Sven R Larson, Ph.D., has worked as a staff economist for think tanks and as an advisor to political campaigns. He is the author of several academic papers and books. His writings concentrate on the welfare state, how it causes economic stagnation, and the reforms needed to reduce the negative impact of big government. On Twitter, he is @S_R_Larson and he writes regularly at Larson’s Political Economy on Substack.
Euros & Dollars: U.S. Treasury Is Finally Waking Up

Euros & Dollars: U.S. Treasury Is Finally Waking Up

Finally, the U.S. Treasury is doing something to curb the rise in debt costs. But is it too late already to prevent a fiscal crisis in America?

February 1, 2024
Euros & Dollars: Hungary’s Central Bank Cuts Interest Rates

Euros & Dollars: Hungary’s Central Bank Cuts Interest Rates

This was a bold move by one of Europe’s best-run monetary authorities.

January 31, 2024
Euros & Dollars: Still No U.S. Recession in Sight

Euros & Dollars: Still No U.S. Recession in Sight

Those who expect a U.S. recession will have to wait a little longer, but there are some details in the latest GDP numbers that suggest an economic downturn is indeed on its way.

January 30, 2024
Trump the Winner? Not So Fast

Trump the Winner? Not So Fast

Many Republicans have declared Trump the presumptive winner of the Republican primaries. They may have spoken too soon. New Hampshire opened a victory path for Nikki Haley.

January 27, 2024
Euros & Dollars: Government Causes Finnish Economic Stagnation

Euros & Dollars: Government Causes Finnish Economic Stagnation

Finnish unions threaten to strike in February over government cuts to social benefits. They forget the massive, destructive government growth that took place 15 years ago.

January 26, 2024
Euros & Dollars: The ECB Just Made a Big Mistake

Euros & Dollars: The ECB Just Made a Big Mistake

The ECB chief just ruled out raising interest rates. This is a big mistake that can cost the euro zone dearly in the coming recession.

January 25, 2024
Euros & Dollars: EU Interest Rates Rise at a Bad Time

Euros & Dollars: EU Interest Rates Rise at a Bad Time

European interest rates rise and fall closely with American rates. This can be good for Europe, but it can also be bad, especially if America is hit by a fiscal crisis.

January 24, 2024
Euros & Dollars: U.S. Interest Rates Have Stopped Falling

Euros & Dollars: U.S. Interest Rates Have Stopped Falling

After months of falling, U.S. interest rates are rising again. There is no apparent economic reason for this, which suggests that investors are worried about government solvency.

January 23, 2024
Should Conservatives Vote for Trump?

Should Conservatives Vote for Trump?

Between social values, patriotism, and the economy, U.S. conservatives will have to decide which issues matter most.

January 20, 2024
Euros & Dollars: Two Problems with EU’s New Fiscal Rules

Euros & Dollars: Two Problems with EU’s New Fiscal Rules

The EU’s new fiscal rules are supposed to solve the problem with member state budget deficits. But so far, neither the European Parliament nor the European Council has addressed the two biggest problems with their reform efforts.

January 19, 2024
Euros & Dollars: Federal Reserve Predicts Economic Slowdown

Euros & Dollars: Federal Reserve Predicts Economic Slowdown

The U.S. central bank is predicting an economic slowdown, but their numbers are only preliminary. Here is what data to look for in the coming weeks to see if they are correct.

January 18, 2024
Euros & Dollars: Britain Is Losing Brexit

Euros & Dollars: Britain Is Losing Brexit

The British economy has stopped growing. Despite Remainers’ claims, Brexit is not to blame.

January 17, 2024