Posts From Alex Christensen
Where do financial markets end and the “real economy” begin?
It can be easy to confuse the financial sphere with the “real” economy of employment, growth, and macroeconomics. But while movements in the market can be independent of the economy, the two
US cybersecurity bill wades into difficult waters of privacy
The US Senate is close in a vote on a cybersecurity bill that members of both parties and major corporations have backed, but significant concerns over privacy and its effectiveness
Two Unknowns: The Fed’s Action, and the Market’s Reaction
The Fed’s Thursday policy decision is clouded by data that justifies both hawkish and dovish stances, leaving uncertainty over whether rates will rise this month. Either way, the response from
Is it safe to return to emerging market investments?
Emerging market investments across asset classes have suffered a brutal combination of collapsing commodity prices and a strong US dollar this year. Is the bottom near, and where might investors
US stock market correction worrisome for the Fed, but will it act?
The smooth ride of the last four years in US equity markets is over, and traders’ old companion, volatility, is back. How much will the Fed take notice? Before this
Which countries are most exposed to China’s currency devaluation?
China’s decision to let the yuan depreciate last week came for a number of reasons, including being a needed boost for Chinese export industries. But there are two sides to
How disastrous would Trump’s foreign policy be?
Trump’s vitriolic rhetoric has targeted the Iran deal, free trade agreements, and Mexicans. If he was handed the keys to US foreign policy, he would undoubtedly hurt relationships with allies
Where does bitcoin fit in the currency crisis?
At every turn, Bitcoin supporters say their anonymous cryptocurrency is the solution for countries in currency crisis. Despite its other shortcomings, bitcoin has a use in places like Argentina, but
Why Economists and markets disagree on Fed rate hike timing
Economists and the Federal Reserve officials are increasingly resolute that interest rates will rise in 2015, but markets are expecting rates to rise slightly later than they did last quarter.
Not all about Greece: Underappreciated economic stories of 2015
Greece and the US Federal Reserve have dominated economic headlines for the first half of the year, but several other economic stories of 2015 will have major long-term impacts. Will
