The US Has A Budgeting Problem…Not Exactly A Debt Ceiling Issue
The U.S. Congress should consider switching from a federal debt ceiling as a nominal value to one fixed as a percentage of GDP. This debt ceiling should, on the one hand, be high enough that the government cannot reasonably cross it, but punitive enough that it disincentivizes profligate spending. This will save the U.S. from the annual political theater that occurs around debt ceiling talks and focus the discussion on the federal budget (and potentially taking revenue and spending decisions to actually control the deficit)…
The Fed, Investment Firms, And Rising Interest Rates
There are some simple life lessons in business: It is hard to be liked by all people and it is hard to be liked all the time. Leaders at central banks and investment firms know this very well… today’s economic crisis will likely end with a simple reminder of these lessons…
The Global War For Talent Is Expanding…
The tech war between countries is well-established – the U.S. and China being the least coy about this battle. There is another (more subtle) war happening…the battle for talent is quietly turning into a more global competition….
Is Mali The French Version Of Afghanistan (With Some Caveats)?
Many are wondering whether French President Emmanuel Macron’s entanglement in the Sahel is analogous to the troubles that foreign powers have faced in Afghanistan. The Wagner Group (and Russia) will likely determine the answer…
Sunak, Scholz, Macron, and…where is Meloni?
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni is quietly doing her share to help Italy and greater Europe with little applause…
A Few Takeaways from the China brokered Saudi-Iran Deal
A China brokered Saudi-Iran deal will force the U.S. to further rethink its strategy with Saudi Arabia and the greater Middle East…
A Few Takeaways From The Failure of Silicon Valley Bank (…And Signature Bank)
In the midst of the SVB discussion, there are a few takeaways that should not be understated…
As Energy Transition Goes, 2023 Is The Year of Corporate Utilities
Public discussion has largely focused on the push for expanded use of renewable energy and the related investment required to bring those energy sources online. Yet the success of the Biden energy policy depends on the ability of utility companies to fund a significant amount of capex, in particular for transmission and distribution, in the near term…
Three Inputs Often Overlooked In The Energy Transition Process
Recent legislation in the U.S. and Europe (and a war in Ukraine) is accelerating energy transition. Yet, the overhaul of policy requires significant change in other aspects of the economic system and individual livelihoods – in particular, the limited resources of metals and rare earth elements, water and land become significantly more important.
