Burger and the King

I keep wondering when the economy is going to crack and the market is going to drop. Don’t get me wrong. I don’t want these things to happen. I just don’t understand how we can avoid this outcome when you add up the roughshod regulation removal, the haphazard, illogical, and inconsistent tariff policies, the smashing of trust in our economic data, the constant attacks on an independent Federal Reserve, the aggressiveness toward economic allies that is causing them to look elsewhere for trade, the counterproductive closed door policies when it comes to foreign students and workers, the ring-kissing required to operate big businesses, and the consistent (and celebratory) flouting of the rule of law. So every time I see a troubling economic indicator, I wonder, Is this it? The latest concerning sign of self-inflicted economic wounds is ironically happening beneath the golden arches. McDonald’s will slash combo meal prices to lure back inflation-weary diners. Is this just a reaction the fact that some meals at Mickey D’s have unhappily topped $18? Or is this a leading indicator that suggests it’s time to freak out and throw that bottle of ketchup at the wall?

+ “Many businesses stockpiled key supplies and components ahead of the tariffs, but the full effect of the import taxes is becoming more apparent as those reserves dwindle, dealing a final blow to some companies already struggling with other challenges.” NYT (Gift Article): American Businesses in ‘Survival Mode’ as Trump Tariffs Pile Up. Are these just random examples of perishing businesses or is this a sign that all the things we’ve been taught hurt the economy are starting to hurt the economy? I’d ask if you want fries with that question, but I’m afraid you can’t afford them…