Economics Archives

Exploitation of the Poor: 4 Ways the Rich Keep Them Down

Why are some people poor? Are they keeping themselves down, or are they victims of others who don’t want them to succeed? In Poverty, by America, social scientist Matthew Desmond explores how and why the commonly cited explanations for poverty fall flat. Then he turns his attention to what he believes does explain the persistence of poverty in America. Read on to learn why Desmond thinks the exploitation of the poor is a reality in the US.

Real Estate Speculation in the US Housing Market

How has real estate speculation influenced the US housing market? What does it mean to form a speculative bubble? Real estate speculation drove unparalleled growth in the US housing market from the late 1990s to the early 2000s, but since this growth was based on speculation, it was unsustainable. Learning how this happens can help you avoid getting investments caught in a speculative bubble. Keep reading to discover how speculative bubbles have formed in the US housing market in the past.

Poverty, by America Quotes by Matthew Desmond (With Context)

Which developed nation has the most poverty? What effect does poverty have on people? Which comes first: economic security or better choices? In Poverty, by America, Matthew Desmond argues that poverty in the US persists because it benefits many Americans to keep a share of their fellow Americans in a state of want. He issues a call to arms to readers to examine their role in benefiting from and perpetuating the cycle of poverty. Read more for several Poverty, by America quotes that provide insights into the book’s ideas.

Efficient Market Hypothesis: Explained With Counterarguments

How a Passive Investment Strategy Wins Big

How is the efficient market hypothesis explained by experts? What does it mean, and what are some counterarguments? The efficient market hypothesis, explained by financial experts, concludes that securities are always priced accurately due to the nature of the market. By understanding this hypothesis and the counterarguments to it, you’ll have a better understanding of how markets work. Learn more about the efficient market hypothesis from all angles.

The Dotcom Boom and Bust: Feedback Loops and Bubbles

What caused the dotcom boom and bust? How does the theory of speculative bubbles explain what happened? The dotcom boom and bust was caused by feedback loops in which investors responded to increasing prices by pushing prices even higher. To understand how this happened, we need to take a closer look at each factor that influenced how investors speculated. Continue reading to learn what caused the dotcom bubble to form and then burst in the early 2000s.

Speculation and the Stock Market Crash: A Look at Media Influence

What’s the relationship between speculation and the stock market crash? How did the media influence investors? In both 1929 and 1987, speculation and the stock market crash were deeply intertwined. A look at media coverage at the time shows how speculation set the stage for each crash. Let’s consider how speculative bubbles influenced by the media led to major stock market crashes in history.

Closing Pharmacies Across the US Spark Panic

Why are many US pharmacies closing? What does that mean for the local communities? Major pharmacy chains like Rite Aid, CVS, and Walgreens are closing hundreds of stores, creating “pharmacy deserts.” Continued pharmacy closures could exacerbate healthcare disparities, necessitating new approaches for equitable access to vital medications and health services in all communities. Continue reading to learn about the reason for the closing pharmacies and the potential effects.

Robert Shiller’s Narrative Economics: Overview & Takeaways

What can we learn about economics by taking a “narrative” approach? How can such a perspective help us predict future economic events? Robert Shiller’s Narrative Economics acknowledges that numbers and statistics often take center stage in economics. But, we often overlook the influence of narratives and popular ideas. The book shows what we can learn about economics when we consider these additional factors. Continue reading for an overview of this book that encourages us to look broader and deeper to understand our world.

Robert Shiller: Bitcoin’s Value Is Tied to Its Narrative

Do you own Bitcoin or other cryptocurrency? Is investing in Bitcoin a good idea? According to Robert Shiller, Bitcoin provides an excellent example of the power of an economic narrative. He explains the fascinating Bitcoin narrative within a larger discussion of how we understand and predict economic behaviors in a qualitative rather than quantitative way. Read more to learn about the Bitcoin narrative and why it’s compelling to so many.

Economic Growth of the 1920s and 1950s: New-Era Thinking

What caused the economic growth of the 1920s? In what ways was this similar to the 1950s economic boom? The economic growth of the 1920s and the 1950s economic boom was caused by “new era” economics, a mindset where investors began to believe that market growth would continue for a long period of time due to cultural changes. To understand why these booms happened, you need to understand this mindset. Learn what caused the economic growth of the 1920s and 1950s and how new-era thinking contributed.