Every government faces a temptation to make two popular choices at the same time: hold taxes lower and raise spending higher. But of course, the result is higher debt. Thus, a number of countries have been attempting to set up rules that would prevent governments from giving into temptation. One immediate challenge for such rules

Conversable Economist

30.09.2025

Mortgage Lock-In - Conversable Economist

The problem of "mortgage lock-in" arises when a homeowner has a mortgage that was obtained a few years back at a lower interest rate. If that homeowner wants to move to another place (often by using the equity in their current home for the down-payment), it would be necessary to obtain a new mortgage at

Conversable Economist

01.10.2025

Save the Whales by Pricing the Ship Noise Externality - Conversable Economist

Ships play a central role in the global trade of goods, but they also make noise--which might affect undersea creatures like whales that depend on sound for communication and navigation. M. Scott Taylor investigates this issue in "Saving Killer Whales Without Sinking Trade: A market solution to noise pollution" (Property and Environment Research Center (PERC),

Conversable Economist

03.10.2025

Financial Inclusion - Conversable Economist

Imagine for a moment what it would be like not to have a bank account, or a credit card--much less, say, the ability to make online payments, get interest on savings, take out a loan, have a credit score, have direct deposit of a paycheck, or have a retirement account or a mortgage. Being part

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Do Rules to Limit High Government Debt Work? - Conversable Economist

Mortgage Lock-In - Conversable Economist

Save the Whales by Pricing the Ship Noise Externality - Conversable Economist

Financial Inclusion - Conversable Economist

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