Peter's Blog

When Local Elections Count Most

While local elections are often relegated to a sideshow when it comes to importance in the national economy, the recent fires in L.A. have destroyed this paradigm. The incompetence of the leadership of L.A.s mayor shows how local elections can have devastating local and national impacts.

Rising Inflation Expectations Spark Concerns Over Tariffs and Consumer Confidence

U.S. consumers are bracing for higher prices over the next 12 months, according to the University of Michigan’s latest survey. One-year inflation expectations jumped to 3.3% in January, up significantly from 2.8% in December. This is the steepest increase since May and pushes the short-term outlook above the 2.3%-3.0% range seen in the two years […]

Why Vilifying the Wealthy Hurts Economic Growth

The slogan “Eat the Rich” has recently been revived following the high-profile assassination of the UnitedHealth Group’s CEO, Brian Thompson. Instead of blaming the entrepreneurial class, who tend to make all people richer, economically disillusioned Americans should lay their blame at the feet of the Federal Reserve and Federal bureaucracy, institutions that are inherently inequitable […]

Federal Budget: 2024 Spending Exceeds Covid Years

Federal Budget The Federal Government publishes the spending and revenue numbers on a monthly basis. The charts and tables below give an in depth review of the Federal Budget, showing where the money is coming from, where it is going to, and the surplus or deficit.

Money Supply Growth Surges to 27-Month High Amid Inflation Concern

Today’s mainstream political narrative would have you believe that inflation is permanently cooling. The data tells a different story, with the money supply growing faster now than it has for more than the last two years.

Irresponsible Government Debt: The Catalyst for the Next Financial Crisis

History is replete with examples of major recessions that were ostensibly caused by mere asset bubbles, like subprime mortgages in 2008. The truth, however, is not so simple. In reality, these downturns are exacerbated and often triggered by disastrous government policy, namely excessive spending and the creation of perverse incentives.

If We Have a Strong Economy, Why Are Americans Struggling?

The 10-year treasury yield rocketed up to near 5%, and analysts say it’s because the economy is strong despite higher inflation. But if the economy is so strong, why are Americans so indebted, cash-poor, and desperate?

Trump’s Victory Leads to Gold Price Boom

As Trump’s tariff gambit reshapes the economic landscape, gold has emerged as an unexpected winner.

Jobs: Household Survey Finishes the Year 75% Below the Headline Report

The analysis below covers the Employment picture released on the first Friday of every month. While most of the attention goes to the Headline Report, it can be helpful to look at the details, revisions, and other reports to get a better gauge of what is really going on.

Celebrating 50 Years of Legalized Gold: A New Year’s Milestone

For all of economic history, gold has served as the preeminent money. Individuals holding gold could rest easy knowing they had a hedge against economic uncertainty, at least until President Franklin Roosevelt made it illegal to own the yellow metal. 50 years after this tyrannical edict was repealed, sound money advocates should thank Gerald Ford […]