Mises Wire

Job growth was only positive in October because of government jobs, funded by huge federal deficits.

For nearly 30 years, the Fed has pursued an easy-money policy that has made the economy increasingly dependent upon the next round of “stimulus.” Reversing that policy will mean, at least in the short run, a stiff recession before the economy rebounds, which is a non-starter today.

The Fed lowers interest rates ostensibly to “stimulate” the economy. But while the Fed claims it is strengthening the economy, it actually weakens it through its easy-money policies.

Tariffs don‘t just raise consumer prices. They also affect capital flows and, on numerous occasions, have triggered stock market crises. What tariffs don‘t bring is prosperity.

Interventionists often claim that market economies naturally lead to monopolies, which mean there is no more economic competition. However, within market processes, there always is competition unless government authorties themselves block it.

Private-sector employment fell by 28,000 jobs in October. Overall job growth was only positive because of government jobs, funded by runaway federal deficits.

Using state power to enforce social orthodoxy is always a recipe for disaster. Radical Republican governments in the post-war South attempted to do just that, sowing seeds of hatred and discord in the process.

Mises Fellow Kristoffer Hansen joins Bob to discuss the controversy surrounding Mises' perspective on fractional reserve banking and free banking.

The sweep of history shows that there are two main dangers to liberty, one that comes from the left and the other that comes from the right.

While people who “prep” for disaster (called preppers) are ridiculed by political elites and their media, their actions are perfectly rational. In this article, economist Mark Thornton explains why prepping for natural disasters makes economic sense.