Tag Archives: economy

Tipping Fatigue: Why Americans Say Tipping is Out of Control

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It’s 12 o’clock in the afternoon, and like you, thousands of Americans need their midday coffee. You stroll to your local coffee shop and get in the long line. You shuffle forward and order your drink. You know prices have been rising because of inflation, but you are happy to pay 5 dollars for your afternoon latte. You pay and turn to wait for your drink, but suddenly, the barista turns around their iPad, and you are presented with 3 tipping options. Not trying to take up anyone else’s time and fearing that the barista can see your tip, you Continue reading Tipping Fatigue: Why Americans Say Tipping is Out of Control→

The State of the Venezuelan Economy

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For those of you who may not know, Venezuela is in the midst of a massive economic crisis that is leaving people without basic necessities. Inflation is expected to reach 720%, up from 275% at the end of 2015. GDP has been contracting since 2014. Drought has left the government to rationing out water, and because Venezuela relies on hydroelectric dams to produce much of its energy, the drought has caused power shortages. The government has been running huge budget deficits on social programs that they can no longer afford, as high as 29% of its GDP in 2014. Unemployment is at Continue reading The State of the Venezuelan Economy→

What Increasing the Federal Funds Rate Means for the Stock Market

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Since the Great Recession rocked the U.S. and world economy in 2007, the federal funds rate in the U.S. has been at or near zero, falling from its pre-recession level of 5.25%. The hallmark of post-recession years has been the Fed’s strict adherence to low interest rates for fear that raising them could send the United States back into a recession. But now, this period may finally be coming to an end. For the first time in nine years interest rates may be set to climb as Janet Yellen announced at the Fed’s annual Jackson Hole meeting two weeks ago Continue reading What Increasing the Federal Funds Rate Means for the Stock Market→