How some economists feel about their impact on actual policy
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Price controls causing exactly what you’d expect in Venezuela
Read more: Price controls causing exactly what you’d expect in VenezuelaChavez has instituted price controls in Venezuela. So now it’s hard to find flour. And toilet paper. It’s only not laughable since these policies are affecting everyday Venezuelans and damaging the economy, which is the last thing a slightly wobbly South American economic and political setup at the moment.
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Beginnings of the European realisation that austerity is mis-timed
Read more: Beginnings of the European realisation that austerity is mis-timedAusterity has an encouraging family responsibility and belt-tightening feel to it. An analogy that is entirely misguided when it comes to national finances. Watch the PIIGS chase their austerity tail into a depression. Meanwhile, the Dutch and some other European countries, former supporters of the ridiculous 3% deficit rule, are starting to question that “wisdom”.
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Digital currencies and more
Read more: Digital currencies and moreBitcoins are a bad idea. Â I’ve put this forward from multiple directions already. What’s interesting is the range of new, government-sponsored digital currencies that are in development. Digital currencies might also be a little bit of a stretch, they’re still more like digital payment methods. Unlike Bitcoins, there is much to recommend about low-cost, high-security,…
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I can’t resist making a bit of noise about this
Read more: I can’t resist making a bit of noise about thisThe second largest Bitcoin exchange is shutting down (possibly to reopen elsewhere). Bitcoin experienced a rough night on Monday as TradeHill, the second-largest Bitcoin exchange, announced that it was closing its doors. In a statement, CEO Jered Kenna cited regulatory problems and the loss of $100,000 in a dispute with one of its payment processors…
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Interview with Nicolaas Kruger
Read more: Interview with Nicolaas KrugerAlec Hogg over at Moneyweb interviewed Nicolaas Kruger on being an actuary and CEO, the growth of Momentum and MMI Holdings.
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what a difference several years make
Read more: what a difference several years makeThe laminated card in the seat pocket of the SAA Boeing 737-800 I’m flying in describes how I can use most devices in “flight mode” once in the air. It’s dated November 2011, but I’m quite sure I’ve still heard cabin crew telling people off for not having their phones off over the last two…
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No nationalisation, more certainty and probably higher taxes
Read more: No nationalisation, more certainty and probably higher taxesThere are times when I’m impressed with elements of government and the ANC. It took them far too long, they allowed too much debate and uncertainty, but their ultimate conclusions on nationalisation and how to direct additional mineral wealth back into the fiscus, further develop a beneficiation industry around the mining industry are solid. I…
