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The first figure shows the percent change from the previous year, so it’s basically a moving slope of the actual trade volume. If it’s positive, trade is increa
by chris5745 7y ago
The first figure shows the percent change from the previous year, so it’s basically a moving slope of the actual trade volume. If it’s positive, trade is increasing. Compared to the slope in 2009, I wouldn’t call the current decrease a recession (but I’m not an economist). It may be negative but it’s still pretty close to zero.
The author’s thesis is that mistaken protectionist policies that affect trade are not in the interest of business and the economy. I don’t know that we can conclude that, as changes in policy tend to create new opportunities for businesses, both entrenched and new. The same cannot be said for policy that is continuous and non-changing.
- me_again 7y agoBut changing policy at rapidly and at whim makes it difficult for businesses to invest in anything that has a longer payoff. I think on balance business people would prefer to have a fairly stable macroeconomic and regulatory environment. Look at the UK, where uncertainty over Brexit has caused a substantial drop in business investment.
- Fjolsvith 7y agoInvestors are different than business owners, and have different goals. Business owners tend to find opportunity in change, whereas investors prefer a steady status quo.