Economics

Asymmetric information is a feature of many, if not most, transactions. My bank regulation students are particularly tired of hearing about AI issues. Purchase of any product entails some risk, even of a standardized product. There are situations where asymmetric information can create problems for transactions. The classic used car model of Akerloff, the so-called “lemons” problem is one market where there is such a problem. In the past callers to my radio visits expressed a similar concern with donations to charity.

Continue reading Private Solutions to Asymmetric Information Problems

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The shale oil expansion began in North Dakota, and the expansion of oil output in the U.S. has been nothing short of revolutionary. However, I think it is time to recognize that the fanciful notion of “energy independence” is less and less likely to happen, if it ever really had a chance. We are surely less dependent on foreign oil as the graph shows, but it is not clear that it is going to go to zero anytime soon, if ever.

Continue reading Energy and the Economy in North Dakota

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My bank regulation students received their final paper topic today. This is a big one. Let me preface this by saying that I have high regard for my students. They have excellent analytical and technical abilities and I think, generally speaking, they are able to bring these skills to bear on important problems. So I decided to give them a big one in bank regulation. I asked them to solve the problem of “Too Big to Fail” (TBTF).

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Economic development and economic growth are key ideas in any state or area, but clearly are a hot topic in North Dakota. The economic success in North Dakota represents an incredible opportunity to catch up in areas perceived to behind and to move into areas that will define the future. It is essentially North Dakota’s opportunity to write its own ticket. What I see missing from the discussion right now is a meaningful discussion on the fiscal side.

Continue reading Economic Development & Fiscal Changes

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