The article argues that the Federal Reserve's recent rate hike decision, while justifiable on inflation grounds, highlights a critical lack of an underlying, transparent policy framework. The core problem is that the Fed's decisions appear discretionary, leading to market uncertainty because the committee's judgment, rather than clear data, dictates policy shifts. The author proposes that the Fed adopt a formal monetary policy rule—an algebraic formula linking the target rate to indicators like inflation and unemployment—to replace subjective guidance. Implementing such a rule would provide market predictability, enhance transparency, and shield the Fed from political attacks by making deviations from the standard easily quantifiable.
Time to level up: How to help America’s small businesses survive and thrive in tumultuous times
English Summary
Small businesses are identified as the backbone of the American economy and a critical source of job creation and resilience, but current support mechanisms are fragmented and inadequate. The report argues that the solution is building robust, localized "small business ecosystems." This requires county governments to act as "quarterbacks," coordinating disparate public and private resources—including capital, workforce development, and market access—to create comprehensive support structures. Policymakers must therefore shift from disconnected, one-size-fits-all aid programs to targeted, data-driven, and collaborative regional strategies to ensure sustainable economic growth.
中文摘要
小型企業被視為美國經濟的支柱，是創造就業和韌性（resilience）的關鍵來源，但現有的支持機制卻是零散且不足的。本報告主張的解決方案是建立穩健的、在地化的「小型企業生態系統」。這要求縣級政府必須充當「核心協調者」（quarterbacks），協調分散的公私資源——包括資本、勞動力發展和市場准入——以建立全面的支持結構。因此，政策制定者必須從脫節的、一體適用的援助計畫，轉向具備針對性、數據驅動和協作性的區域策略，以確保經濟的可持續增長。
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