Solar energy capacity for electricity production soars worldwide Published by Hilliard MacBeth on Aug 25, 2023 The pace of installations for new solar electricity production continues to surprise everyone, even industry insiders. Close to 400 gigawatts of capacity will be installed worldwide in 2023, with forecasts for as much as 563 gigawatts in 2025. Solar is... Read more
Inflation moderates but still could bite hard Published by Hilliard MacBeth on Aug 18, 2023 Inflation, as measured by the U.S. CPI, moderated in July. The headline measure was recorded as 3.2 percent from a year ago, while the closely watched core CPI was a more troublesome 4.7 percent. Is inflation beaten yet? In the mid-1970s a concentrated... Read more
Deflation risk in China is real Published by Hilliard MacBeth on Aug 11, 2023 The risk of deflation in China is real. A moderating pace of growth, large private sector debts and a slowdown in the crucial property sector suggest lower income, prices and deflation. Is China entering a debt deflation spiral? China has enjoyed a longer-than-four-decades... Read more
Ratings agency downgrades US debt triggering widespread criticism Published by Hilliard MacBeth on Aug 04, 2023 The U.S. government bonds were downgraded a notch by the ratings agency, Fitch. This means the safety of the US treasuries has slipped and there is growing concern about the longer-term outlook for debt. Is the U.S. government at risk of default? Economists... Read more