Purchasing power
Coverage of Purchasing power in the Nexus archive.
- Here's how much combined wealth today's billionaires have, as consumers see purchase power decline
Billionaires' wealth is increasing rapidly despite rising inflation, which is outpacing wage gains and reducing consumers' purchasing power. The Consumer Price Index shows inflation at 4.2% annually, making everyday expenses less affordable for ordinary people.
- A tale of two consumer sentiment gauges
Consumer confidence declined in May according to the Conference Board, but remains higher than earlier in 2024. The University of Michigan's survey showed sharper pessimism, highlighting divergent signals based on survey structure. Both surveys point to war-driven energy shocks and inflation concerns impacting household budgets.
- Bitcoin’s scarcity only matters because people want to hold it
The article argues that Bitcoin's value derives not from scarcity alone, but from people's demand for non-dilutable money. Scarcity functions as a defense mechanism protecting value rather than creating it. The piece clarifies a common misconception about the relationship between scarcity and Bitcoin's worth.
- The Architecture of Abundance: How Bitcoin Reveals the Truth of Time and Technology. How escaping the fiat illusion and holding the world's hardest money turns the relentless march of technology into unprecedented purchasing power.
The article explores Bitcoin's role in challenging fiat currency systems, emphasizing its 'world's hardest money' status and how technological advancements amplify its purchasing power over time. It frames Bitcoin as a tool to escape the 'fiat illusion' and leverage technology for economic abundance.
- Yen's purchasing power sinks to new low as oil prices sap strength
The Japanese Yen's purchasing power has reached a new low, exacerbated by rising oil prices that are weakening its value. Economic pressures from energy costs are intensifying the currency's decline.