All The Circle Bastiat
Are central banks really necessary?Some analyst argue that a central banking system is only necessary when an economy operates with paper money. Others think that isn't always the case.聽
'Fiscal cliff': Cut the spending 鈥� and the melodramaThe 'fiscal cliff' is the crisis that didn't need to be, if the Bush tax cuts had been made permanent and Keynesian influence hadn't spread.
Sweden's war on cash faces oppositionIt seems that the Swedish people are not falling for the anti-cash propaganda spewed by private bankers and Riksbank officials, Salerno writes, and are resisting the trend toward a cashless economy.
Wait! Government did cause the housing bubble.Congress's Community Reinvestment Act, aimed at helping the poor afford housing, did lead banks to make much riskier mortgage loans, a new study finds.聽
Are graduate programs a waste of time and money?Those pursuing academic careers聽face the prospect of earning a precarious living as an 鈥渦ntenured鈥� adjunct professor, hectically shuttling between teaching assignments at different universities and earning a meager living for their trouble.聽
Does government spending really promote economic growth?Salerno questions the聽Keynesian doctrine that government spending per se raises income and promotes economic recovery.
Nobel prize for economics: A win for the narrow viewRoth and Shapley win Nobel for work involving market design. But is it economics if it only fits specific markets?聽
Poland is avoiding the eurozone. Should Croatia follow?Croatia intends to become a eurozone member by next summer, but is it a good idea? Several, including London's mayor and Poland's foreign minister, say no.
Cooking as entrepreneurshipCooking, entrepreneurship theory, and Austrian economics have a lot more in common than many people might believe. In honor of the late, great Julia Child, the Circle Bastiat's contributors have written a piece combining the three.
Empty seats at the Olympics: Bad price control to blame?British Olympic organizers restricted ticket prices and rewarded聽 bulk corporate purchases (but not use).聽 They shouldn't be surprised to see so many empty seats.
For shame: Who is really to blame in USOC uniforms spat?In the face of political pressure regarding the use of Chinese manufacturers for Olympic uniforms, the USOC capitulated. But perhaps the more important question is, why is it so much more expensive to manufacture clothing domestically.
Sorens on Raico: Great minds think (mostly) alikeA review of Ralph Raico鈥檚 outstanding recent book, Classical Liberalism and the Austrian School reminds David Gordon that appeals to 鈥渢he results of human action but not of human design鈥� are quite common among Austrian methodological individualists.
Debate on reserve fractional banking devolves into public squabbleRon Paul showed how he is open to debate by having both Professor Joseph Salerno and Professor Larry White testify before his sub-committee聽on the subject of fractional reserve banking. But a perceived bias towards Salerno prompted a rebuke by George Selgin.
European interest rates cut. Too little, too late?European interest rates were cut by central banks in an effort to rescue the eurozone economy. But is the cut in European interest rates a last ditch effort?
Liberty for all: Will the real 'Mr. Republican' please stand up?Liberty and progress go hand in hand, according to The Circle Bastiat's John P. Cochran. President Taft was once known as Mr. Republican. In the present era, Cochran believes Ron Paul has taken up Taft's mantle.
The Federal Reserve's new and improved transparencyThe Fed met today to discuss possible further reforms. But how will the new kinder, gentler and allegedly more transparent Fed communicate to the public聽this momentous decision?
He's a fan: One man's defense of Ron PaulA staunch libertarian, presidential candidate Ron Paul has always had interesting ideas about how best to run the American economy. From Austrian economics to the gold standard and free market money, a new book outlines and defends Paul's plans.
Can you yell 'run' in a crowded bank?Many states have laws on the books prohibiting anyone from making disparaging comments about a particular bank鈥檚 financial condition. This talk is thought to be outside free speech because rumors can trigger a bank run, but a recent ruling has some banks worried.
The euro exodus from Greece and SpainWary depositors are hauling billions of euros our of Greek and Spanish banks, reflecting the nervous mood of the people.
Huge mortgage debts keep the housing market tumblingExperts have been calling for the bottom of the housing market each year since the crash, and prices continue to tumble. Why? In an overwhelming number of cases, homeowners owe more on their mortgages than their houses are actually worth.
