The president bulldozed the East Wing and remade federal panels that quickly approved his ballroom project. But he has faced barriers as he seeks to complete it.
For most of this century, rich countries have enjoyed a seemingly free lunch: They could spend money as needed, cut taxes at will and stimulate their way out of problems without paying a price in the form of higher borrowing costs or inflation. The big picture: That era is over. The $145 trillion global bond market is flashing red signals that there's now a price to be paid for governments that indulge their profligate impulses. - It reflects a world where supply disruptions are colliding with massive government borrowing needs and the funds required for the AI buildout. - The result: Higher inflation and surging demand for capital add up to higher and more volatile interest rates. State of play: In the near term, it becomes more…
With a U.S.-Iran deal (maybe?) taking shape in coming days, the oil market that follows will look different than what preceded the war. Why it matters: The emerging deal — which would re-open the Strait of Hormuz while nuclear talks proceed — could return large amounts of barrels to the market. - It's not a moment too soon as global oil stockpiles, which have somewhat tempered the crisis, are drawn down at record pace. Reality check: Things won't be normal for a long time, and the postwar definition of normal is fluid, too. A few near-term and long-term things to watch... Confidence: In the near term, "It's all about whether vessel owners and crews feel safe transiting the Strait of Hormuz," said oil analyst Ben Cahill of UT-Austin.…
pixabay Politicians routinely enrich themselves through public office. Donald Trump stands apart, with a documented history of forgoing personal financial windfalls to deliver tangible benefits to everyday Americans.