Recent stories by David Lightman
DAILY
|
FOLLOWING THE MONEY
Congress is writing a budget. But the deficit keeps soaring.
Though new budgets are being debated, few are taking steps to address the trillion-dollar deficits.
DAILY
|
FOLLOWING THE MONEY
When will Congress finally tackle the Social Security crisis?
While members of Congress agree there’s a funding shortage coming, there’s little movement toward fixing the problem.
DAILY
|
FOLLOWING THE MONEY
Will the Fed raise interest rates? It’s starting to look like that could happen.
Fed Chairman Kevin Warsh presides over his second meeting this week. The financial world waits and watches for his views.
DAILY
|
FOLLOWING THE MONEY
Why do gasoline prices stay stuck despite lower oil prices?
The price of gasoline depends on more than the status of the Iran war or the price of a barrel of oil.
DAILY
|
FOLLOWING THE MONEY
Supermarket checkouts may hold more unpleasant surprises for consumers
Gas prices have come down. But months of high energy prices are beginning to trickle down the supply chain.
DAILY
The clout of the Congressional Black Caucus hangs in the balance
Redistricting could shrink the powerful bloc of Democratic lawmakers.
DAILY
|
FOLLOWING THE MONEY
Will a tax on EVs trip up the highway bill?
The quadrennial surface-transportation bill relies chiefly on gasoline taxes for its funding. But what happens when fewer Americans use gas-powered cars?
DAILY
|
FOLLOWING THE MONEY
Affording the Fourth: As economic concerns linger, Americans may spend less
The holiday traditionally provides a small economic stimulus, but this year, consumers may scale back due to the cost of gas and food.
DAILY
|
FOLLOWING THE MONEY
Hawks begin to nest at the Fed
Ensuring 'price stability' becomes paramount for the Federal Open Market Committee as Kevin Warsh's Fed tenure begins.
DAILY
|
FOLLOWING THE MONEY
Which Kevin Warsh will show up this week?
At the first meeting of the Fed’s rate-setting committee under a new chairman, markets will be watching his comments unusually closely.
DAILY
|
FOLLOWING THE MONEY
Inflation isn't out of control—yet
'The bottom line is that inflation has not disappeared. It has changed form.'
DAILY
As debt keeps rising, few officials seem to care. Here’s why they should.
The interest payment on the national debt this year is forecast to approach $1.9 trillion, the same amount Congress allocated for discretionary programs in 2025.
DAILY
|
FOLLOWING THE MONEY
Trump’s ‘Liberation Day’ helped unleash higher inflation on American consumers
More than a year after the administration imposed global tariffs, economists find U.S. businesses and households are shouldering a higher burden.
DAILY
|
FOLLOWING THE MONEY
The U.S. is ‘just about the last place’ to suffer gas shortages from Iran war
Higher gas prices could douse consumer spending, but a country that produces more oil than it uses is unlikely to see an access issue.
DAILY
|
FOLLOWING THE MONEY
A gas-tax suspension might not be the holiday some envision
Trump’s relatively modest proposal could further raise the national debt, and it would need approval from a Congress that’s not been keen on the idea in the past.
DAILY
|
FOLLOWING THE MONEY
Powell remaining on the Fed board provides a steadying hand amid economic jitters
Fed watchers say it’s unlikely the Central Bank will shift quickly on monetary policy with Jerome Powell as one of its governors, even if he won't be wielding the gavel.
DAILY
|
FOLLOWING THE MONEY
Kevin Warsh has been cleared for takeoff. Don’t expect the next Fed chair to chart a radical course.
Despite pressure from Trump to cut interest rates, analysts don’t see Warsh suddenly moving to do so unless there’s a solid economic reason.
DAILY
|
FOLLOWING THE MONEY
Tax refunds are bigger, but so are long-term worries about the economy
Last year’s One Big Beautiful Bill Act is putting more money into Americans’ pockets, but experts warn higher energy prices could squeeze consumer spending.
DAILY
|
FOLLOWING THE MONEY
‘Impeccable credentials’ alone won't secure Warsh confirmation as Fed chair
Trump’s nominee to succeed Jerome Powell is well thought of, but Sen. Thom Tillis’s concerns could slow down the nominee’s path.
FOLLOWING THE MONEY
How low can the economy go?
Economic fundamentals remain sound despite spiking gas prices, but keep an eye on supply shocks, the housing market, and financial tensions.