THE PEOPLE’S ECONOMY

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Politics

Coverage of fiscal and monetary policy, regulation, taxation, and geopolitical decisions that influence markets and everyday life. We break down government action and its economic impact.

Germany Is Rearming and the Whole of Europe Is Being Forced to Choose

Germany Is Rearming and the Whole of Europe Is Being Forced to Choose

Germany's decision to borrow over €180 billion in 2026, with €83 billion earmarked for defence alone, is not just a German story. It is reshaping the fiscal and industrial logic of the entire European Union. The move has created a precedent that other EU countries are watching closely.

The IMF Is Telling Central Banks to Wait but Be Ready to Move Fast

The IMF Is Telling Central Banks to Wait but Be Ready to Move Fast

At the April 9 Spring Meetings curtain raiser in Washington, IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva delivered the clearest guidance to central banks that the fund has issued in years. Her message was precise: stay on hold for now, but have a clear trigger ready for action. There is value in

Argentina's Turnaround Is Being Watched Very Closely

Argentina's Turnaround Is Being Watched Very Closely

Argentina is the rare economy where things are genuinely getting better, and the speed of the improvement is catching the attention of policymakers well beyond Buenos Aires. After hitting inflation of nearly 290% in 2024, the country has brought that figure down toward low double digits through a combination of

Japan's Central Bank Is Raising Rates, Carefully

Japan's Central Bank Is Raising Rates, Carefully

The Bank of Japan kept its benchmark interest rate at 0.75% at its March meeting, the highest level since 1995. The decision was expected, and passed 8-1, with one board member pushing for an immediate move to 1%. The Bank's official position is that Japan'

Europe's Central Bank Paused Its Rate Cuts. Stagflation Is the Word No One Wants to Say.

Europe's Central Bank Paused Its Rate Cuts. Stagflation Is the Word No One Wants to Say.

The European Central Bank had been on a path toward lower interest rates heading into 2026, with its deposit rate at 2% and inflation broadly near target. That plan hit a wall on March 19 when the ECB postponed its planned rate reductions, raised its 2026 inflation forecast, and cut

The Fed Is Stuck in the Middle

The Fed Is Stuck in the Middle

The Federal Reserve held rates steady at its March 18 meeting, keeping the federal funds rate in the 3.50%–3.75% range. It was the second pause of 2026, following three consecutive rate cuts that closed out last year. Chair Jerome Powell acknowledged plainly that near-term inflation expectations

France Sees Factory Closures Jump 30% as Asian Competition and Tariffs Bite

France Sees Factory Closures Jump 30% as Asian Competition and Tariffs Bite

France is facing a manufacturing crisis. Factory closures jumped 30% in the first quarter of 2026 compared to the same period last year. Industrial production is contracting. Jobs are being lost. And there's no quick fix in sight. The dual pressures of Asian competition and US tariffs are