Kyle Martelle

The Looming Taiwan Chip Disaster That Silicon Valley Has Long Ignored

What would happen to the US and the wider global economy if Taiwan could no longer export its chips?

New study finds 6 types of ‘discouraged’ workers in Australia – and why they stop job-hunting The first in-depth analysis of discouraged workers finds they range from young men to mums. Unless we pay more attention to them, we risk misreading the economy.

Unemployment. What is it? How is it measured? Knowing the answers will help understand this hugely important piece of macroeconomic data. Many decisions are based on our understanding of unemployment. #economics #macroeconomicobjectives #discouragedworkers @theconversation.com

With more restrictive laws across the country, how can we protect the right to protest? Multiple states have moved to tighten protest rules and increase police powers. But these laws aren’t adequately balancing public safety with human rights.

The right to protest is critical for a healthy democracy, especially when wealthy special interests can have an outsized voice through financial support of politicians. 🇦🇺 needs to maintain protections around protest. @theconversation.com #democracy #protest

Does ‘free’ shipping really exist? An expert shares the marketing tricks you need to know ‘Free’ shipping sounds like a much better deal than paying for it. But here’s what to consider before placing your next order.

Some marketing, psychology, and behavioural economics. This article has it all! How do you get "tricked" into spending more when online shopping. Understand what's behind it.

Violeta Gordeljevic |🔬MSc| Science for Parents| Educator on Instagram: "You don’t have to start potty training from day 1. But you do deserve to know that your child is likely ready much earlier than ... 12K likes, 1,153 comments - violeta.parenting.science on February 15, 2026: "You don’t have to start potty training from day 1. But you do deserve to know that your child is likely ready much earlier ...

Wow. Just wow. It makes me think of what education technology has also done. Not for children but for profits. #marketing #economics

A few weeks of X’s algorithm can make you more right-wing – and it doesn’t wear off quickly Elon Musk’s social media platform is boosting conservative content – and it’s having long-lasting effects on how users see the world.

As if we needed more reason to not use X (formerly Twitter). The algorithms have lasting impacts even after we "turn them off". Watch out for yourself and disconnect when possible and always critique what you're looking at and who it's from. @theconversation.com

2/2 Arguably this is what Australians have experienced from Coles and Woolworths. Market power and a lack of competition leads to inflationary pressure, which is fixed via fiscal policy and maintaining market competition (keeping big businesses from being able to abuse their monopolistic positions).

What exactly is inflation, and are interest rates the only option for dealing with it? The Reserve Bank’s decision to raise interest rates was aimed at taming inflation. Is there a better alternative?

Good article about inflation but maybe too simple. Another cause of inflation that would be beneficial for the lay person to understand is profit-push inflation or price-making power by businesses that are so large or maintain monopolistic market power. #economics #inflation @theconversation.com 1/2

Is population growth driving the housing crisis? Here’s the reality Population growth is in the news again. The usual suspects are trying to whip up a scare campaign about immigration. So, let’s look at the actual numbers and put them into context.

Objective data showing how migrants are NOT the cause for housing prices increasing by so much. Data. Positive economics. Critical thinking. #economics @australiainstitute.org.au

Great summary of the recent research into housing 🇦🇺. Australian housing ranks as some of the most unaffordable in the world. Something needs to change & it's not just supply. People respond to incentives. CGT & negative gearing are huge incentives for investors. #economics @jimchalmers.bsky.social

2/2 Real wages for middle Australians is way down over the past 4 years. These rises pummel those struggling the most while rewarding those who are financially secure. Is this what Australia is about? What happened to a fair go?

What the RBA wants Australians to do next to fight inflation – or risk more rate hikes The RBA will be hoping Australians respond to this rate rise in three ways: spending less, saving more and not asking for big wage rises.

The needed fix is not an interest rate rise. It's a government brave enough to do what's right by more Australians. 1/3 of Australians who own their home & have money in the bank love interest rate rises & spend more. A third & the wealthiest third. 1/2 @theconversation.com #economics #fiscalpolicy

RBA raises interest rates as inflation pressures remain high A modest move on rates now could reduce the chance of more aggressive action later.

Inflation, interest rates, and more. Great read to get up-to-speed. Great for real-world case studies #ibdiploma #economics @theconversation.com

Social Media Giants Face Landmark Legal Tests on Child Safety

Lawsuits against social media companies to protect users from the negative externalities of consumption. Enough evidence is available suggesting these externalities are factual reality. Big tobacco lost. Now it’s social media’s turn. @nytimes.com #externalities #economics #betterlife

Consumer Price Index, Australia, December 2025 The Consumer Price Index (CPI) measures household inflation and includes statistics about price change for categories of household expenditure.

Inflation for 2025 is in at 3.8%, increasing from the previous month. RBA is now considering a rate increase. Who do these corrective measures hurt the most? Is this the best method to improve inflation? We can do better 🇦🇺. Tax those that aren't hurting. #inflation #equity @jimchalmers.bsky.social

More free trade between countries. Are we seeing a realignment with the US being left to itself?

Community wealth building as a legal requirement. I will be reading and learning more about this.

www.instagram.com/p/DTnpClFCFS...

E.P.A. to Stop Considering Lives Saved When Setting Rules on Air Pollution

Externalities no longer calculated at the EPA. Industry over people. But only certain people will suffer and they aren’t friends with Trump or “his people”. I wonder how many will suffer who also voted for this administration.
#nytimes #externalities #economics

@australiainstitute.org.au @thepointau.bsky.social

E.U. and South America to Form Free-Trade Zone With 700 Million People

The largest free-trade agreement in the world. #economics #internationaltrade #nytimes

Consumer Price Index, Australia, November 2025 The Consumer Price Index (CPI) measures household inflation and includes statistics about price change for categories of household expenditure.

CPI is lower than expected but still 3.4% in the 12 months ending in Nov. Guessing a rate increase is on hold for now, but a decrease is off the table. Consider inflation alongside wage increases to maintain purchasing power ... cautious of wage-price spirals as well. #rba #economics #inflation

Jim Byrne - MMT101.ORG (@mmt101) There’s an irony at the core of central bank independence: it is sold as a way to keep economic decision-making free from ‘political influence’, yet the idea itself emerged from a particular political...

Very interesting considerations when thinking about central bank independence. Admittedly, I had never thought of it this way, but I’ve always hated how inflation control tends to be at the expense of unemployment and those who can afford it least.

France reportedly planning social media ban for under-15s President Emmanual Macron's government will soon submit draft legislation banning children under 15 from using social media, according to French media.

The negative externalities have been clearly shown. These corrective measures are essential to protect youth from tech company exploitation.

Japan Raises Interest Rates to Highest Level in 30 Years

Case study for #ibeconomics: interest rates, foreign exchange, economic growth. #nytimes
Japan Raises Interest Rates to Highest Level in 30 Years

Parasiti-capitalism: How Investors Drain Companies and Call It Growth How modern capital captures control, drains cash flow, and leaves economies weaker.

I’ve talked about stock buybacks creating value for shareholders while giving little-to-nothing back to workers. Parasiti-capitalism, a new term for me but the idea has been clear for awhile. Thanks for the essay. @graceblakeley.substack.com @rwasserman.bsky.social #economics #inequity

Ford Will Take $19.5 Billion Hit as It Rolls Back E.V. Plans

Firms respond to incentives. Profit making firms are in it for their shareholders, potentially leading to more problems for society. We can do better: can’t we? #profitmaximising #ibeconcasestudy #externalities #nytimes

Interest rates and the RBA. Inflation data and a new CPI that isn't good enough... yet. #rba #ibeconomics #realworldcasestudy

Takeaways from the Fed meeting.

OMO in action for students looking for real-world case studies. “The central bank is going to buy $40 billion of Treasury bills a month to ensure that there is enough cash in the financial system.” #nytimes #ibeconomics

How Can Outrageous CEO Pay be Stopped? Here's One Good Answer

A solution to gross inequality in pay! Americans, if you support equity, look into the bill proposed by Sanders and Tlaib. Then, contact your Congress person to support it. #equity #ceopay #robertreich