Economics

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

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

Every month, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics releases a report that looks at the unemployment rate, among other job-related data in the country. But who counts as "unemployed" can be tricky.

By Dave Roos

The New York Stock Exchange has changed its hours many times since its inception in the late 18th century. Why? And what hours does it keep now?

By Sharise Cunningham

Non-fungible tokens, or NFTs, are a way to turn digital art into an asset that can be stored in a blockchain ledger. They could revolutionize the art business. Still confused? Enter the brave new world of NFTs.

By Patrick J. Kiger

UBI stands for universal basic income, a guaranteed government cash payment. Pilot programs are testing whether having UBI improves lives. What have they learned so far?

By Dave Roos

If you buy anything via a loan, like a house or car, the bank puts a lien on that property until it is paid off. But liens can also be placed on your property by other folks and without your consent, depending on circumstances.

By Francisco Guzman

Alimony is on the decline in the U.S. but can still bring out a highly emotional response during divorce. Here's what you need to know about alimony.

By Dave Roos

Just when America seemed to be getting over the great toilet paper shortage, the next thing in short supply was coins. But why?

By Dave Roos

Most U.S. currency contains a serial number that ends with a letter, but some end or begin with a star instead. What does the letter stand for? What is the significance of the star?

By HowStuffWorks.com Contributors

Gas prices have plummeted across the U.S. since the coronavirus pandemic. That might be a good thing for your wallet, but is it good for the economy? It depends.

By Cherise Threewitt

Around the world, people convert their money into U.S. dollars for safety, making it the de facto global currency. But how did the U.S. dollar become so mighty and could it ever be replaced?

By Dave Roos

In challenging economic times, people often turn to gold as a hedge against a falling stock market. But is this a good idea?

By Dave Roos

During volatile periods in stock markets, exchanges will often employ "circuit breakers" to keep stock prices from falling too far too fast. So how do these work around the world?

By Dave Roos

Economics law says that demand goes down when price goes up. But Veblen goods work the opposite way - when price goes up, so does demand. How do these goods get so lucky?

By Dave Roos

Bill Gates thinks it should. Payroll taxes from workers fund Social Security, Medicare and defense among other federal programs. But other experts firmly disagree.

By Dave Roos

What happens when your cash gets damaged due to fire, flood or Fido deciding to eat it? Are you just out of luck?

By Patty Rasmussen

Good luck predicting the economic future; even the experts get it wrong. But there are sure warning signs to look for when a recession is ahead.

By Dave Roos

President Joe Biden just signed a sweeping executive order that will create right-to-repair rules for cellphone companies, as well as big ag companies like John Deere. Who would be against that? We'll explain.

By Cherise Threewitt

The design of the U.S. $1 bill is full of symbolism. We'll tell you what it all means.

By Sarah Gleim

Hedge funds might seem like something only the very rich have to think about but actually they are actually part of everyday life. What are they and why are they so risky?

By Danielle Douez

This economic policy has been embraced by free-market capitalists and demonized by progressive reformers. But what does it really mean?

By Dave Roos