Economic Ideas

December 21, 2017

Why We Give The Wrong Gifts

When we receive presents that disappoint us, gift giving creates deadweight loss that diminishes the economic boost from holiday spending.

December 20, 2017

How to Make Kids Smarter (And Also Help the GDP)

While superstition tells us that babies born during the Year of the Dragon will have more success and power, economists look at human capital investment.

December 18, 2017

Why China Wants To Be Called a Market Economy

A year ago, China filed a formal complaint with the World Trade Organization (WTO). Targeting the European Union and the United States, China’s goal was to […]

December 15, 2017

How Many Peanuts Are in Real Peanut Butter?

Ruth Desmond was a 1960s housewife who regularly attended and then reported on FDA hearings in her newsletter. During one meeting she said to General Foods […]