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When consumer behavior and sentiment dictate how the economy will turn out, it’s no surprise that the sales trends of certain goods on the market can predict economic health. Everything from the height of women’s skirts to the price of Big Mac burgers says something about people’s finances. Community Columnist Felicia Mo explores two unconventional economic indicators – lipstick and men’s underwear – that economists use to signal and prepare for incoming recessions.
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The film Nomadland reveals very real problems concerning how policymakers and corporations exploit seasonal workers, specifically elderly gig economy employees. Although temporary employment may be attractive for companies such as Amazon, policy that targets a reduction in elderly poverty would help prevent aging Americans from converting to a tumultuous nomadic lifestyle, where they face low salaries and poor treatment.Continue Reading

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In: BRB Shorts, Economics

Why International Banks Struggle to Innovate in a Strict Ratings Market. The last time credit ratings probably played a major role in your life—if in fact they ever did—was during the 2008 Financial Crisis. As the canonical story goes, crediting institutions packaged subprime loans, often at B or C level confidence, as reliable A level bonds so that banks could extend their lending power.
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