Washington continues to debate more fiscal stimulus. The Fed looks to tapper. Scott Murray, CFA discusses why some well intended policies fail to achieve their goals. Measure and monitoring are important tools to help policies achieve their society goals. 

A Bitcoin EFT is expected to available soon. The National Bank Note encouraged banks to issue their own currency more than 150 years ago. Scott Murray, CFA describes the success and failure of this currencies regime. Are there lessons from the issuance of other currencies that foreshadow Bitcoin's future. 

Washington is a buzz with talk of another fiscal stimulus. Low income households significantly increased spending when they recently received payments. Scott Murray, CFA, compares the recent payments to the fiscal stimulus acts passed during the Great Fiscal Recession. The proposed new programs, similar to the approach more than ten years ago, are likely to have less impact the economy less than the recent direct payments to households.

The price of natural gas is soaring. Winter is coming with forecasting calling for another cold La Nina chill. Scott Murray, CFA addresses the market failure occurring the natural gas market. Beyond this winter, what steps can be taken to keep this failure from casting a chill on the energy market for years to come. 

The bottom 20% of Americans earn only 2% of the country's income. Social security and other social programs rising the total income to 8%. Scott Murray, CFA describes the drivers of the income inequality and programs that address the issue and their effects on households. This timely discussion adds to the debate about additional fiscal stimulus programs. 

Goods are flying out of stores, and showrooms are empty. Still, outpatient surgeries are being postponed. Purchases of goods are brisk while service providers are hoping customers return. Scott Murray, CFA, discusses the customer's split personality. Weak last decade, robust demand for goods suggest a robust expansion ahead.

Direct payments to consumers was a powerful new medicine to fight a recession according the latest Fed research. This is a powerful tool for policymakers against downturn,  recognizing that 50 have occurred since 1790. Scott Murray, CFA, describes the impact of recessions on workers and why is may "outlaw" economic downturns. Please note important disclosures at the end of the podcast.

The S&P 500 Index is on a roll. In August, the measure rose for the straight month. In addition, interest rates ended their free fall while natural gas bucked the broad decline in commodities. Scott Murray, CFA, provides a brief review of last month and notes encourage development that position the markets well for the future. Please note important disclosures at the end of the podcast.

Does the Federal Reserve Bank control too much of the economy. Both the First and the Second Bank of United States failed to have their charters renewed as citizens revolted against the authority of the federal government. Scott E. Murray, CFA, discusses the Fed's ownership of assets worth nearly 40% of the country's GDP. The bank has eased the COVID-19 crisis, but does continued monetary support damage the long-term health of the economy. Please note important disclosures at the end of the podcast.

Corn prices are retreating, good news for consumers. Still, commodity prices are up year to date, pushing up the cost for food.  Scott Murray, CFA, looks beyond the recent price decline in corn  and shows how this is good news for the consumer, especially as inflation fears rise. Please note the end of the podcast for important disclosures.