As expected, the Federal Reserve left interest rates unchanged on Wednesday and also as expected, signaled that at least one more rate increase may be in the offing. But amidst continuing economic strength and inflation still well above the central bank’s 2% target, the Fed also indicated that rates are likely to remain higher for […]

Absent a surprise, the United Auto Workers are likely to strike one or more of the U.S. car companies at 11:59 pm, the latest in a string of labor actions. What has been going on with organized labor in the U.S. and why?     After many quiescent years, working days lost to strikes have […]

Why have Republicans stuck so closely to Donald Trump, his four indictments and other failings notwithstanding? One theory, advanced in a recent Wall Street Journal article, is that our politics have become more tribal, more partisan, and far angrier. The data provides support for this notion. For starters, over the past five decades, Americans have […]

Donald Trump’s multiple indictments and other legal challenges have had interesting consequences for his campaign fundraising and expenditures – and his standing with voters. The former president’s initial indictment in Manhattan triggered a huge surge in Google searches and a commensurately large increase in donations. His single most lucrative day was the day that he […]

The Fed Hikes, Again July 27, 2023   By STEVEN RATTNER As expected, the Federal Reserve yesterday both increased interest rates by 0.25% and signaled a “wait and watch” approach to any further rate. The decision comes as inflation has retreated, even as jobs and overall economic growth has remained stronger than many expected. : Wednesday’s […]