A Drop in Consumer Sentiment: Economic Consequences and Policy Impacts
America / Economy / Politics / Tariffs / U.S. Domestic Policy

A Drop in Consumer Sentiment: Economic Consequences and Policy Impacts

Executive Summary Introduction The Council of Economic Advisers (CEA) provides research and analyses to the Executive branch to inform policy directives. CEA Chair Stepehen Miran appeared on CNBC on March 25th amid economic uncertainty, stating he does not believe there is a strong relationship between consumer sentiment and consumer spending. Consumer sentiment is tracked in detail by … Continue reading

Impact of Retail Electricity Deregulation on Consumer Prices: A Difference-in-Difference Approach
Energy / Environmental Regulation / Politics / Regulation / U.S. Domestic Policy

Impact of Retail Electricity Deregulation on Consumer Prices: A Difference-in-Difference Approach

Executive Summary Introduction Electricity has become the most fundamental commodity in the United States. Its growing influence underpins nearly every major industry. It powers homes, infrastructure, and manufacturing. Innovation and technological development for the entire economy depends on efficient and reliable energy transmission.  Utilities markets in the U.S. have historically been viewed as natural monopolies. … Continue reading

Are the Elderly Hurt More by Inflation? A Glimpse Inside the Housing Market
Economy

Are the Elderly Hurt More by Inflation? A Glimpse Inside the Housing Market

Executive Summary Introduction The Consumer Price Index (CPI) is a measure of the change in prices in a typical consumers basket. The elderly tend to consume a different bundle of goods compared to the typical consumer. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) has introduced an experimental CPI, labeled CPI-E, to determine the relative importance of bundles for … Continue reading

Tax / Taxes

The Possible Effects of Pillar Two Taxation on the United States

Executive Summary  Introduction  The Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) proposed a two-pillar international taxation agreement aimed at taxing digital companies and reducing profit shifting. Pillar two aims to create a minimum international corporate tax of 15% on multinational companies that bring in revenue of over €750m a year ($810 million). This tax can … Continue reading

Economy / Tax

The OECD and UN International Tax Proposals

Executive Summary  Introduction  The Orginisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) has proposed and revised an international tax agreement that contains two pillars. Pillar one aims to reallocate taxation of digital multinational companies and multinational companies with intangible assets. Pillar two aims to impose a minimum global tax on multi-national companies, while preventing double taxation. … Continue reading

Volcker and The Capital Asset Pricing Model: Enforcing Ineffective Regulation Since 2013?
Economy / Fiscal policy / Regulation / U.S. Domestic Policy

Volcker and The Capital Asset Pricing Model: Enforcing Ineffective Regulation Since 2013?

One fundamental principle of financial markets is the relationship between risk and return. This tenet is reflected in the Capital Asset Pricing Model (CAPM), the workhorse of security pricing, where the return required by investors is measured by adding the risk free rate (such as a treasury bond) to a market risk premium, adjusted for … Continue reading

Medicaid Expansion: ‘Free’ Federal Money?
America / Economy / Healthcare / Medicaid / Politics

Medicaid Expansion: ‘Free’ Federal Money?

Figure 1. States position on Medicaid Expansion under the ACA. Via: The Advisory Board Company To expand, or not to expand Medicaid, that is the question. Why are some states skeptical about Medicaid expansion and making the assumption that the “plan is [too] costly?” If the states expand their Medicaid program, they would receive federal … Continue reading