What will the impact be now that the U.S. has one of the highest tariff rates in the world? Topics covered include: Why the Trump administration raised tariffs How the last round of U.S. tariffs led to higher prices and lower economic growth Four ways the world remains close to record connectivity Who have been the winners and losers from global trade What will be the impact of this trade war Show Notes The economic consequences of Mr Trump – looking for clarity … [Read more...]
516: What Trump Wants Part 2 – How Trade Deficits and Capital Flows Can Harm or Help Countries
How trade deficits are making the U.S. poorer, while in the past they have made the U.S. wealthier. Topics covered include: Two ways countries can increase their competitiveness How savings always equals investment Why excess savings flows to the U.S. leading to a drop in U.S. domestic savings Why the U.S. current trade situation could lead to a debt crisis Show Notes Why U.S. Debt Must Continue to Rise by Michael Pettis—Carnegie Endowment Could Trump devalue … [Read more...]
427: Did the Tariffs Work? The Trade War Five Years Later
What has been the impact on trade and the trade deficit since the U.S. implemented tariffs on steel, aluminum, and goods made in China? Topics covered include: Has the shipping backlog been reduced at U.S. ports What are the dangers of running too high of a trade deficit How large is the U.S. trade deficit What has been the impact of U.S. tariffs on trade, domestic production, and prices How Chinese direct-to-consumer retail companies Shein and Temu are driving prices of … [Read more...]
320: Somebody Won the Election. Now What?
As we await the U.S. presidential election results, we review the results of the Trump Administration's economic policies to see if Americans are better off financially than they were four years ago. Topics covered include: Why pollsters and election models can be wrongWhy the state of the economy often drives election outcomesWhat has been the economic impact of the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs ActWhat has been the impact of the U.S. trade war with ChinaHow have poverty and health insurance … [Read more...]
280: Travel and the Trust Economy
I forgot to retrieve my bank card at an ATM at the Mexico City airport. A woman behind me in line walked up to the ATM and chose not to let me know about my card. Instead, within 30 minutes there were three fraudulent transactions on my card for items purchased at convenience stores near the airport. The amount charged was $120. My trust in others was diminished a bit after that incident. It got me wondering to what extent do individuals in different countries trust each other and is there a … [Read more...]
218: Is China or the U.S. More Vulnerable?
What are the headwinds facing China that could slow economic growth, but still could lead to China growing faster than the U.S. Also, what is going on with Turkey and are other emerging market countries vulnerable to the same plight? Photo by Hanson Lu In this episode you’ll learn: What are valuation differences between the U.S. and China..What is a balance of payment crisis.What is driving the current economic crisis is Turkey.What headwinds does China face that make it more … [Read more...]
212 Plus: Laddered Short-term Treasuries versus Short Term Bond ETF
This week July 14, 2018, we compare investing in a short-term bond ETF versus buying and holding one and two year Treasury bonds. We answer a members question about hiring an outside money manager once he is married. We look at the new U.S. tax law on the price of real estate in New York City. 212 Plus View and Listen To Other Plus Episodes Audio Download Download the audio file Transcript Welcome to Money for the Rest of Us, Plus. This is the companion episode to episode 212. Trade wars … [Read more...]
212: Trade Wars Increase Prices and Poverty
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...]
195: Has A Trade War Begun?
Why duties and other actions are necessary to address trade disputes, but across the board tariffs are a blunt instrument that can lead to a devastating trade war and global recession. In this episode you’ll learn: Why trade deficits are not always bad.How frequently has the U.S. government taken trade actions to protect national security.To what extent have steel and aluminum imports harmed U.S. domestic producers.What are the risks of using across the board tariffs … [Read more...]
190: How To Keep Up With Inflation
What investments are best for maintaining purchasing power relative to inflation. Using the pencil as an example, how inflationary and deflationary forces work together over decades to determine the price of product. Photo by Sy In this episode you’ll learn: What were some reasons for the great inflation during the 1970s.How productivity increases and new technology contribute to deflationary pressures.How quality improvements factors into inflation calculations.How … [Read more...]
