Peter Morici
Columns by Peter Morici
Runaway federal deficits threaten the dollar’s global status much more than the BRICS
President Trump has threatened punitive tariffs on BRIC nations for exploring alternatives to the dollar for international payments. Published March 18, 2025
Six economic Black Swans that could trigger a recession under Trump
Recession risks are emerging as consumers grow pessimistic, and the COVID-19 recovery is increasingly driven by the wealthiest 10% of households by their stock market gains. Published March 11, 2025
Reciprocal tariffs would be Trump’s undoing
President Trump's radical shifts in economic policies will leave America isolated and ignite the kind of inflation that undermined the credibility of the Biden-Harris administration. Published March 4, 2025
Fixing America’s broken health care system
The assassination of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson triggered a disturbing avalanche of sympathy for the suspected murderer, often laced with sarcasm about health insurance systems. Published February 25, 2025
Trump’s policies undercut the Fed’s fight with inflation
The Federal Reserve is holding the federal funds rate steady while looking for signs that inflation is moving closer to 2% but the bond market is betting President Trump will undercut its efforts. Published February 18, 2025
Why Trump’s protectionism is so appealing but won’t make us rich
President Donald Trump is reimaging U.S. foreign and international economic policies, and Americans won't be richer. Published February 11, 2025
Economic realities of Trump’s trade war with China
The world has changed since President Trump was first elected in 2016. Published February 4, 2025
Federal Reserve policymakers talk too much
The Federal Reserve has a tough job, and its communications strategy isn't helping. Published January 28, 2025
How AI could grow U.S. out of federal debt problems
The Biden economy finished with a remarkable sprint. Published January 21, 2025
Federal Reserve policy review should embrace a hard ceiling for inflation
The Federal Reserve will soon begin its quinquennial review of the monetary policy strategy, tools and communications employed to fulfill its congressional mandate. Published January 14, 2025
Trump should impose China tariffs, prioritize renewing tax cuts and immigration reform
Practical constraints require that a new administration implement programs that complement but do not necessarily replicate its campaign promises. Published January 7, 2025
For economy to succeed, Trump must control his extreme impulses
President-elect Donald Trump has a mandate to implement populist policies, but like President Biden, he is inclined to extreme solutions, which jeopardizes his chances for success. Published December 31, 2024
U.S. needs a saner approach to immigration
Americans have been appalled by thousands of illegal immigrants exacerbating homelessness and straining shelters, schools and social services budgets. Published December 24, 2024
Trump needs Asian-focused trade strategy to combat China
Many blame tariffs imposed by President-elect Donald Trump for the rise of protectionism, but the global trading system was dysfunctional long before MAGA hats. Published December 17, 2024
Federal Reserve shouldn’t lower interest rates much more
Next week, Federal Reserve policymakers are expected to reduce interest rates by a quarter-point. Published December 10, 2024
Trump returns with opportunity to supercharge U.S. economy
President-elect Donald Trump returns with an extraordinary opportunity in American economic history. He has a clear mandate to move the country in a conservative direction and the opportunity to accelerate growth. Published December 3, 2024
A trade policy for Trump 2.0
Leaders in China and other trading partners are bracing for President-elect Donald Trump's threatened 60% tariff on Chinese imports and 10% or 20% across-the-board tariffs. Published November 26, 2024
Trump’s long to-do list includes increasing border security, extending tax cuts
A full inbox awaits President-elect Donald Trump when he returns to the Oval Office. Published November 19, 2024
Steady your nerves, stocks remain a good place to invest
Stocks are reasonably priced and are a good place for ordinary folks' long-term savings. Published November 12, 2024
U.S. needs a strong military to defend dollar’s global status, our standard of living
With President Biden's retirement, the curtain falls on the post-Cold War era. Published November 5, 2024
