How the Trump administration is using tariffs as a negotiating tool to weaken the U.S. dollar and increase the global competitiveness of U.S. manufacturers. Topics covered include: Why U.S. stocks are falling, and recession risk is increasing How the U.S. dollar as the reserve currency is becoming a burden on the U.S. How the Trump administration aims to reduce its trade deficit and make it less attractive for foreign governments to own U.S. assets What are the risks of … [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...]
254 Plus: Escalating Trade War, Timing of Investment Backtest and Investing in Mortgage Notes
In Plus episode 254 for the week of June 1, 2019, we look at the recent escalation of the trade war as it relates to Mexico and consider the potential impact on inflation. We review a backtest of delaying new investments until after a 5% loss in the stock market versus investing on a monthly basis. Finally, we look at buying and selling mortgage notes. … [Read more...]
251 Plus: Trade War Impact, Monetary Value, and High Yield Munis
In Plus episode 251 for the week of May 11, 2019, we look at the economic implications for the U.S. and China related to the escalation of the trade war with the imposition of higher tariffs. We take a closer look at what it means that money has value because federal governments demand taxes be paid in a designated currency. Finally, we look at the expected return and risk of high yield municipal bonds. … [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: 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...]
144: Trade Deficits Aren’t Always Bad. Trade Wars Are.
What causes trade deficits and how they can both help and hurt a country's economy. In this episode you'll learn: How GDP is calculated. How imports can both help and hurt an economy. How the balance of payment components of the current and capital accounts offset each other. How trade deficits can be caused by the amount of investment capital flowing into a country.. Show Notes Video of cleaning the beach in Tulum, Mexico Analysis of Trump's Economic Plan by … [Read more...]
