallem - New York Times Just 8 Men Own … [Read more...]
