Economic news and analysis on business, finance, economics, geopolitics, technology and culture. The Economist is a British news and current affairs magazine published weekly in print and daily on digital platforms. Its core beliefs are based on free markets and self-sufficiency, exemplified by Scottish economist Adam Smith and philosopher David Hume.
The economy grew this spring but consumer spending remains weak, with the effects of President Trump’s trade war starting to show. Whether tariffs, higher wages and the strength of the dollar will derail the recovery is the big question for investors.
As US companies reevaluate their global supply chains, they’re warning that the costs of Trump’s trade war will be passed along to consumers. That could put a squeeze on household budgets.
A new metric tracks how easy or hard it is to buy a home in your area, including factors like interest rates and availability. The Economist’s housing expert says the number isn’t yet showing signs of a bubble, but it does raise concerns about affordability.
A new metric, tracking how easy or hard it is to buy based on prices, mortgage rates and more, shows that the American dream of homeownership is becoming out of reach for many. The Economist’s housing expert explains how the numbers are calculated, and what that means for buyers.
