Hundreds of BYD vehicles wait at a port in Suzhou, China, to ship out. AFP via Getty Images In June 2019, then-presidential candidate Joe Biden tweeted: “Trump doesn’t get the basics. He thinks his tariffs are being paid by China. Any freshman econ student could tell you that the American people are paying his tariffs.”...
Commerce
Facebook Marketplace Is Home to Steals and Deals—and Serious Trust Issues
Love it or hate it, Facebook Marketplace is the largest online resale site today with more than one billion monthly users. A new study conducted by UBC researchers sheds light on the intricate web of trust, privacy and safety factors shaping users’ experiences on this popular platform. Researchers interviewed 42 Facebook Marketplace buyers and sellers...
Ameliorating Afghanistan’s Economic Weakness
Nearly three years into Taliban rule, the Afghan economy remains weak. What can the U.S. and other donors do about it? Editor’s note: The following article is based on remarks given by the author at the Afghan-American Chamber of Commerce’s private-sector conference in Istanbul on March 4, 2024. Nearly three years into Taliban rule of...
All-Cash Home Buyers Pay 10% Less Than Mortgage Buyers
Owning a home has long been considered a crucial way to build wealth, but making such a purchase has become increasingly difficult for many residents. In addition to steep housing prices and high interest rates, there have been a growing number of all-cash buyers who can close a deal quickly, beating out competing offers from buyers who...
Companies Ignoring Climate Risks Get Punished by Markets, New Study Reveals
A pioneering study from the University of Florida has quantified corporations’ exposure to climate change risks like hurricanes, wildfires, and climate-related regulations and the extent to which climate risks are priced into their market valuations. The research also exposes a costly divide – companies that proactively manage climate risks fare much better than those that...
Cocoa Beans Are in Short Supply: What This Means for Farmers, Businesses and Chocolate Lovers
A shortage of cocoa beans has led to a near shutdown of processing plants in Côte d’Ivoire and Ghana, the two countries responsible for 60% of global production. With chocolate makers around the world reliant on west Africa for cocoa, there is significant concern about the impact on the prices of chocolate and the livelihood...
The Timeless Wisdom of Sanpo-Yoshi for Present Day Businesses
There is a growing emphasis for corporations to consider their impact on the environment, society, and its stakeholders. Broadly falling under environmental, social and governance or ESG, this involves practices such as using sustainably sourced materials, reducing carbon emissions, improving labor practices, fostering positive community relations, and promoting ethical corporate behavior, including efforts against anti-competitive practices...
Most Consumers Continue to Expect Rising Food Prices
Most U.S. consumers surveyed in February 2024 predicted that they would see an increase in food prices over the next 12 months. Sixty-four percent of respondents predict food prices to rise in the next year, and the average predicted increase is 3.7%, according to the February Consumer Food Insights Report. The survey-based report out of Purdue University’s Center...
Generating ‘Buzz’ About New Products Can Influence Their Success
The way companies announce new products or build up hype can often influence their success once those new products hit the market, according to new research from Binghamton University, State University of New York. Whether it’s an upcoming blockbuster movie or a new rollout from major companies like Coca-Cola or Apple, the new research shows...
Miami International Boat Show: Sailing On Dreams and Reality
There are many niche industry shows and festivals for us to attend, throughout the United States, from art to musical instruments, cars, home decor and upscale foods and wine– and of course boating. The 2024 Miami International Boat Show, February 14 through 18 was expansive, full of eye candy for those who love their boats and the many accessories available...