Economy Aug 24 Author of ‘Cheap’ Answers (More of) Your Questions Editor’s note: Paul recently sat down with author and professor Ellen Ruppel Shell to discuss her new book, Cheap: The High Cost of Discount Culture. At the heart of Shell’s premise is the idea that our love of…
Economy Jul 10 By Saving on Cheap Goods and Services, Do We Pay More in the End? Question: During a recent story about the demise of the auto industry, there was clip of a Model T Ford driving through the Ford Museum. The narration made the point that one of the things that made Henry Ford successful…
Economy Apr 30 Why Is the Gold Standard a Bad Idea? Question: Why is the gold standard such a bad idea? I know it is a discredited system, but having never studied economics, I don’t understand why. Right now, is our money just some arbitrary amount issued by the Federal Reserve?…
Economy Apr 17 Why Doesn’t the Yuan Trade Like Other Currencies? Question: Why don’t we let the yuan trade like other currencies? Even now, the yuan has an 20 percent or higher edge on other currencies because of the existing rules. Paul Solman: Now, now, Maya, as my dad used to…
Apr 15 Can We Prepare for Inflation? Editor’s Note: The government reported Wednesday that consumer prices fell in March, indicating a weakened demand for goods and services. But while this price drop raises the specter of deflation, many economists contend that the real risk to… Continue reading
Jan 02 Can You Explain Why Our Economy Seems to Only Work As Long As We Buy Lots of Cars and Other Consumer Goods? Question/Comment: Can you help me understand why our economy seems to work only as long as we buy lots of cars and other consumer goods, some of which aren’t really necessities? Isn’t there some other way, at least in theory,… Continue reading
Jan 11 How does China control the exchange rate of its currency? This installment’s “guest vetter” is Martin Neil Baily, now with the Brookings Institution. He was chairman of President Bill Clinton’s Council of Economic Advisors and is a certified VKP (very knowledgeable person). If you… Continue reading