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
Powell’s Federal Reserve Mess Is Now Warsh’s Problem
New Chair of the Federal Reserve Kevin Warsh walks straight into a professional buzzsaw. Though he now occupies one of the most influential and prestigious posts in America—and indeed the world—his daunting assignment may be among the most difficult in government in recent decades. The difficulty of Warsh’s task flows first from the abject failures…Steve Cortes -
- Opinion
Bob Woodson Lived a Life Dedicated to the Least, the Last, and the Lost
Robert L. “Bob” Woodson passed away earlier this week at the age of 89, leaving behind a rich legacy of faith, service, and patriotism. Born in Philadelphia, Woodson and his four siblings were raised by their mother after his father died when he was nine. He quit high school at 17 and joined the Air…Delano Squires -
- Opinion
America’s Love Affair With the Road Endures
BEDFORD, Pennsylvania—For the briefest of moments, a line of vintage Rolls-Royce automobiles chugged along the curving Cumberland Road. They passed over the Cumberland Run a handful of times and wound themselves down the mountains, away from Pennsylvania and toward the city of steeples, Cumberland. The sight gives the bystander a moment to imagine what it…Salena Zito -
- News
Trump Team to Restore ‘Integrity and Safety’ for American Truckers
Legislation that would bar illegal immigrants and non-English speakers from obtaining commercial driver’s licenses is advancing in the U.S. House after Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy renewed his push for the measure this week. “Dalilah’s Law would have revoked this illegal trucker’s license,” Duffy wrote on X, responding to reports that an illegal immigrant truck driver…Pedro Rodriguez -
- Opinion
After Years of Weaponizing Shareholder Voting, Will the Big Three Escape Accountability?
Are investors in “passive” index funds being misled about how shares held in those funds are being voted? After providing some relevant background below, I argue that failing to properly disclose the active voting of passive fund shares could violate consumer protection provisions, anti-fraud provisions, or other related provisions covering deceptive practices. When it comes…Stefan Padfield -
- Opinion
Duffy’s ‘Great American Road Trip’ Promotes American Culture
Road trips are quintessentially American. What’s more America than a family packing into an SUV and driving hundreds of miles across state borders, eating homemade sandwiches and entertaining children with endless games of “I Spy,” just to see beautiful views and a couple of major landmarks? Family road trips from our home in southern Michigan…Francesca Cella -
- Exclusive
Top Trump Official Gives Update on Recovery of Emergency Loans to Abortion Providers
The Biden administration forgave $88 million in government loans to Planned Parenthood, but Kelly Loeffler, current administrator of the Small Business Administration, says she is working to ensure this does not happen again. In January, Loeffler opened a review into whether Planned Parenthood affiliates illegally received funds through the Paycheck Protection Program, which provided loans to…Elizabeth Troutman Mitchell -
- News
‘Be Totally Independent’: Trump Swears in His Fed Chair Pick
President Donald Trump swore in his pick to chair the Federal Reserve, Kevin Warsh, on Friday, saying he wants him to be independent in the role. “I want Kevin to be totally independent,” Trump said. “I want him to be independent and just do a great job. Don’t look at me, don’t look at anybody,…Elizabeth Troutman Mitchell -
- Exclusive
Sen. Rick Scott Pushes Bill to Ban Chinese Digital Currency in US Transactions
FIRST ON THE DAILY SIGNAL—Sen. Rick Scott, R-Fla., on Thursday reintroduced legislation that would prohibit U.S.-based money services businesses from using central bank digital currencies issued by the Communist Party of China, including the digital yuan. If enacted, the Chinese CBDC Prohibition Act would prohibit money services businesses from engaging in any transaction that involves…Pedro Rodriguez -
Seattle’s Socialist Mayor Now Panicking Over Businesses Leaving
Seattle’s socialist-in-chief is no longer laughing about chasing away businesses and wealthy residents. But the attitude adjustment may be too little, too late. Just a few weeks ago, Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson infamously giggled when asked if she was concerned about wealthy residents fleeing Seattle because of her policies. “I think the claims that millionaires are going…Jarrett Stepman -
- News
‘BIG SAVING’: Trump Says Slashing This Regulation Will Lower Grocery Prices
President Donald Trump said every American family will experience a “big saving” in their grocery bills after he rolled back two Biden-era regulations on refrigerants. With the rollback, Trump said he made more refrigerants available for supermarkets and other businesses, which he says will save $900 million. The Daily Signal asked the president on Thursday how…Elizabeth Troutman Mitchell -
- Opinion
Making Government Lean Again: The DOGE Effect
As of Jan. 1, 2026, the Department of Government Efficiency reports $215 billion in savings, or roughly $1,335 per taxpayer. Established in the early months of the second Trump administration and initially led by Elon Musk, DOGE set out to eliminate waste, fraud, and inefficiency in federal spending. Early results suggest those efforts are not…Nicole Huyer -
- Exclusive
- News
‘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. Rep. 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 years in…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