Primary deficits: a short history
Original Report
Primary vs total deficit The US federal government maintains a deficit. That is, it borrows during periods when it collects less in taxes than it spends. There are two main measures of deficits. Our...
Primary vs total deficit The US federal government maintains a deficit. That is, it borrows during periods when it collects less in taxes than it spends. There are two main measures of deficits. Our first FRED graph, above, plots the … Continue reading →
Glass House Analysis
Central bank policy decisions made in boardrooms cascade through the economy in ways that touch everyone. A quarter-point rate change might seem abstract, but it determines whether young families can afford homes, whether businesses can afford to hire, and whether retirees see meaningful returns on their savings. The tension between fighting inflation and maintaining employment represents a fundamental tradeoff in economic policy—one that invariably creates winners and losers.
The implications extend beyond the immediate news cycle. Every economic development creates ripples that affect employment, prices, and opportunities in ways that may not be immediately visible but are deeply felt. By tracking these connections, we can better understand how the economy truly works—not as an abstract machine, but as a human system shaped by and shaping the lives of millions.
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