Economics

Curious about capitalism, the monetary system or white collar crime? Check out these articles. The Economics Channel defines and explores economic terms and controversies.

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Capitalism can be like a warped and extremely un-fun game of Monopoly, and most people are entering the fray much too late to get a slice of the action.

By Mitch Ryan

If you found a bag full of cash, which currency would you prefer it to be? The quick answer might not be the best one; while a suitcase full of U.S. dollars would mean you could start spending immediately (provided you were in the U.S., or in a country that accepted the U.S. dollar as an official currency), there are actually more valuable currencies out there.

By Zach Taras

When you're choosing a place to live, the cost of living matters - a lot. While some states offer an affordable lifestyle, others place serious pressure on people's wallets year in and year out. So, which is the most expensive state to live in? And which other states should you avoid if you're worried about your budget?

By Marie Look

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Despite ongoing efforts to improve safety, many cities in the United States continue to face high crime rates, posing significant challenges for the residents and city officials. But which are the most dangerous cities in the U.S.?

By Marie Look

While the average billionaire is 66 years old, there's a dramatic shift taking place in the world of wealth. A new generation of billionaires is making headlines with their impressive fortunes. Around the globe, 14 individuals have reached a net worth of over $1 billion despite being 30 years old or younger - and the youngest billionaire is still in her teens.

By Mack Hayden

A trillion dollars is a phenomenal sum of money, equivalent to 1,000 billion dollars. It's a figure so large it's almost unthinkable, yet we find ourselves wondering: Are there any trillionaires? According to Oxfam International, the world's first trillionaire is predicted to emerge within the next decade.

By Mack Hayden

The poorest states in the U.S. often face a multitude of economic and social challenges that contribute to and perpetuate their low median household incomes.

By Marie Look

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Have you ever wondered what the richest state in the USA is? Many factors affect a state's wealth, including the cost of living, dominating industries, geographic resources, economic policies and the education of its workforce, among other things.

By Marie Look

Western nations often think of the entire African continent as poor, thanks, in large part, to the legacies of the transatlantic slave trade and European colonialism. The truth is, many African countries were wealthy before colonization.

By Sascha Bos

Many Americans donate to charities that help military veterans. Here's how to choose the organizations that provide the most help to those who need it.

By Brian Mittendorf

Economists have historically used GDP per capita to determine the richest country in the world, but that's misleading when you consider the tax havens effect.

By Dave Roos & Talon Homer

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The largest criminal fines in history have been paid by corporations, not individuals. Which companies have paid the most dearly for their sins?

By Dylan Ris

Ditch the razor for 30 days and let your hair grow for a bro. Just do it with No Shave November and Movember so you can raise money and save a dude's life.

By Madison Palmer

Product shortages on everything from cars to computer chips have us all feeling a bit unbalanced. At the root of most is what economists call the "bullwhip effect." But what is it?

By Michael Okrent

Sizzling temperatures across the globe aren't just bad for humans, they're bad for crops too. Harvests are smaller and that drives up food prices.

By Kate Yoder

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Inflation in the U.S. was over 9 percent in June but many countries in Europe have even higher rates. What's causing the global spike?

By Christopher Decker

Changing your name legally can involve a lot of steps. We'll break it down for you.

By Yves Jeffcoat

An economist explains the difference between a true bear market and a correction, and whether a bear market always signals a recession is on the way.

By Vidhura S Tennekoon

Some of the biggest companies in the United States just announced stocks splits. What is a stock split and what does it signal to average investors?

By Dave Roos

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Why does the dollar sign have a slash? Did a British pound originally weigh 1 pound? Find out the stories behind these and other currency symbols.

By Melanie Radzicki McManus

Disconnecting Russia from the Society for Worldwide Interbank Financial Telecommunication (SWIFT), could cripple its ability to trade with most of the world. Here's how SWIFT works.

By Patrick J. Kiger

High food and gas prices blowing your mind? Issues with the supply chain are causing prices to rise on everything from gas to groceries as inflation soars.

By Craig Austin

One of the vital statistics of a company or an individual is called the debt-to-equity ratio. But the key is knowing how to interpret this important metric in relation to future needs and investment plans.

By Dave Roos

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Dogecoin started out as a spoof, but is now an actual cryptocurrency with tens of billions of dollars in value. So, should you invest in it?

By Patrick J. Kiger

It's not just people on the top. Even janitors and home health aides are often asked to sign noncompete agreements. Why's that? And will a company really sue you if you break one?

By Dave Roos