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: 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
Euros & Dollars: Recession and Austerity in Germany

Euros & Dollars: Recession and Austerity in Germany

With their economy in a recession, the Bundestag may be forced to subject the Germans to harsh austerity policies, whether they want it or not.

January 16, 2024
Nikki Haley and the Neocon Kingmakers

Nikki Haley and the Neocon Kingmakers

The neocon political machine has decided that Nikki Haley can defeat Donald Trump in the primaries. But does she really have a chance to do it?

January 13, 2024
Euros & Dollars: Stop Dramatizing U.S. Inflation!

Euros & Dollars: Stop Dramatizing U.S. Inflation!

This week, the media made a big deal out of the December numbers on U.S. inflation. There was no reason for that.

January 12, 2024
Euros & Dollars: Debt Is America’s Biggest Revenue Source

Euros & Dollars: Debt Is America’s Biggest Revenue Source

The U.S. government now borrows 35 cents of every dollar it spends. Congress, meanwhile, is busy trying to keep the offices of the federal government open.

January 11, 2024
Euros & Dollars: Fiscal Muscles for Brussels, Part II

Euros & Dollars: Fiscal Muscles for Brussels, Part II

The EU hints that it wants to get involved in health care funding. If it does, it could disrupt national health care models and grow government at the expense of other ways to pay for medical services.

January 10, 2024