Peter Crabb

The Economy by Peter R. Crabb: U.S. sugar-support program will cost consumers dearly

Summer is near, and soon we will all be thirsting for cold drinks to beat the heat. If you want to add a little more sugar to your iced tea, lemonade or other summer favorite, call the government: It looks as if there will be plenty of sugar to ...

Read story

Archive by category ''Peter Crabb

PETER CRABB

The Economy by Peter R. Crabb: The Fed’s low rates are tax on the elderly to help the young

It’s one of the most fundamental truths of economics and life in general: We all face tradeoffs. When we try something different — a new product or a new job, for example — we have to give up on alternative uses of our money and time.
BUSINESS COLUMNISTS

The Economy by Peter R. Crabb: Global talks must resume to boost international trade

We can only expect so much.Gov. Butch Otter is currently on a trade mission to South Korea, Taiwan and Vietnam. He can hopefully open up these markets for more Idaho goods and services, but his hands are relatively tied when it comes to the many trade restrictions of the United States.
PETER CRABB

The Economy by Peter R. Crabb: The economy's big problem: Why won't businesses invest?

The unemployment rate is declining. Good news, right?
PETER CRABB

The economy by Peter R. Crabb: More immigration could give boost to sluggish economy

The Idaho legislative session is over, but a previously hot topic - illegal immigration - has thankfully been absent from the discussions. We can also be thankful for the growing national consensus on immigration reform.
BUSINESS COLUMNISTS

The Economy by Peter R. Crabb: The Fed comes to the end of its interest-manipulating rope

In December 2008, the Federal Open Market Committee voted unanimously to lower interest rates in the interbank lending market from 1 percent to a range of 0 to 0.25 percent. At their most recent meeting in March, committee members reiterated this decision and added that "this exceptionally low range...
PETER CRABB

The Economy by Peter Crabb: Idaho Fed-bashing subsides, but not need for change

It's been a busy session in the Idaho Legislature. But despite the many topics under debate, a popular issue from recent years appears to be off the table.
PETER CRABB

The Economy by Peter R. Crabb: Could Boise Cascade's IPO have brought it more money?

It is always nice to get a warm "welcome back" when you've been gone a long time. Last month, investors welcomed back Boise Cascade to the financial markets.
PETER CRABB

The Economy by Peter Crabb: 'Triple Aim' is tough, but health care firms can do it

Taking aim with your bow or gun at just one animal is difficult enough. Aiming at multiple targets is a real challenge.
PETER CRABB

The Economy by Peter Crabb: Sequestration didn't scare Wall Street, but the deficit should have

If automatic spending cuts are as bad as some say, the market isn't listening.
PETER CRABB

The Economy by Peter Crabb: Banks are making money again, especially these two

It seems like just yesterday the government was bailing out the banks. No need now. The banking system is very profitable. The most profitable of the banks may surprise you.