Money and Banks

The ruling class of the euro zone has slightly backed off its plan to end use of the $500 note immediately.

Congress is hardly a great steward of financial power, but there are benefits to wrestling control of the money supply away from the Fed and returning it to Congress.

Economists err if they believe something is wrong when money is not in constant, active "circulation."

Following the unconventional monetary policy of negative interest rates, central banks are now considering an even more desperate measure: "helicopter money."

Sound money is the most important check on government spending.

Listen as Mark Thornton gives his views on the presidential candidates and the problems with their economic policies.

Europe continues to move toward banning physical cash. But, in spite of government claims, it's not about fighting crime. It's about economic control.

If helicopter money is implemented, those who first gain the use of the new money may benefit by increasing consumption before prices rise, while others will see prices rise before they are able or willing to use the money. But the end result will be higher prices but no overall increase in welfare. 

The Fed says it's scaling back its Quantitative Easing programs, but it still maintains a huge balance sheet. Unfortunately, the Fed has no plan to really unwind its massive QE programs, and has backed itself into a corner.

Speculation is swirling as to what the Federal Reserve might do next. None of the likely next steps are terribly promising.