Coal, the dirtiest of the fossil fuels, is in high demand

Apr 26, 2022
While coal is having a resurgence as a fuel source, the spike in its use may not last.
People line up for ice cream in Cheswick, Pennsylvania, near a coal-burning power station. Existing coal plants in the U.S. are being used more, though that’s likely only temporary.
Jeff Swenson/Getty Images

How the war in Ukraine is affecting debt troubles for developing countries

Apr 25, 2022
Developing nations see worsening debt challenges due to the war in Ukraine.
Above, a fruit vendor waits for customers in Colombo, Sri Lanka. Higher import prices for foods are putting pressure on the currencies of developing countries, including Sri Lanka.
Ishara S. Kodikara/AFP via Getty Images

What military aid is the U.S. sending Ukraine?

The latest military aid packages alter course and include major U.S. weapons for the first time.
Above, Ukrainian soldiers stand on an armored personnel carrier on April 18. While early U.S. aid packages included  munitions and supplies, they now include major weapon systems.
Anatolii Stepanov/AFP via Getty Images

Global economic growth will be almost cut in half this year — or will it?

Apr 19, 2022
The IMF forecasts a slowdown in growth from 6.1% in 2021 to 3.6% in 2022. But the pandemic and the war could change its outlook.
The uncertainties of the pandemic and the Russia-Ukraine war make it especially difficult to predict future economic conditions. Above, inside the New York Stock Exchange.
Spencer Platt/Getty Images

One Ukrainian's story of fleeing her country

Apr 19, 2022
"I was woken up by a phone call, and I was told that the war started."
The wreckage of a tank is seen next to destroyed residential houses in the village of Zalissya, northeast of Kyiv on April 19, 2022.
GENYA SAVILOV/AFP via Getty Images

Russian sanctions result in a shortage of prized vacuum-tube guitar amps

Apr 13, 2022
Few factories make the tubes, valued for the sound quality they bring to amplifiers. A run on the market is driving up prices.
Todd Sharp holds a vacuum tube — what he says is key to high-quality sound from an amp.
Paige Pfleger/WPLN News

What JPMorgan Chase's earnings report can tell us about the state of the economy

Apr 13, 2022
For the most part, the news is pretty good.
JPMorgan's financial results offer clues to where the economy is headed, analysts say. The giant bank generated $8 billion in profit in the most recent quarter.
Stan Honda/ AFP via Getty Images

For public good, not for profit.

After Ukraine invasion, Germany reconsiders trading with autocrats

Apr 12, 2022
Russia’s aggression has forced Germany to reconsider the notion that trade helps promote democracy.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy addresses the German lower house of parliament on March 17. Zelenskyy has criticized Germany for failing to ban Russian gas.
Tobias Schwarz/AFP via Getty Images

With Russia's "selective default," some investors see opportunity

Apr 11, 2022
Investing in Russian debt while it's cheap can pay dividends but comes with uncertainty and reputation risk.
Russian Finance Minister Anton Siluanov, left, with President Vladimir Putin. Siluanov said Russia would sue if the West forces the country to default on its foreign debt.
Olga Maltseva/AFP via Getty Images

Europe sanctions Russian coal but not oil and gas

Apr 8, 2022
Experts say the EU should look into further energy sanctions while cold weather is not a pressing concern.
Coal imported from abroad lies at Hamburg Port after unloading from ships on April 8 in Hamburg, Germany.
Morris MacMatzen/Getty Images