Tag Archives: oil prices

How energy shortages really affect the economy

Posted on August 27, 2018 by

Many people expect energy shortages to lead to high prices. This is based on their view of what “running out” of oil might do to the economy. In this post, I look at historical data surrounding inadequate energy supply. I … Continue reading →

Posted in Financial Implications | Tagged , , , , | 1,989 Comments

Supplemental energy puts humans in charge

Posted on August 2, 2018 by

Energy is a subject that is greatly misunderstood. Its role in our lives is truly amazing. We humans are able to live and move because of the energy that we get from food. We count this energy in calories. Green … Continue reading →

Posted in Financial Implications | Tagged , , , , | 2,426 Comments

Why oil prices can’t rise very high, for very long

Posted on April 19, 2018 by

Oil prices are now as high as they have been for three years. At this writing, Brent is $74.14 per barrel and West Texas Intermediate is at $68.76. These prices aren’t really very high, if a person looks at the … Continue reading →

Posted in Financial Implications | Tagged , , , | 1,703 Comments

Our Latest Oil Predicament

Posted on March 13, 2018 by

It is impossible to tell the whole oil story, but perhaps I can offer a few insights regarding where we are today. [1] We already seem to be back to the falling oil prices and refilling storage tanks scenario. US crude oil … Continue reading →

Posted in Financial Implications | Tagged , , , , | 2,023 Comments

Raising Interest Rates Is Like Starting a Fission Chain Reaction

Posted on February 21, 2018 by

Central bankers seem to think that adjusting interest rates is a nice little tool that they can easily handle. The problem is that higher interest rates affect the economy in many ways simultaneously. The lessons that seem to have been … Continue reading →

Posted in Financial Implications | Tagged , , , | 2,489 Comments