We cover the biggest topics and headlines through the eyes of economists to help you become more knowledgeable about how the world works.

The Star Wars universe has a well-developed economy that adds realism to the franchise. Galactic trade and military spending are fleshed out in various media. The economic foundation is crucial despite the franchise's focus on space wizards.

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The Star Wars universe has a well-developed economy that adds realism to the franchise. Galactic trade and military spending are fleshed out in various media.

The Economy of the Star Wars Galaxy

Germany is the largest economy in Europe and the fourth largest globally. Its tenuous and short history makes its prosperity more interesting. As a stabilizing force in the Eurozone, Germany's influence has overflowed into less stable regions.

Germany is the largest economy in Europe and the fourth largest globally. Its tenuous and short history makes its prosperity more interesting.

The Economy of Germany

From once being the world's wealthiest nation, China struggled to feed itself and experienced a drastic shift in its political system. Discover how this happened in the 20th century after maintaining centuries of unparalleled economic prosperity.

Explore how China's past wealth led to a political system that defined the latter half of the 20th century—and a China that struggled to feed itself.

The Economy of Communist China

Discover Sweden's remarkable economy, high standard of living and rich history. Despite lacking Norway's oil wealth, Sweden is a leader in workers' rights and sets trends for monetary policy around the world.

Discover Sweden's remarkable economy, high standard of living and rich history. It is a leader in workers' rights and sets trends for monetary policy around the world.

The Economy of Sweden

Iran is a controversial and powerful nation with a unique economy. Iran has one of the largest modern economies that draws policies from economic and political theory as well as Islamic beliefs.

Iran is a controversial and powerful nation with a unique economy that draws policies from economic and political theory as well as Islamic beliefs.

The Economy of Iran

South Africa's economy serves as a potential outcome of extreme inequality. Despite being one of Africa's wealthiest nations, the nation's inequality is a serious issue to understand. This video explores why, alongside a comparison to Nigeria.

Despite being one of Africa's wealthiest nations, South Africa's inequality is a serious issue to understand. This video explores why, alongside a comparison to Nigeria.

The Economy of South Africa

Explore the Entropia Universe, a unique MMO game with a functioning economy based on player professions. Its currency can be exchanged for real-world money and existed 7 years before Bitcoin, making it a remarkable precursor to today's cryptocurrency phenomenon.

Explore the Entropia Universe, a unique MMO game with a functioning economy. Its currency can be exchanged for real-world money and existed 7 years before Bitcoin.

The Economy of Entropia Universe: The Real Cash Video Game

Explore the significant economy of the Soviet Union, from its controversial economic practices to its impact on world politics and rapid decline. Even today, almost 30 years after its fall, the lessons of the Soviet economy still have lasting implications for the world.

Explore the significant economy of the Soviet Union, from its controversial economic practices to its impact on world politics and rapid decline.

The Economy of the Soviet Union

Natural disasters cause massive damage and displacement in the United States. While the economy appears to benefit from the increased government and household spending, this does not reflect the true cost to society, as destruction and recovery efforts are not a net benefit.

Natural disasters cause massive damage and displacement. While the economy appears to benefit from increased spending, this does not reflect the true cost to society.

The Economics of Disasters

China, now the second-largest economy, is poised to be the world's largest within the century. Let's dive into its remarkable transformation from struggling state to economic superpower.

China is poised to be the world's largest economy within the century. Let's dive into its remarkable transformation from struggling state to economic superpower.

The Economy of Modern-day China

Jeff Bezos and Bill Gates vied for the title of "world's richest" in early 2020. Both white male tech billionaires are from Seattle, but their fortunes diverge significantly.

Bezos and Gates vied for the title of "world's richest" in early 2020. Both white male tech billionaires are from Seattle, but their fortunes diverge significantly.

The Ranks of Global Billionaires: Not All Billionaires Are Made Equal

The Philippines has a young, well-educated and English-speaking workforce but faces underemployment and economic challenges. The country depends on outsourcing centers and exports to strengthen its middle class.

The Philippines has a young, well-educated and English-speaking workforce but faces underemployment and other economic challenges.

The Economy of the Philippines

Dive into the history of the European Union and the economic effects of Brexit. Explore the EU's trade role, the Brexit trade disruption, the UK's resilience and the need for new trade alliances.

Dive into the history of the European Union and the economic effects of Brexit. Explore the EU's trade role, the Brexit trade disruption, and the UK's resilience.

The Economics of Brexit

Demand is a key driver of economic growth, but reliance on debt can lead to boom and bust cycles. Responsible debt management is crucial for stability.

The Modern Economics of the USA: The Land of Debt & Demand

Explore the rise of trillion-dollar mega-corporations, their valuation methods, and their impact on economies. Discover the difference between market capital and book value, and discuss the tech industry's low costs, profits, and impact on inequality.

Explore the rise of trillion-dollar mega-corporations, their valuation methods, and their impact on economies and inequality.

The Age of Trillion-dollar Mega-corporations

Being tied to the Euro hurt the Greek economy during the 2008 financial crisis as the country couldn't benefit from a depreciating currency. The country's reputation suffered, tourism declined and brain drain occurred.

Being tied to the Euro hurt the Greek economy during the 2008 financial crisis as the country couldn't benefit from a depreciating currency.

The Economy of Greece

The Dutch East India Company, founded over 400 years ago, might have been history's largest company—at its peak, worth trillions of US dollars adjusting for inflation. It had incredible global influence that paved the way for modern multinational expectations and structures.

The Dutch East India Company, founded over 400 years ago, might have been history's largest company. It had lasting global influence.

The Economics of the Dutch East India Company

South Korean chaebols are mega-corporations, like Hyundai, Samsung and LG. Directed to keep growing by the government with unlimited funding, they become monopolistic and dynastic.

South Korean chaebols are mega-corporations. Directed to keep growing by the government with unlimited funding, they become monopolistic and dynastic.

The Economy of South Korea

Profit-seeking enterprises and limited budgets make space ventures viable through the product life cycle, with early adopters like government agencies paving the way for cost-conscious consumers. NASA's reusable space vehicles have inspired SpaceX's Falcon rocket.

Profit-seeking enterprises and limited budgets make space ventures viable. NASA's reusable space vehicles have inspired SpaceX's Falcon rocket.

How To Make Space Travel Economically Viable

Mexico's economy is limited now, but it could become a superpower and move beyond foreign dependence by investing in itself. Access to technology is driving financial services growth, with home loans up 5 times faster than GDP.

Mexico's economy is limited now, but it could become a superpower and move beyond foreign dependence by investing in itself.

The Economy of Mexico

Rapid transition from tribal state to wealthy nation is a high-risk game. As the UAE moves away from oil wealth and diversifies its economy, its cities are growing. Dubai benefits from location and Emirates airline, and tax-free policies attract businesses, turning major cities into business hubs.

Rapid transition from tribal state to wealthy nation is a high-risk game. As the UAE moves away from oil wealth and diversifies its economy, its cities are growing.

The Economy of the United Arab Emirates

Italy's luxury brand industry contributes significantly to its economy, but the country faces economic challenges such as high national debt, economic crises, rigid business culture, geographic inequality, frequent government changes and an aging population.

Italy's luxury brand industry contributes significantly to its economy, but the country faces economic challenges such as high national debt and an aging population.

The Economy of Italy

Your country's stock market is imploding, businesses are closing, unemployment is rising, and everyone is looking to you to provide economic guidance on how to navigate this turmoil. Here's how you can weather the storm and come out on top!

Navigating economic crisis as a Head of State. What strategies for effective leadership might help you weather the storm and come out on top?

How To Fix an Economic Crisis

On December 11, 2019, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia launched its initial public offering of Saudia Aramco on the Tadawul public stock exchange. After an unprecedented marketing campaign, the company's initial offering went exceedingly well.

On December 11, 2019, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia launched its initial public offering of Saudia Aramco after an unprecedented marketing campaign.

The Economics of Saudi Aramco: The Most Valuable Company in History?

Exploring economic crashes: 1929's stock disaster, 2001's tech bubble, 2008's recession and today's fastest 30% market decline all challenge the notion of "this time is different." Uncover the recurring patterns of wild debt-fueled speculation and their disastrous consequences throughout history.

Exploring economic crashes challenges the notion of "this time is different." Uncover recurring patterns of wild debt-fueled speculation and the disastrous consequences.

Will This be the Next Great Depression?

Cuba pays doctors $30 per month and offers little career differentiation between a street sweeper and a neurosurgeon. Those with access to tourist dollars can earn more, but brain drain is a problem. The education system teaches socialist ideologies alongside regular curricula.

Cuba pays doctors $30 per month and offers little career differentiation between a street sweeper and a neurosurgeon. Those with access to tourist dollars can earn more.

The Economy of Cuba

Modern Monetary Theory (MMT) explains how cash works at an economy-wide level, but it's not a cure-all for economic problems. It's an insight into how modern economies work and should be approached with a nuanced understanding of its limitations and potential applications.

MMT explains how cash works at an economy-wide level, but it's not a cure-all for economic problems. It's an insight into how modern economies work.

Modern Monetary Theory: How it Could Answer All of Our Economic Problems

Economic growth, essential for global citizens, requires diligent effort and continuous innovation for efficiency, while addressing pressing challenges to secure a better future for generations to come.

Economic growth requires diligent effort and continuous innovation for efficiency while addressing pressing challenges to secure a better future for generations to come.

Can an Economy Grow Forever?

War has economic benefits, but it diverts resources from improving citizens' lives. It doesn't increase wealth or produce goods for consumers. Its primary purpose is to protect national interests and project influence.

War has economic benefits, but it diverts resources from improving citizens' lives. It doesn't increase wealth or produce goods for consumers.

Does War Make Us Richer?

As an external shock combines with underlying economic weaknesses, a crisis looms larger than past bubbles, raising concerns. Yet somehow, the stock market defies chaos by rising—why?

As an external shock combines with underlying economic weaknesses, a crisis looms larger than past bubbles. Yet somehow, the stock market defies chaos by rising—why?

Why is the Stock Market Still Rising?

China's industrial might faces challenges due to supply chain issues. Speculation surrounds companies divesting, seeking alternative supply sources. While reliance on China remains high, talk of replacement lacks solid economic basis.

China faces supply chain issues; talk of divestment and alternatives swirls. Reliance persists, but replacement claims lack economic basis.

Why China Will be the Big Winner of the 2020 Crisis

Debt: Good or Bad? Debt's duality is explored, unveiling its benefits, drawbacks, and alternatives. Examining economies thriving without debt offers insight into our financial system's workings and the cyclic nature of recessions.

Debt: Good or Bad? Debt's duality is explored, unveiling its benefits, drawbacks, and alternatives. Examining economies thriving without debt offers insight.

Do We Actually Need Debt?

Unveiling the intriguing world of economics, this video dissects unusual phenomena by examining negative value items, delving into the 2020 oil market and unraveling the intricate dynamics of oil sales.

Unveiling the intriguing world of economics, this video dissects unusual phenomena by examining negative value items and the intricate dynamics of oil sales.

Negative Oil Prices: Explained

Ancient Roman banking used a fractional reserve system until speculation caused a "bank run" in 33 AD. The emperor introduced quantitative easing (QE) by distributing 100 million sesterces to trusted banks, creating a quasi-central bank.

Ancient Rome had early examples of a quasi-central bank and used the process of quantitative easing.

The Economy of Ancient Rome

In the ongoing tumult of 2020, the critical condition of North Korea's leader Kim Jong Un sparked speculation about the nation's future, including potential economic impacts.

In the ongoing tumult of 2020, the critical condition of Kim Jong Un sparked speculation about North Korea's future, including potential economic impacts.

Can a New Leader Save North Korea's Economy?

Real estate prices are driven by demand and influenced by income and borrowing. Stagnant wages and liberal lending have caused real estate prices to rise in developed countries.

Real estate prices are driven by demand and influenced by income and borrowing.

The Economics of Real Estate

Governments use stimulus measures during crises, but borrowing can lead to crowding out and market crashes. Quantitative easing (QE) can avoid this, but it may lead to higher inflation.

Governments use stimulus measures during crises, but borrowing can lead to crowding out and market crashes.

Money Laundering: A How To Guide For The Modern Global Billionaire

In these challenging times, with closures, unemployment and health concerns, governments are stepping in with economic rescues, bailouts and stimulus packages. We assess effective responses and analyze government spending's impact on building a resilient economy.

Governments enact economic rescues amid closures, rising unemployment and health fears–exploring effective responses and efficient spending for a resilient economy.

The Economics of Stimulus Packages

China's Belt & Road Initiative benefits participating nations with cheaper resources and an inbuilt customer in China, but poses risks. China's profit motive could make it the de facto economic power, raising concerns about influence and intentions.

China's Belt and Road Initiative: risky and financially beneficial for nations with a profit motive for China, but it may shift global economic power from the U.S.

The Economics of China’s Enormous Belt & Road Initiative

As the U.S. economy faces high inflation and recession, the government is responding with new supply-oriented stimulus measures. Public.com is introduced as a user-friendly investment platform that offers up to $1,000 in free stock.

As the U.S. faces high inflation and recession, the government responds with supply-oriented stimulus measures. Public.com offers up to $1,000 in free stock.

Do We Actually Need Recessions?

​​Hedge funds now focus on chasing high returns rather than minimizing risk, leading to a decline in their popularity among wealthy investors. Sophisticated investors with high net worth can invest in them, but average returns match that of the market.

Hedge funds are on the decline–chasing high returns and matching market returns. They only attract sophisticated investors, leading to their decline.

Hedge Funds Explained: Why Hedge Funds Aren’t Really Hedged

Liechtenstein's economy is small but highly developed, with a strong focus on services and manufacturing. Its favorable tax policies and business-friendly environment make it attractive for companies and investors worldwide.

Liechtenstein attracts companies and investors through its favorable tax policies and business environment.

The Mighty Economy of Liechtenstein

Brazil's geography poses challenges for infrastructure and transportation. Its economy is large but wealth is spread thin, with low stability and growth in recent years. Despite diverse exports and natural resources, Brazil struggles to compete globally.

Brazil’s geography and political strife pose economic challenges, causing low stability and growth.

The Wild Economy of Brazil

Art can be used for tax evasion and financial maneuvering; donating to museums as a charitable donation helps avoid taxes on profits. A cost-dense physical asset that can be easily stored and kept for investment purposes, art provides an ideal way for the wealthy to stash their wealth discreetly.

Art can be used for tax evasion and financial maneuvering, since donating it helps to avoid taxes on profits.

The Economics Of The Art Market: Why This Painting Isn't Worth $450 Million

In a purely capitalist society, individuals pay for what they want or need, and competition can drive prices down. However, issues arise with public goods and negative externalities. The solution is to create communities run by companies, but they essentially become governments with taxes.

In a purely capitalist society, communities run by companies would essentially become governments.

Do We Actually Need Taxes?

France's tourism industry is the largest in the world, but its economy is heavily dependent on global prosperity, making it susceptible to crises. The country's high unemployment rate is due to its expensive labor laws, strong social welfare and lack of skilled workers.

France's tourism industry is the largest in the world, but its economy is heavily dependent on global prosperity.

The Economy Of France: How The French Set Global Economic Trends

Hong Kong is a financially responsible region that has historically been a safe haven for trade between East and West. Despite recent external shocks, its economy continues to grow rapidly due to its stability and reputation as a go-to destination for finance in Asia.

Hong Kong is a financially responsible region that has historically been a safe haven for trade between East and West.

The Unstoppable Economy Of Hong Kong: The Land Of Billionaires

The Australian government's registered company, The Commonwealth of Australia, is backed by the U.S. Treasury Department, but the corporation has never been used.

Australian Government LLC is a registered, but unused, company backed by the U.S. Treasury Department.

Why Australia is Actually an American Company

Understanding game theory can help with decision-making fundamentals. Cooperative game theory is used in economic unions and trade deals to ensure each participant benefits. Donald Trump's stance on bilateral trade agreements may make sense from this perspective.

Cooperative game theory is used in economic unions and trade deals to ensure each participant benefits.

Why Game Theory is Not About Competition

Global banking is profit-driven, but not an inherently evil or conspiratorial industry. While commercial and central banks wield vast financial power, money creation through debt is a logical process. Banking should promote growth and trade, not reckless speculation.

Global banking is a profit-driven industry, but it's not inherently evil or conspiratorial.

The History of Global Banking: A Broken System?

Amazon has redefined online shopping, website creation, investing and business. Despite criticism for poor working conditions and anti-competitive behavior, the company will likely continue to be successful.

Amazon has redefined online shopping, website creation, investing and business. While the company has been criticized for poor conditions, it's still expected to thrive.

Why Amazon is Begging For Regulations: The Twisted Economics of Amazon

The pandemic has hit the global merchant marine fleet, causing many ships to be sold for scrap, which could impact global trade. A decrease in the demand for ships has led companies to reduce the size of their fleets and individuals to scrap their ships.

The future is unpredictable. Since the pandemic has weakened the shipping industry, ships are being sold for scraps and there is less demand for new ships.

Why Are Cold Countries Richer Than Hot Countries?

According to Adam Smith's theory, nations can progress from farming to industry and services by increasing trade and specialization to grow wealth. The governments should maintain markets and enforce contracts.

According to Adam Smith's theory, nations progress from farming to industry, trade increases wealth, and the government's role is minimal.

Adam Smith: The Grandfather Of Economics

Could a single, worldwide currency–like Cryptocurrency–really work? While the benefits may outweigh the drawbacks, the idea of a central bank and a responsible administration controlling it raises concerns.

A global currency could potentially work—if administered and controlled responsibly.

Could The Whole World Use Just One Currency?

As the world gets richer, wealth, power and wealth inequality have become controversial, complex issues. Extreme concentrations of wealth have led to achievements, but not without serious drawbacks. The real issue is outrageous investing, not spending.

As the world gets richer, wealth, power and wealth inequality have become controversial and complex issues.

Is Wealth Inequality Actually a Problem?

Saving money is important, but people are saving at the wrong time. Governments and individuals often fail to save during good times and spend during bad times. During a recession, individuals with healthy emergency funds can maintain spending, and businesses can offer sales.

In a recession, individuals with healthy emergency funds can maintain spending, and businesses can offer sales.

Can Saving Too Much Money Cause a Recession?

We can’t go a week without the news telling us that global climate catastrophe is inevitable, natural resources are running dry, or that if everyone lived like the average American, we would need four earths to sustain mankind! Is it starting to sound like this "Thanos" guy has the right idea?

We can’t go a week without the news telling us we're in a global climate catastrophe. Does this "Thanos" guy have the right idea, or are his measures too extreme?

What Would a Thanos Snap do to the Economy?

Vatican City's revenue comes mostly from tourism, museum admissions and charitable donations. With a GDP per capita of $93,333, its industry adds very little value. However, the Vatican's influence over one billion Catholics worldwide gives it significant power and influence.

Vatican City's economy is small, but its influence on the Catholic Church makes it a powerful entity.

The Weird and Wonderful Economy of Vatican City

Black markets exist not just for illegal goods, but due to inefficient regulations. They impact government revenue and labor statistics, and economists use energy output to quantify their size. Rather than through illegal activities, individuals can profit from altering government bureaucracy.

Black markets exist due to inefficient regulations, not just for illegal goods.

Black Market Economics - What Drives the Underground Economy?

Unemployment caused by the debt cycle leads to hard-core unemployment, but unlike structural unemployment, it tends to come back over time. Nations like Denmark have fewer cases of hard-core unemployment, due to government support for training and education.

Unemployment caused by the debt cycle can lead to hard-core unemployment, but these jobs tend to return.

Why 40,000 People Die for Every 1% Increase in Unemployment - The Big Short

The Egyptian calendar had three seasons: planting, harvesting and flooding. During flooding season, farmers were forced to participate in construction projects, called corvée, which served as a form of vocational training and taxation. The corvée system continued until 1890.

The Egyptian calendar had three seasons: planting, harvesting and flooding.

The Economy of Ancient Egypt

On July 30, 2020, the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis released its Q2 GDP report, revealing a sharp 32.9% contraction in April-June GDP growth and surpassing the 2008 subprime crisis's peak 8% drop.

On July 30, 2020, the Bureau of Economic Analysis released a Q2 GDP report, revealing a 32.9% annual contraction and dwarfing the 2008 subprime crisis's peak 8% GDP drop.

How the U.S. Economy Just Lost 33% of its Value

As the wealthiest generation continues to retire and pass away, beneficiaries in the U.S. alone will inherit a colossal $30 trillion, which will reshape the economy and have far-reaching impacts.

As the wealthiest generation retires and passes away, U.S. beneficiaries will inherit a colossal $30 trillion, which will reshape the economy with far-reaching impacts.

The Biggest Wealth Transfer in History is Upon Us

The idea of a 40-hour work week is an arbitrary convention—and it's been disrupted by the recent rise in remote and independent work.

Do We Need to Work 40 Hours a Week?

A cashless society could increase tax revenue by stopping cash transactions for things like cash-in-hand work. However, it could mean giving up seniorage, and may not eliminate the underground economy.

A cashless society could increase tax revenue by stopping cash transactions for things like cash-in-hand work.

Why Becoming A Cashless Society Is A Terrible Idea

Young men and women from around the world have grown up with the idea that their education is the best investment they can make...but is it?

The Student Debt Crisis: Explained

China isn't playing fair in the game of global trade. They're cheating other countries, companies and consumers out of business by manipulating their own currency. So how does a nation like China control its currency?

China isn't playing fair in the game of global trade. They're cheating other countries, companies and consumers out of business by manipulating their own currency.

Why Does China Manipulate its own Currency?

Explore Vietnam's remarkable growth, challenges and path to development. Despite a strategic location and hardworking population, they face hurdles like middle-income trap, trade tensions, global competition and the pandemic.

Explore Vietnam's remarkable growth, challenges and path to development. Despite a strategic location and hardworking population, they face significant hurdles.