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The Cost of Buybacks: Corporate Ethics and Economy
This chapter examines the rise of stock buybacks in U.S. corporations and their implications on corporate finance and the economy, especially in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. It critiques the focus on shareholder returns over investment in employees and growth, raising ethical questions about corporate behavior and accountability. Additionally, it discusses recent policy measures, like the excise tax on buybacks, and argues that these may not significantly alter corporate practices, perpetuating a cycle of corporate welfare.