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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- Opinion
Those Fretting About the Economy Can Rest Easy After December Jobs Report
After a disappointing month for the stock market, few could have predicted just how strong the rest of the economy would hold up. But for those concerned about the state of the economy, Friday’s jobs report will come as reassurance. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reported Friday that the U.S. economy added a whopping 312,000…Timothy Doescher -
- Opinion
House Democratic Rules Package Could Mean More Spending, Higher Taxes
As Congress gears up for the new term, the House of Representatives is preparing a vote this week on rules to govern the 116th Congress. A few notable provisions are grabbing the headlines, such as allowing the speaker to “intervene” in challenges to Obamacare, establishing a new select committee on climate change, and making it…Justin Bogie -
- Opinion
Year-End Spending Deal Contains Troubling Provisions, Busts the Budget
Discussion of the year-end continuing resolution, or spending deal, has hinged on two topics: whether additional funding will be provided for border security, and whether there will be a government shutdown. Although the real-life impact of a partial government shutdown would be minimal, its prospect facilitates end-of-the-world rhetoric that the 24/7 news cycle thrives on….David Ditch -
- Opinion
Here Are the 5 Worst Budget Blunders of the 115th Congress
The Roman philosopher Seneca wrote that “every new beginning comes from some other beginning’s end.” As Washington anticipates the start of the 116th Congress on Jan. 3, it marks the end of the 115th. In some ways, it was a successful two years. For the first time in over 30 years, Congress passed comprehensive tax…Justin Bogie -
- Opinion
Senate’s Conservative Prison Reform Advances Trump’s Public Safety and Economic Growth Agendas
Today, senators are debating amended criminal justice legislation that the House passed in May, by a vote of 360-59, with support from President Donald Trump and law enforcement professionals. The bill carefully merges Trump’s agenda on public safety and the economy, using evidence-based reforms from conservative states that have helped to reduce crime. And if…John G. Malcolm -
- Opinion
The Reasons Protectionists Want to Keep the Economic Pie From Growing Are Half-Baked
During the holiday season, the weather cools and families gather, and we anticipate a delicious family dinner. When dinner comes to a close, we enjoy a classic tradition, pie. When we’re surrounded by loved ones, what could be better? But while the holiday pie will invariably run out—and according to this survey, the pumpkin pie…Amanda Snell -
- Opinion
Electric Vehicle Tax Credits Another Form of Corporate Welfare
If America’s auto manufacturers wrote letters to Santa, it’s not hard to guess what would be high on their lists: retaining the federal tax credit for electric vehicles. For several years now, Uncle Sam (who often acts like Santa’s U.S.-based cousin) has tried to encourage the public to buy electric vehicles by offering those who…Ed Feulner -
- Opinion
Podcast: Making Sense of the Latest Jobs Report
On today’s show, we analyze November’s job gains and the historically low unemployment rate. Will it last? The Heritage Foundation’s Tim Doescher, who writes about the employment report each month for The Daily Signal, joins us with the highlights. We also feature an interview with Ericka Andersen of the Independent Women’s Forum, who is author of the book…Rob Bluey -
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- Opinion
US and China Make Successful Start on New Trade Negotiations
President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping made progress Saturday night toward resolving the ongoing U.S.-China trade dispute. After more than a year of conflict and new taxes on billions of cross-border trade, the two presidents came to an agreement at the G20 summit in Buenos Aires, Argentina, that could begin de-escalating U.S.-China trade…Riley Walters -
- Opinion
China’s ‘Economic’ Losses Aren’t Because of US Trade Success
China’s economic growth has been slowing down, but it was slowing down before President Donald Trump entered the White House, and it will continue to slow down, regardless of whether the U.S.-China trade dispute continues or not. Supporters of the administration’s trade policy often cite the decline in China’s largest stock market, the Shanghai Stock…Riley Walters -
- News
Media Misses: How Leftists and Pundits Got It Wrong on the Economy
The media gets it wrong more times than not. But perhaps their biggest “miss” was predicting that the economy couldn’t grow under President Donald Trump. To get the latest in outrageous media bias, be sure to follow us on Facebook, subscribe to our YouTube channel, and send us your Media Misses to [email protected].Jarrett Stepman -
- Opinion
Why Free Market Policies Are Key to Empowering Women
Most people agree that women deserve the chance to advance up the economic latter. The real question is, how can that be achieved? What many don’t realize is that women’s advancement doesn’t require gender quotas or affirmative action. What’s needed, above all, is free market policies that allow women to make their own choices. Ivanka…Amanda Snell -
- Opinion
Congress Considers Voting Away Its Budget Obligations
Congress should be using the lame-duck session to do meaningful work. Unfortunately, it’s doing the opposite: seeking to cut its future workload while leaving long-term problems unresolved. On Wednesday, the Joint Select Committee on Budget and Appropriations Process Reform unveiled draft legislation designed to change the way Congress exercises its constitutionally-granted power of the purse….Paul Winfree -
- Opinion
Xi’s Latest Promises of Economic Openness Ring Hollow
Chinese President Xi Jinping spoke at China’s first International Import Expo in Shanghai earlier this month, reiterating familiar promises that China will improve access to trade, facilitate investment, and protect intellectual property. He and President Donald Trump will meet to discuss outstanding trade issues at the G20 summit in Argentina later this month. The expo,…Helen Lamm -
- Opinion
Tariff Exemptions Don’t Cut It. Just Shave Off Trade Barriers.
“Buy American” is a popular slogan with a lot of appeal for the American public. Its focus on U.S.-made goods seems to emphasize our country’s jobs and economic stability. But “Buy American” policies may not always make America’s economy great again, as they have the ability to thwart the dynamic gains from international trade—a key…Amanda Snell -
- News
‘Satisfactory Deal’ With China Could Lead to Lifting of Tariffs, Kudlow Says
President Donald Trump might remove tariffs placed on imported Chinese goods, the chairman of the president’s National Economic Council says. The announcement by economic adviser Larry Kudlow came ahead of the meeting between Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping at the Group of 20 summit in Buenos Aires on Nov. 30 and Dec. 1. “If…Fred Lucas -
- Opinion
October Showed Huge Economic Gains. Here’s How Congress Can Keep It Going.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics shattered expert predictions on Friday, reporting that the economy added 250,000 new jobs in the month of October. The labor force participation rate also climbed, unemployment stayed at a record low, and the number of employed Americans stands at a record high. The economy saw gains in crucial sectors like…Timothy Doescher -
- Opinion
Threats of More Tariffs on Chinese Imports Hang in Balance as G-20 Talks Loom
A recent report may shed some light on the next round of the U.S.-China trade war. According to Bloomberg, President Donald Trump will place new taxes on $257 billion of imports from China if he doesn’t walk away satisfied from his meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping at the end of November. However, that contradicts…Riley Walters -
- Opinion
Treasury Can’t Go Wobbly When Sanctions Against Russians Are Starting to Hurt
Anybody in the inner circle of Russian strongman Vladimir Putin who might have cheered President Donald Trump’s victory in 2016 must now be sorely disappointed. When it comes to dealing with Russia, Trump has been the toughest president since Ronald Reagan. He has sent advanced weapons to the Ukrainians and Georgians, increased U.S. defense spending in…Luke Coffey