Petrodollars, simply defined, are oil revenues denominated in U.S. dollars. The petrodollar loop is essentially the global practice of pricing oil exclusively in U.S. dollars rather than any other currency and having those dollars recycled into U.S. assets. So, no matter what country is buying oil, they pay the oil-producing country in petrodollars denominated in Read more
Economic Outlook
Horns of a Dilemma: Is Stagflation on Its Way?
As the effect of the Trump administration’s fluctuating tariff policies have heightened uncertainty for consumers and the markets, economists have begun to worry about the looming risk of stagflation, an economic condition not seen in the United States since the 1970s. Though the U.S. economy is still in a “strong position” according to the Federal Read more
Shockwaves: Which Way Is Up?
Whether it’s the volatility in the stock market, concerns about tariff-induced inflation, the fluctuation in interest rates, or the growing talk of recession (and stagflation), the economic outlook in April was more fluid and less predictable day-to-day, and that seems unlikely to change any time soon. Even though the Trump administration has suspended its country-by-country Read more
What’s Next? Entering a New Phase of Uncertainty
Even the most cursory glance at the headlines will make it clear that we are living in a time of heightened political, economic, and cultural upheaval, with tectonic shifts that make it just that much more difficult than usual to see where it is all heading. In the markets, uncertainty refers to a situation in which the Read more
What Do You Know About Current Economic Trends? Take Our Quiz
Given this is an election year, chances are you have heard a lot of economic figures thrown around. (Some are even true.) While it’s always a good idea to keep up with the economic trends, there is a lot of data out there and it might be difficult for you to keep track. (It’s OK, Read more
What’s the Meaning of This? The Fed Finally Cuts Rates
After many months of punditry and prognostication regarding the potential for the Federal Reserve to cut the federal funds rate in 2024, the agency finally did so at its September 17-18 meeting. The Fed lowered the target for the rate by 0.50%, or 50 basis points, to a range of 4.75% to 5.0%. This amount Read more