You can find some economic phenomenon in the things you do every hour. At least I tell my students that. So when I recently learned that I have a malignant carcinoma, it was hard to resist the challenge. Here are…
Why soaring soybean prices are stoking fears of global inflation
With soybeans passing $14.75 per bushel at many Minnesota country elevators, the ubiquitous oilseed is making world headlines. “Fears for return of global food inflation as soybean prices soar,” was the front-page headline in the Financial Times on April 30.…
What’s behind Social Security shortfall projections
A recent headline seemed clear: “Social Security will go broke in 2033.” The accompanying story described the latest projections for the Social Security trust funds. Everyone understands what it means to “go broke,” but most readers probably don’t understand exactly…
‘Gray market’ Supreme Court case much bigger than textbooks
A case the U.S. Supreme Court just agreed to hear about “gray-market goods” not only involves fascinating economic issues but might eventually affect all Americans. The case involves the legality of third parties importing and reselling goods that U.S. firms…