Economic Ideas

September 2, 2018

How a Behavioral Economist Explains a Frappuccino Problem

Since 1995, many of us have been consuming shamelessly decadent Frappuccinos. Just one Ultra Caramel Frappuccino with dark caramel coffee, layers of whipped cream (each topped […]

August 29, 2018

Why You Might Want Some “Price Gouging”

Called "price gouging" by many of us, an increase in prices as a hurricane approaches could be a productive incentive for supply and demand.

August 24, 2018

When a Tax Rate Is Not as Simple as It Sounds

Referring to “The Son of Man,” Belgian surrealist artist René Magritte said, “Everything we see hides another thing.” Instead, Magritte could have been describing corporate taxes. The […]

August 23, 2018

Why It’s Not Easy to Design a New Animals Crackers Box

When Nabisco realized that it was time to change their Animals Crackers box, they had to recognize new sentiment while retaining an old brand.

August 21, 2018

Why It’s Tough to Catch Venezuela’s Runaway Hyperinflation

Calming the everyday monetary chaos created by Venezuela's hyperinflation is about much more than lopping zeros off its currency.

August 17, 2018

Why Urban Farmers Plant Their Crops in Garages

Using old containers from cargo ships, commercial urban farmers are growing hydroponic mini-lettuces and even strawberries in warehouses and garages.