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Allowing financial trading in California’s wholesale electricity market significantly reduced volatility of prices, electricity production costs, carbon emissions

Researchers found that introducing financial trading in California's wholesale electricity market led to reduced volatility in prices, production costs, and carbon emissions. The study also showed improved physical market outcomes, including lower fuel costs and reduced complexity in real-time markets.

SourceCarnegie Mellon University·JournalAmerican Economic Journal Economic Policy·DateMay 22, 2023

Psychopathic traits behind the rise and fall of Madoff

A study by Anglia Ruskin University found that Madoff's business dealings, trial, and prison time revealed a high score on psychopathy scales. The research warns companies to identify and prevent corporate psychopaths who can bring down organizations and economies through recklessness and greed.

SourceAnglia Ruskin University·JournalInternational Journal of Market Research·TypeObservational study·DateMay 17, 2023

Better social drinkers don’t earn more

A study of working men in Japan, Taiwan, and South Korea found that alcohol-tolerant individuals do not earn more than their intolerant colleagues. Despite the cultural pressure to drink, better social drinkers did not experience a wage premium in terms of working hours or earnings.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalHealth Economics·TypeSurvey·DateApr 25, 2023

UBC Okanagan researchers create real estate market assessment tool

A team of UBC Okanagan researchers has developed a regional house price mining and forecasting framework (RHPMF) that provides comprehensive reports on neighborhood data. The tool helps users analyze population, social dynamics, housing costs, and historical background to assess the market and make informed decisions.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia Okanagan campus·JournalInformation Fusion·TypeMeta-analysis·DateApr 6, 2023

Could changes in Fed’s interest rates affect pollution and the environment?

A new study by Florida Atlantic University suggests that monetary policy can impact pollution, with domestic effects being more significant than international spillovers. The research found that changes in the US Fed's interest rates can reduce CO2 emissions in the short run, but not necessarily in the long run.

SourceFlorida Atlantic University·JournalEnergy Economics·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 28, 2023

Working timelines for Swedish employees revealed over 15 years

A new analysis of Swedish workers' employment timelines highlights varying patterns of active work and work interruptions over 15 years. Women were found to be more likely to have longer periods of interruption due to parental leave and sickness-absence benefits, independent of socioeconomic factors.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 15, 2023

How US cotton exports are shifting in response to competition and trade policy

Global market trends are changing as Brazil catches up with US cotton exports, driven by trade policies and increased production. Brazilian cotton exports have risen significantly, while US exports have declined, especially in the Chinese market.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalAmerican Journal of Agricultural Economics·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 6, 2023

Award stickers and taste descriptions matter for artisanal cheese buyers, Oregon State research shows

A study from Oregon State University found that consumers are willing to pay more for familiar cheese varieties if they have an award sticker or sensory information about the taste. The researchers identified two groups of consumers: those who prefer unfamiliar foods and those who prefer familiar ones, with different priorities for the...

SourceOregon State University·JournalFood Quality and Preference·DateJan 10, 2023

nTIDE December 2022 Jobs Report: Hot job market continues for people with disabilities despite efforts to cool the economy

The employment-to-population ratio for people with disabilities increased from 36.5% in November to 37.0% in December, up 1.4%, while it remained unchanged at 74.4% for those without disabilities. This surge continues the gains of the last four months and highlights the ongoing strength of people with disabilities in the job market.

Should we tax robots?

A study by MIT economists suggests that a modest tax on robots and foreign trade could help address income inequality in the US. The optimal policy includes taxes ranging from 1% to 3.7% of robot value, with smaller trade taxes, aiming to reduce wage gaps without stifling economic growth.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalThe Review of Economic Studies·DateDec 20, 2022

Local alcohol availability related to child maltreatment

A study by Ohio State University researchers found that neighborhoods with more stores selling alcohol have higher rates of child abuse and neglect. The study suggests that reducing alcohol availability is crucial in preventing child maltreatment, as it perpetuates a cycle of substance use among young adults.

SourceOhio State University·JournalAlcoholism Clinical and Experimental Research·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateNov 21, 2022

Words matter in food freshness, safety messaging

A new study by Cornell University researchers found that changing the wording on expiration dates could help reduce food waste. The study suggests that certain labels, such as "use by" or "best if used by," may lead to more food being discarded than others.

SourceCornell University·JournalEuropean Review of Agricultural Economics·DateNov 4, 2022

Study: Public more likely to support climate action if other countries commit as well

A recent study by University of Cologne researchers found that the public is more willing to support costly climate policies if other countries contribute as well. This increased willingness is due to individuals expecting these efforts to be fairer and more effective. The team surveyed over 10,000 citizens in four countries and discov...

SourceUniversity of Cologne·JournalNature Communications·TypeSurvey·DateNov 3, 2022

Strategic brand factors that moderate the impact of business cycles on brand equity

A new study examines the role of six brand factors, including price positioning, advertising spending, and distribution breadth, in moderating the impact of business cycles on brand equity. The research finds that premium pricing, market leadership, and extensive distribution contribute to brand equity during economic expansions.

SourceAmerican Marketing Association·JournalJournal of Marketing·DateSep 14, 2022

UT researchers receive $2.75 million grant to investigate movement of amphibian pathogens in wildlife trade networks

Researchers at the University of Tennessee are investigating the movement of amphibian pathogens in wildlife trade networks, with a focus on disease mitigation strategies. The project aims to understand how socio-economic factors impact pathogen dynamics and develop market-based mechanisms to promote healthy trade.

Motherhood is equal to partner absence as a cause of economic disadvantage in single mothers

New research by Professor Susan Harkness reveals that motherhood earning penalties have a significant impact on the economic wellbeing of single mothers. The study found that labour market penalties, cost of partner absence and child-related increases in financial needs combine to negatively affect single mothers' income.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalDemography·TypeMeta-analysis·DateJul 5, 2022

Wine as scapegoat in trade disputes means consumers pay the price

A new study from the University of Illinois finds that wine tariffs imposed during trade disputes have substantial economic costs for producers and consumers. The study estimates that the U.S.-EU dispute cost $190 million in lost trade, while the China-Australia dispute cost $149 million annually.