US and Japan Agree ‘Largest Trade Deal in History’, Says Donald Trump | BBC News

Jul 23, 2025 | US President Donald Trump says the US has agreed to a "massive" trade deal with Japan, one of the country's largest trading partners.

Japan has agreed to invest $550bn (£407bn) in the US while its goods sold to America would be taxed at 15% when they reach the country - below the 25% tariff Trump had threatened.

Trump said on social media that Japan would open its economy to US goods, including cars, trucks, rice and certain agricultural products.

Currency Changeover in Bulgaria: The Euro Replaces the Lev in January

ul 17, 2025 | Currency changeover in Bulgaria: the euro replaces the lev in January

In an interview with Euronews, Plamen Ralchev says: “The euro is a lifeboat that Bulgaria should board!" The scientist at the University of National and World Economics warns against right-wing populist parties exploiting the currency debate.

Ist die Rente noch sicher? | Doku HD Reupload | ARTE

Jul 17, 2025 | Wie kann die Rente heute noch sicher, ausreichend und gerecht sein? Welche Reformen sind dazu nötig - und welche Vorbilder gibt es in Europa? Gemeinsam mit zwei jungen Protagonisten nimmt die Doku unsere Ängste und Vorurteile unter die Lupe und stellt interessante Ideen aus ganz Europa vor. Klar ist: Reformen werden nur gelingen, wenn alle Bürger*innen mitreden!

Die Sicherung der Altersvorsorge ist eine der größten Herausforderungen für die Zukunft Europas. In den nächsten Jahren gehen die sogenannten Babyboomer in den Ruhestand. Manche waren beruflich erfolgreich, andere oft arbeitslos oder Geringverdiener. Frauen erhalten im Schnitt deutlich weniger Rente als Männer. Wie können wir Altersarmut verhindern? Und wie können junge Menschen mit einer Rente rechnen, die zum Leben reicht?

Gemeinsam mit unseren Protagonisten Moritz (19) und Estelle (32) wagt der Film einen Blick in die Zukunft. Estelle lässt sich auf ein Experiment ein: Sie wird von einer Maskenbildnerin alt geschminkt. Wird sie anders über ihre Altersvorsorge denken, wenn sie sich selbst als alte Frau sieht? Moritz engagiert sich in der Generationenstiftung für eine Rente, in die auch Beamte und Selbstständige einzahlen – wie in Österreich, wo die Renten um 70 Prozent höher liegen als in Deutschland. Auch Estelle kann als Französin eine bessere Rente erwarten: Ihre Mutter Helga hat dank gesetzlicher Zusatzrenten ein gutes Auskommen und kann auf ihre Enkel aufpassen, während Estelle arbeiten geht.

Wie kam es dazu, dass das deutsche Rentenniveau so gesunken ist? Und warum gehen die Menschen in Frankreich für ihre Rente auf die Straße? Gemeinsam mit Walter Riester zeigen wir, was bei seiner Zusatzrente schiefging – in Schweden funktioniert sie recht gut. Bei der privaten Vorsorge gibt es immer noch viele falsche Versprechen, vor allem in Polen sind die Menschen enttäuscht.

Dokumentarfilm von Sabine Jainski und Ilona Kalmbach (D 2023, 90 Min)
Video verfügbar bis zum 25/09/2025

Trump’s Attack on the Fed Ripples Through the Global Economy

THE NEW YORK TIMES: The independence of central banks, which allows policymakers to operate free from political meddling, is considered sacrosanct by investors and economists.

At a recent conference, Christine Lagarde, the president of the European Central Bank, described Jerome H. Powell, the chair of the Federal Reserve, as “the standard of the courageous central banker.”

The room was filled with central bank officials from around the world, who stood to applaud in a public outburst of support for a fellow central banker under relentless assault by President Trump.

Central banks’ independence, which allows policymakers to set interest rates free from political interference, is considered sacrosanct by investors and economists. That’s why the attacks on the Fed, the most important and influential central bank in the world, have reverberated far beyond Washington.

“It’s a signal which is worrisome,” said Stefan Ingves, the former governor of the Riksbank, Sweden’s central bank.

Turmoil in U.S. financial markets risks upending the finances of countries and companies abroad. The yields on long-term U.S. government debt, which serve as benchmarks for interest rates around the world, could spike if Mr. Trump fired Mr. Powell, economists warn. The value of the dollar could sink. » | Eshe Nelson | Reporting from London | Thursday, July 17, 2025

For how much longer must the civilised world tolerate this insanity? – © Mark Alexander

Top Economist "Elon & Trump Are Wrong on $3T US Budget Deficit"

Jul 13, 2025 | Who is Dr. Steve Keen? Dr. Steve Keen is an influential economist who has dedicated over 50 years to challenging mainstream economic theories.

Since his days as a university student, he has been engaged in a David vs. Goliath battle against conventional economic models.

Holding a Ph.D. in economics, Dr. Keen is well-known for his critical analysis and advocacy for more realistic economic approaches. His work emphasizes the importance of accounting for financial instability and incorporates elements of complex systems theory.

Engineers, finance professionals, and IT experts will appreciate his methodical breakdown of economic phenomena and his development of the Minsky software, which models financial crises.

Dr. Keen's contributions are crucial for anyone seeking a deeper understanding of how economic systems can impact technological and financial environments. His teachings offer valuable insights into the economic forces shaping our world.


My posting of this video should not be misconstrued as an endorsement of this view. It is neither an endorsement nor a denial. – © Mark Alexander

Trump Has Draft of Letter to Fire Fed Chair. He Asked Republicans if He Should Send It.

THE NEW YORK TIMES: The president waved a copy of a draft letter firing Jerome H. Powell at a meeting in the Oval Office with House Republicans. It remains to be seen whether he follows through with his threat.

President Trump showed off a draft of a letter firing the chair of Federal Reserve, Jerome H. Powell, during a meeting with roughly a dozen House Republicans on Tuesday night, polling them as to whether he should do it and indicating that he likely would, according to two people briefed on the meeting.

It remains to be seen whether Mr. Trump will actually go ahead with trying to fire Mr. Powell, a move that some in his administration have cautioned could be calamitous and have far more expansive fallout than the president appears to anticipate.

The meeting in the Oval Office was on an unrelated topic — the House members’ apprehensions about a crypto-related piece of potential legislation. But Mr. Trump used the meeting to discuss what has become one of his favorite topics: his hatred of Mr. Powell, whom he elevated to chair in 2017, during his first presidency.

Speaking from a separate meeting in the Oval Office on Wednesday, Mr. Trump confirmed that he had queried House lawmakers about whether he should fire Mr. Powell but said he had no imminent plans to do so. » | Maggie Haberman and Colby Smith | Wednesday, July 16, 2025

Why Is Iran’s Economy Struggling? | BBC News

Jul 16, 2025 | Since the 12-day war between Israel and Iran ended, the United States has added yet more financial sanctions to try and cut the amount money Iran can earn from oil exports.

The US want to stop Tehran being able to fund its nuclear programme and support for its proxies in the Middle East such as Hezbollah, Hamas and the Houthis in Yemen.

As the world’s seventh biggest oil producer, Iran should be a wealthy country, but because the government of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei continues to spend huge sums on weapons, living standards have been falling for years.

Talking Business explores the impact on the lives of regular Iranians and asks what it will take to make the country prosperous once again.

US Empire Digs Its Own Grave by Gutting Education w/ Prof Wolff

Jul 15, 2025 | The U.S. Supreme Court allowed Trump’s evisceration of the Department of Education this week through mass layoffs. Fellowships and sponsorships to fund student research are getting cut while student debt is growing. Professor Richard Wolff breaks down the potential impacts on the U.S. economy and society, the history of the federal education system in the U.S., and the root causes of Trump’s attacks on education.

Professor Richard Wolff is an author & co-founder of the organization Democracy at Work. You can find his work at Richard D Wolff.

Gov Andy Beshear (D-KY) on Trump Bill: “A Punch in the Face of Rural America” | Amanpour & Company

Jul 9, 2025 | President Trump's sweeping domestic policy bill has been signed into law, impacting Americans across the country. Millions of people on Medicaid are set to lose their health coverage, a loss that is raising serious concern even in traditionally conservative states. Andy Beshear, two-term Governor of Kentucky, joins the show to talk about the bill's real-life effect on rural communities, plus the future of the Democratic Party.

Americans are paying the high price of their foolhardiness in voting for Trump, for a man who has little understanding of economics and even less compassion for the downtrodden and underprivileged. Moreover, Americans will go on paying the high price. In fact, as time passes by, the price will get even higher. There is much truth in the saying ‘be careful what you wish for’. – © Mark Alexander

Larry Summers: Big Beautiful Bill Is “a Shocking Thing in Its Brutality” | Amanpour & Company

July 15, 2025 | Some 11.8 million Americans are at risk of losing their health coverage through President Trump's new domestic policy law, and while he has insisted that "it's not going to cause death," former Treasury Secretary Larry Summers argues that it's a cruel law that pushes aside "simple matters of decency." Summers details his criticisms in his recent New York Times op-ed "This Law Made Me Ashamed of my Country." He joins Walter Isaacson to discuss. | Originally aired on July 15, 2025

The End of Dollar Hegemony? Ft. Radhika Desai

July 15, 2025

UK Inflation Rises Unexpectedly to 3.6% Driven by Food and Fuel Prices

THE GUARDIAN: Annual increase in June follows two months of negative growth and comes as speculation mounts over tax rises

UK inflation unexpectedly rose in June driven by fuel and food prices, according to official figures, underscoring the challenge facing the chancellor, Rachel Reeves.

The Office for National Statistics said the consumer prices index rose by 3.6% last month, up from a reading of 3.4% in May. City economists had forecast an unchanged reading.

Richard Heys, the acting chief economist at the ONS, said: “Inflation ticked up in June driven mainly by motor fuel prices, which fell only slightly, compared with a much larger decrease at this time last year. Food price inflation has increased for the third consecutive month to its highest annual rate since February of last year. However, it remains well below the peak seen in early 2023.” » | Richard Partington | Senior economics correspondent | Wednesday, July 16, 2025

ANALYSIS: UK inflation rise makes it clear: the cost of living crisis has not gone away: Analysts say pressure will be on Bank to keep interest rates higher for longer, as consumers’ mood stays gloomy »

THE NEW YORK TIMES: Rising Inflation Underscores Risks in Trump’s New Tariff Threats: New data showing price increases last month could foreshadow even higher costs if the president imposes steep tariffs on Aug. 1. »

Warum ist Reichtum so ungerecht verteilt? | ARTE | Reupload

Feb 21, 2025 | Die einen fliegen für viele Millionen Dollar touristisch ins All oder feiern gigantische Hochzeiten – während die anderen noch immer in Slums von wenigen Dollar am Tag leben. Obwohl die Wirtschaft wächst wie noch nie zuvor in der Menschheitsgeschichte, ist der erzeugte Wohlstand ziemlich ungleich verteilt. Warum ist das so?

Schaut man sich die Entwicklung der Weltwirtschaft an, dann sieht die Sache erst einmal gar nicht so schlecht aus: Der globale Wohlstand ist in den vergangenen Jahrzehnten massiv gewachsen. Vor allem in China haben sich viele Menschen aus bitterer Armut befreien können. Weil aber das enorme Wachstum in Asien nicht nur die Armen etwas weniger arm, sondern vor allem die Reichen viel reicher gemacht hat, ist die Vermögensungleichheit insgesamt immer noch ziemlich groß: Den oberen zehn Prozent der Weltbevölkerung gehören aktuell 76 Prozent aller Vermögen – die untere Hälfte kann gerade mal zwei Prozent aller Reichtümer ihr Eigen nennen. Wie ist diese extreme Ungleichheit zu erklären?

Viele Sozialwissenschaftlerinnen machen vor allem die Staaten verantwortlich: Wer Ungleichheit abbauen wolle, müsse umverteilen – vor allem durch Steuern und das Sozialsystem. Im Zuge der Wirtschaftspolitik des sogenannten Neoliberalismus seien in den vergangenen 40 Jahren diese Umverteilungsmechanismen allerdings weltweit mehr und mehr zurückgefahren worden. Der Wirtschaftswissenschaftler Ignacio Flores von der Paris School of Economics hält das für eine Fehlentwicklung. Wirtschaftswachstum und Umverteilung hin zu einer egalitären Gesellschaft schließen sich seiner Meinung nach gar nicht aus. Ein gutes Beispiel seien die sogenannte Trente Glorieuse, die 30 wirtschaftlich starken Jahre ab 1945 nach dem Ende des Zweiten Weltkriegs – in Deutschland die Zeit des Wirtschaftswunders. Nach den Schrecken von Faschismus und im Angesicht des sowjetischen Sozialismus hätten Frankreich und Deutschland massiv in Umverteilung und Sozialstaat investiert – und die Wirtschaft sei dennoch in einem Ausmaß gewachsen, wie es heute kaum noch vorstellbar ist.

Muss also einfach der Sozialstaat der Nachkriegszeit zurückgeholt werden? Oder braucht es – für mehr Gleichheit – doch tiefere Eingriffe in das Wirtschaftssystem? Und wie viel Gleichheit beim Wohlstand ist eigentlich wünschenswert?

Wissenschafts-Dokureihe, Regie: Max Lebsanft (D 2024, 28 Min)
Video verfügbar bis zum 23/02/2028

Trump’s 30% Tariffs Would ‘Practically Prohibit’ EU-US Trade, Says Šefčovič

THE GUARDIAN: EU trade chief says his team felt ‘very close’ to an agreement before US president’s comments at the weekend

Donald Trump’s threat to impose 30% tariffs on European goods would “practically prohibit” transatlantic trade, the EU’s lead negotiator with the US has said.

Arriving for talks with European ministers in Brussels, Maroš Šefčovič, the EU trade commissioner, said a tariff of 30% or more would have a huge impact, making it “almost impossible to continue” current transatlantic trade, which is worth €4.4bn (£3.8bn) a day.

Expressing disappointment, he said his negotiating team thought they had been close to a deal. “The feeling on our side was that we are very close to an agreement,” as he said the two sides had been negotiating an agreement in principle – the outlines of a deal – for four weeks prior to Trump’s blunt announcement at the weekend. » | Jennifer Rankin in Brussels | Monday, July 14, 2025

Trump News at a Glance: State Department Plans Mass Layoffs In Line with President’s ‘America First’ Policy

THE GUARDIAN: Nearly 15% of domestic workforce to be let go in major restructuring of diplomatic corps – key US politics stories from Thursday 10 July

The state department has announced that it plans to move forward with mass layoffs as part of the most significant restructuring of America’s diplomatic corps in decades. Officials say the cuts will align their mission with Donald Trump’s “America First” vision.

The layoffs, which are commonly called reductions in force (or RIFs), along with voluntary redundancies, will affect nearly 15% of the state department’s domestic staff. A senior department official said that was close to 1,800 people. The restructuring will also see several hundred bureaus merged or eliminated entirely. » | Guardian staff | Friday, July 11, 2025