MLK Day has an especially poignant significance this year. My best wishes to everyone as we take time to truly remember Dr. King’s legacy and sacrifice–may we all strive to realize his highest ideals.
Canada Launches Wide-Ranging Case against US at WTO
An important development in North American trade matters not involving NAFTA happened this week. According to Reuters, Canada launched a complaint against the US last week, challenging Washington’s use of anti-dumping and anti-subsidy duties. Tom Miles goes on to report … Continue Reading
Lots of cryptocurrency news coming from Asia’s regulators
It’s been a busy (and not terribly positive) week for cryptocurrencies in Asia. First, South Korea, one of the busiest hubs for the trading of cryptocurrencies, made the unexpected announcement that the government is exploring plans to ban trading of … Continue Reading
The Falling Dollar is Impacting China’s Management of the Yuan and US Treasury Purchases
Two notable changes are coming to China’s approach to international finance, both closely tied to the precipitous decline of the US dollar in 2017. First, the PBOC has changed the way its manages the currency by suspending (though not formally … Continue Reading
US Trade Deficit Grows to Six Year High
US News and World Report has noted that the US trade deficit has risen, unexpectedly, to six year highs: The Commerce Department said on Friday the trade gap widened 3.2 percent to $50.5 billion. That was the highest level since … Continue Reading
The Bank of Israel classifies bitcoin as an asset and not a currency—but does it create future challenges for a state-backed digital currency?
Like many central banks, the Bank of Israel was presented with the question of whether bitcoin was an asset or a currency. Its response was not entirely surprising, especially in light of the persistent concerns surrounding the coin’s safety … Continue Reading
Britain in (highly unusual) talks to join TPP
After months of speculation, reports are emerging that the UK is in talks to join the Trans-Pacific Partnership to stimulate exports after leaving the European Union. Such a move would be extremely unusual. Indeed, it would prove one of the few … Continue Reading
Bitcoin Transaction Prices Rise–and it’s (partially) Technology’s Fault
Questions continue to mount as to the increasing expenses associated with bitcoin transactions. Business insider reports: [A]s bitcoin has soared in popularity it’s become too expensive to use in small transactions. The problem came to a head in early December, … Continue Reading
Would a bitcoin slump impact equity markets?
More and more, you’re hearing some worries surface that a slumping bitcoin market could spill over into equities. I suppose that’s often true wherever asset prices fall, especially when it comes to market sentiment and psychology, though I’m not convinced … Continue Reading
Wages down post-Brexit UK
The title here says it all. But the extent and duration remain subject to some debate. David Blanchflower argues in the Guardian: The flow of migrants into the UK, who grease the wheels of the labour market, is now at … Continue Reading