In today’s inaugural newsletter: plastic supply chains, sulfuric acid export bans, and the war drags on.
Economic Policy
The Faltering War Economy
Trump’s war craters the economy in multiple ways, even if it somehow ends soon.
How the Iran War Threatens the AI Economy
Supply chain disruptions threaten the flow of computer chips, which power AI models.
Live Tax-Free and Die
After mining out state budgets for 50 years, conservative lawmakers across the country are now turning their pickaxes to local governments’ largest source of revenue: property taxes.
A Retrospective on Bidenomics
Joe Biden listened to the left on full employment. But the lasting effects were wanting, and the politics were brutal.
The Opening of Trump’s Box
Iran has put a tollgate across the Strait of Hormuz. This fundamentally changes the global economy.
Private Equity’s Great Escape
The industry bought companies for too much money and made a bunch of bad loans. Now they’re scrambling to avoid the reckoning.
Notes for Next Time
My generation got a very good economic deal. We need to restore opportunities to our children and grandchildren, or there will be more recruits to MAGA.
When Consumer Protection Stops, Scammers Run Amok
Hundreds of consumers have complained to the CFPB about a credit card for rental payments called Bilt. But the agency has been prohibited from responding.
A K-Shaped Economy Requires K-Shaped Taxes
Wealth tax skeptics either fail to notice the massive upward redistribution of wealth, income, and political power, benefit from it, or fear challenging it.
