Category: Analysis

Dear Trump: Keep Government Out of Bitcoin

Two prominent American politicians want to get the government deeply involved in bitcoin. That does not bode well, either for bitcoin or for the government.

Euros & Dollars: Bad Timing for Lithuania’s Tax Hikes

Euros & Dollars: Bad Timing for Lithuania’s Tax Hikes

Combined with elevated unemployment, a stagnant economy spells trouble for the Lithuanians. To drop a package of tax hikes into this mix is to play with fire.

May 23, 2024
Euros & Dollars: ECB Facing High-Risk Rate Cut

Euros & Dollars: ECB Facing High-Risk Rate Cut

With inflation and the business cycle moving in very different directions across the euro zone, the ECB’s expected rate cut may end up being of no real economic consequence.

May 22, 2024
Brussels’ Tech Regulation Will Backfire

Brussels’ Tech Regulation Will Backfire

The initial reaction from both the tech industry and users has blurred the clarity of the act’s antitrust objectives.

Battle of the Billboards: Fidesz Prepares for Election Showdown

Battle of the Billboards: Fidesz Prepares for Election Showdown

The ruling Hungarian party has made the choice between war and peace its main campaign message.

May 22, 2024
Euros & Dollars: BRICS and the Future of the Dollar

Euros & Dollars: BRICS and the Future of the Dollar

After a record sale of U.S. debt, some analysts are suggesting that China and BRICS are waging a form of economic warfare on America. Is there any truth to this suggestion?

May 21, 2024
Brussels Under Pressure:  The Growing Revolt Against the EU’s Migration Policy

Brussels Under Pressure: The Growing Revolt Against the EU’s Migration Policy

How can the EU reconcile a common immigration policy with the fact that European public opinion is very worried about the arrival of immigrants?

May 20, 2024
Euros & Dollars: ‘Festive Forecasting’ from the European Commission

Euros & Dollars: ‘Festive Forecasting’ from the European Commission

When economists forecast with great accuracy, and when their forecasts produce eerily convenient numbers, it is wise to be cautious.

May 17, 2024
Drug Boss Prison Break Reveals Booming Drug Traffic in France

Drug Boss Prison Break Reveals Booming Drug Traffic in France

Senatorial report exposes state’s inadequate response to growing crisis

Riots in French New Caledonia: The Paradox of the Left

Riots in French New Caledonia: The Paradox of the Left

In support of independence activists, the French Left defends tradition, national identity, and sovereignty—as long as it concerns the Antipodes.

Euros & Dollars: Government Makes Inflation a Bigger Problem

Euros & Dollars: Government Makes Inflation a Bigger Problem

There is a distinct reason why inflation does not fall further. I am surprised nobody talks about it.

May 16, 2024
Euros & Dollars: Europe’s Public Finance Crisis

Euros & Dollars: Europe’s Public Finance Crisis

Inflation has given tax revenue an artificial boost over the past couple of years. Price stability is back now, yet government spending keeps growing at unsustainable rates.

May 15, 2024
Euros & Dollars: Beware of Economic Disaster Merchants

Euros & Dollars: Beware of Economic Disaster Merchants

What some pundits see as “propping up the bond market” are in reality desperate measures to prevent a major U.S. bank crisis.

May 14, 2024