Inequality

Swiss Government Declines Proposed Tax on Super-Rich Inheritance

10 days ago

In a significant decision, the Swiss government has rejected a proposed tax targeting the wealthy on inherited fortunes, stirring considerable debate within the country regarding wealth distribution and tax policy. This proposal, called a “super-rich inheritance tax,” aimed to impose a new financial burden on the wealthiest individuals in Switzerland, but it has met with considerable pushback from various stakeholders.

US Household Wealth Reaches New Heights, Driven by Soaring Stock Markets

10 days ago

The latest economic data reveals that U.S. household wealth has surged to an unprecedented level, largely fueled by rising stock market values. As of the end of the third quarter of 2024, the total household net worth in America has eclipsed $147 trillion, indicating a remarkable recovery and growth trajectory from the economic impacts of the pandemic. This increase in wealth is predominantly attributed to a buoyant stock market, which has bolstered the financial assets of households across the country.

UK Statistics Under Fire: A Growing Risk for Policy-Making

15 days ago

The UK's statistical system is facing increasing scrutiny as concerns regarding accuracy, relevance, and delivery of key data emerge. Recent evaluations have highlighted significant gaps in the country's data collection processes, presenting a challenge for policymakers who rely on accurate information to shape decisions. This troubling situation raises questions about the credibility of British statistics and their efficacy in guiding governmental strategies.

Chicago Named the Most Distorted Power Market in the U.S.

1 month ago

According to a recent report by Whisker Labs, Chicago has taken the unfortunate title of being the worst area in the United States for distorted power conditions. This analysis highlights significant issues surrounding dynamic pricing and electricity reliability in the Windy City, which is indicative of broader concerns over the national power grid’s efficiency.

Consumer Spending in the U.S. Driven by Higher Earners Amid Economic Uncertainty

2 months ago

The U.S. economy continues to display resilience, driven largely by affluent consumers who appear undeterred by economic uncertainties. Recent trends indicate these higher earners are significantly responsible for the uptick in consumer spending, which is vital for sustaining economic momentum. While concerns regarding inflation and potential recessions loom, the financial behavior of wealthier individuals is shaping the economic landscape more than it has in previous years.

Tracing Johannesburg's Scorching Inequality: Urban Heat Zones as an Apartheid Legacy

3 months ago

In Johannesburg, the stark reality of urban inequality is brought into focus through the lens of climate - specifically, the phenomenon of urban heat zones. Long after the end of apartheid, the deep-seated socio-economic discrepancies between communities of different races continue to manifest in new and troubling ways. Modern Johannesburg's climate disparities starkly emphasize the systemic inequality that persists even in the realm of environmental conditions.