The Neutrality Engine
Accessible, sourced explanations of economic issues in the news, with facts and opinions clearly separated.
The Federal Minimum Wage: A 16-Year Standstill
Where the wage floor stands, what the data shows, and the two main interpretations of what to do next.
Inflation Is Falling. Why Are Prices Still So High?
Inflation and the price level are two different things. Here is why a slower climb still feels like a high cost.
Do Tariffs Raise Prices? Who Actually Pays for Them?
A tariff is a tax on imports. The real question is who hands the money over, and economists have a fairly clear answer.
Why Are Home Prices Still High When Mortgage Rates Are High?
High rates were supposed to crush home prices. They raised the monthly payment and prices barely blinked. Here is what is holding them up.
Does Building More Housing Actually Lower Prices?
The simple answer is yes. The interesting part is how slowly, where it works, and why it meets so much resistance.
Why Are Some Products Cheaper in Other Countries?
The same product can cost half as much in one country as another. Purchasing power, exchange rates, taxes, and market segmentation all explain the gap.
Why Do Stores Throw Away Unsold Products?
Throwing away good products looks insane. Inventory costs, brand protection, and the cost of donating explain why stores sometimes do it, and why it is contested.