News
Bloomberg | Builders Begin Work on More U.S. Homes Than Forecast
The pace of U.S. home construction dropped less than forecast in December, capping the best year for the industry since 2007.
CNN Money | 850,000 may have $90 less in food stamps
A deal on food stamps in Congress could trim as much as $90 a month from 850,000 of the nation's poorest who seek help to buy groceries.
Bloomberg | Industrial Production in U.S. Rises for a Fifth Month
Industrial production in the U.S. rose for a fifth month in December, capping the strongest quarter since 2010 and indicating manufacturing (IPMGCHNG) is helping propel the economy.
Bloomberg | Extreme Weather Wreaking Havoc on Food as Farmers Suffer
Too much rain in northern China damaged crops in May, three years after too little rain turned the world’s second-biggest corn producer into a net importer of the grain.
Econ Comments & Analysis
Forbes | Income Redistribution's Logical Conclusion Is Communism
Income inequality is dominating the economic news cycle at the moment with multiple stories about rising income inequality, the need to raise the minimum wage, and anecdotal stories designed to make the more fortunate feel sorry for the less so. There are, however, two big problems with this narrative.
Real Clear Politics | Minimum-Wage Mirage?
This minimum wage business is tricky. On its face, raising the minimum seems an easy way to fight poverty. Just pay low-wage workers more. After all, some scholarly research finds that, within reasonable limits, there's no job penalty. A higher minimum doesn't reduce employment much, if at all. By and large, that's the position of the Obama administration, congressional Democrats and liberal groups. Unfortunately, it may not be that simple.
National Journal | There's No Simple Solution for Economic Mobility
The more researchers learn about what it takes to build an effective ladder of opportunity, the more the answer looks like, well, a ladder. In other words, research tells us that no single crossroads determines whether young people born in modest circumstances can advance to a better life than their parents. To achieve upward mobility, youths must cross a succession of hurdles, with each test they pass placing them on stronger footing to master the next. The process is sequential and cumulative—like climbing a ladder.
Trade Benefits America | International Trade Supports Growth & Jobs in Every State
Over 160 companies and associations agree: Congress needs to pass modernized Trade promotion Authority to complete new trade agreements, supporting U.S. jobs and growth.
