Economy News
The Daily Signal reports on economy news with analysis and commentary on growth, recession risks, employment, and financial trends.
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‘There’s No Question Prices Are Elevated’: Trump Official Addresses Small Businesses’ Economic Pain
Small Business Administrator Kelly Loeffler acknowledged that Americans are facing increased prices but promised that the economy will improve after the military operation in Iran ends. “There’s no question in recent weeks, prices have bumped up because of rising gas prices due to the Iranian blockade of the Strait of Hormuz now,” Loeffler told The…Elizabeth Troutman Mitchell -
- News
Barney Frank, Architect of Landmark Wall Street Reforms, Dies at 86
WASHINGTON, May 20 (Reuters) – Former U.S. Representative Barney Frank, a quick-witted Democrat who gave his name to a landmark financial reform bill after the economic crisis of 2007-2009, has died, his sister Ann Lewis said on Wednesday. He was 86. One of the best-known gay politicians of his time, Frank served for over 30…Alistair Bell -
- Opinion
Getting Back to Business: The Buttonwood Agreement on the Eve of America’s 250th Birthday
This week marks the anniversary of one of the most consequential yet least celebrated moments in American economic history. On May 17, 1792, 24 merchants, brokers, and auctioneers gathered at 68 Wall Street in New York and signed a concise, two-sentence agreement under a buttonwood tree. In plain language, they pledged to trade public stocks…Douglas H. Napier -
- Opinion
The End May Be Nigh for Automakers’ Monopoly on Car Repair Data
Think you own that new car you just bought? Not all of it. As many Americans are learning, Automakers own their data, and they’re trying to dictate who can fix the vehicle when something breaks or even when it just needs regular maintenance. It’s a way to force car and truck owners into expensive dealerships…EJ Antoni -
- Opinion
Why Are We Arming Our Adversary in the AI Race?
Imagine if, during the space race with the Soviet Union, General Electric and Boeing, storied American giants in the space race, had been selling key components designed for Apollo 11 to the Russians. There would have been a national outcry. Our companies built and fueled NASA’s race to the moon. While national pride was a…Daniel West -
- Opinion
Study Examines Whether Advanced Degrees Are Worth Costs
The Left believes there is a contrived war on higher education. However, recent analysis counters that claim by showing that there is an economic disadvantage for many Americans taking on the cost of an advanced degree. The analysis has now landed firmly on the conclusion that much advanced education is a rigged game. This is…Bruce Bialosky -
- Opinion
Blue Cities Like Portland Prioritize the Antisocial Over the Law-Abiding
Like many of America’s once-great metropolises, Portland, Oregon, has seen better days. Drug-addled homeless continue to ravage the streets, and businesses have begun packing their bags for greener pastures, following the thousands of city residents who have had enough. The reason Portland has become such a disaster is simple: It prioritizes the needs of its…Douglas Blair -
- Analysis
How Can Ohio Pull Itself Up for Family Status Ranking?
Ohio is below average in family rankings, according to a recent report that measures family strength and stability across all 50 states. But two top elected officials in the Buckeye State say promoting fatherhood and lowering the tax burden could help improve the situation. Last month, the Center for Christian Virtue released its 2026 Family…Rebecca Downs -
- Opinion
Capitalism: The Thing That Works
Young people now blame capitalism for poverty, racism, high prices, even climate change. They listen to people like Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y., who says, “Capitalism … is the absolute pursuit of profit at all human, environmental, and social cost. That is not a redeemable system.” Give me a break. Yes, capitalism is often ugly. It…John Stossel -
- Opinion
Big Business Bows Down in Beijing
Among the $308.37 billion in goods that the United States imported from China in 2025, the No. 1 category was described by the Census Bureau as “cell phones and other household goods.” Americans last year purchased $39,246,893,116 worth of these items manufactured in that communist regime. Not surprisingly, Tim Cook, the chief executive officer of…Terence Jeffrey -
- Opinion
How ESG Will Destroy Your Company
On Feb. 26, 2026, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton secured a “first of its kind” settlement with the Vanguard Group, which, together with BlackRock and State Street, makes up the “Big three” asset managers representing “the largest shareholders in 88 percent of S&P 500 companies.” Among other things, the press release announcing the settlement noted that “Vanguard…Stefan Padfield -
- News
$1.3 Billion Frozen in Sweeping California Hospice Fraud Crackdown
More than $1.3 billion in federal health care reimbursements have been halted, and 800 hospices have been suspended amid a sweeping crackdown on California hospice fraud. These efforts have been led by Vice President JD Vance and Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Administrator Dr. Mehmet Oz, who President Donald Trump selected to lead the…Angelina Delfin -
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Trump Announces Chinese Investment in American Industry
President Donald Trump said that Chinese leader Xi Jinping has committed to purchasing American energy commodities, soybeans, and jets. In an interview with Fox News’ Sean Hannity, Trump said Beijing would buy 200 Boeing 737 jets, as well as soybeans, oil, liquefied natural gas, and other energy commodities. “We had a very good meeting, but…Elizabeth Troutman Mitchell -
- News
GOP Leads With Fraud Crackdown in Next Affordability Push
House Republicans working to save Americans over a trillion dollars before the midterms say they are ready to deliver on housing, health care, energy affordability, and fraud prevention—but they may not have enough time. “This isn’t going to be as massive as what we saw last July, but this is like a two-minute drill where…Virginia Grace McKinnon -
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Congressman Wants to Ban Illegal Aliens From Banking System Amid Possible Trump EO
FIRST ON THE DAILY SIGNAL—Citing concerns that access to financial services incentivizes illegal immigration and could aid terrorism, Rep. Keith Self, R‑Texas, introduced legislation Thursday that would bar illegal aliens from the U.S. banking system by requiring banks to collect customers’ citizenship or immigration status. “Access to America’s financial system is reserved for those who…Pedro Rodriguez -
- Opinion
Ukraine Is Not a Cost. It Is an Opportunity.
Americans are right to ask a simple question about Ukraine: What is in this for us? That question deserves a clear and practical answer grounded in American interests. The strongest case for supporting Ukraine is not based on rhetoric or abstract appeals to the “international community,” but rather a straightforward assessment of what it means…Vitaliy Kim -
- Opinion
Here’s How You Can Fight Back Against TV Shows Pushing the Transgender Woke Agenda on Your Kids
The LGBTQ+ agenda for brainwashing your kids isn’t subtle. Activists often chant, “We’re here, we’re queer, we’re coming for your children.” Parents who wish to protect impressionable young kids from the noxious idea that Billy can become Sally don’t just need to watch their local elementary school—they need to remain on alert at the library…Tyler O’Neil -
- Opinion
California’s ‘Billionaire Tax’ Could Reach Far Beyond Billionaires
Last week, the Service Employees International Union (SEIU) announced it had gathered more than 1.5 million signatures—nearly double what it needed—to put a sweeping new wealth tax on California’s November ballot. The initiative is called the 2026 Billionaire Tax Act. The name is designed to make you stop reading. Don’t. SEIU has spent months positioning itself as…Aaron Withe -
- News
Energy Sec Can’t Say When Gasoline Prices Will Drop
THE DAILY CALLER NEWS FOUNDATION—Energy Secretary Chris Wright deflected when asked by “Meet the Press” host Kristen Welker about when gas prices would start to drop. The average price of a gallon of gas in the United States on Sunday was $4.52, according to AAA, up over $1.50 from $2.98 on Feb. 26, days before the start…Harold Hutchison -
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Trump Unveils New Plan to Lower Cost of Childcare for Low-Income Americans
FIRST ON THE DAILY SIGNAL—The Trump administration is advancing policies to reduce the burden of childcare costs on low-income families, The Daily Signal has learned. The Administration of Children and Families, a division of the Department of Health and Human Services, will issue a combination of new rules and guidance to states in order to…Elizabeth Troutman Mitchell