Why the Scottish “Free Banking” Episode Doesn’t Justify Fractional Reserves
Bob continues his feud with George Selgin, explaining why the alleged free banking period in Scotland doesn't show that free-market banks would carry low reserve ratios.
Bob continues his feud with George Selgin, explaining why the alleged free banking period in Scotland doesn't show that free-market banks would carry low reserve ratios.
Economics researcher Joakim Book joins Bob to discuss his recent article on the dollar's international dominance.
Mainstream economists claim money has purchasing power because the government issuing the money has so declared. That makes no sense.
Mainstream economists claim money has purchasing power because the government issuing the money has so declared. That makes no sense.
Since early 2023, full-time jobs have flatlined while part-time jobs have grown. Meanwhile, total number of employed workers has flatlined, too.
The dollar has lost one-fifth of its value in just four years. This has been devastating for many savers and for those on fixed income.
In a recent statement, the Federal Reserve declared that US banks are "sound and resilient," but a lot of markets, including real estate, testify to a very different situation.
By ignoring monetary aggregates, central banks may cut rates with no real effect on the productive economy and solve nothing. There may be a significant contraction in economic activity even if rates decline, as credit availability worsens even with declining rates, but markets keep inflating the financial bubble.