In a compelling discussion, Vice President Kamala Harris, an influential figure in American politics, defends her economic roadmap amidst a struggling U.S. dollar. She outlines proposals aimed at bolstering the child tax credit and supporting home buyers. The conversation also delves into rising tensions between the U.S. and China, threatening a long-standing science and technology pact. Listeners gain insights into how these factors impact voter perception and the urgent need for global cooperation to address pressing challenges.
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Quick takeaways
The U.S. dollar has fallen to its lowest level this year amid speculation about potential Federal Reserve interest rate cuts influencing market strategies.
Vice President Kamala Harris's economic plan faces scrutiny over its viability and funding implications, raising concerns ahead of upcoming elections.
Deep dives
Decline of the U.S. Dollar
The U.S. dollar has dropped to its lowest value of the year due to investor speculation that the Federal Reserve may cut interest rates in the upcoming month. This decline is also linked to a stabilization in the stock market, which has led to increased investor confidence in equities, particularly after the S&P 500 managed to recover all its losses from earlier in the month. The market will be closely watching Federal Reserve Chair Jay Powell's speech at the Jackson Hole Symposium for hints about future monetary policy decisions. These developments could significantly influence investor strategies in the near term.
Kamala Harris's Economic Plan Under Scrutiny
Vice President Kamala Harris's newly proposed economic plan has faced criticism from both political opponents and economists, raising concerns about its viability and potential impact on the elections. The plan includes substantial increases in the child tax credit, financial support for first-time homebuyers, and measures aimed at controlling grocery prices, reflecting an attempt to address inflation, which remains a top concern for many Americans. However, economists caution that price controls may distort markets and lead to supply shortages, and there are uncertainties regarding how the plan will be funded, with projections suggesting a potential $2 billion increase in the deficit over ten years. The Harris campaign has suggested raising the corporate tax rate as a means to offset costs, but it remains to be seen how these proposals will resonate with voters.
U.S.-China Science Agreement at Risk
The long-standing scientific collaboration pact between the U.S. and China, established soon after the U.S. recognized the People's Republic of China, is facing uncertainty amidst escalating trade tensions. This agreement has facilitated numerous significant scientific breakthroughs, including important research benefiting maternal and child health through the use of folic acid. Concerns about industrial espionage and military applications of research findings have emerged, with both nations reassessing the feasibility of ongoing cooperation. Should the pact not be renewed, scientists may find it increasingly difficult to collaborate, potentially stifling essential research on global challenges such as climate change and public health.
The US dollar sinks to its lowest level since the start of the year and Democrats are rushing to defend vice-president Kamala Harris’s economic road map. Plus, rising US-China tensions could threaten a decades-old science and technology pact.
The FT News Briefing is produced by Fiona Symon, Sonja Hutson, Kasia Broussalian, Marc Filippino, and Niamh Rowe. Additional help from Breen Turner, Sam Giovinco, Peter Barber, Michael Lello, David da Silva and Gavin Kallmann. Our engineer is Monica Lopez. Topher Forhecz is the FT’s executive producer. The FT’s global head of audio is Cheryl Brumley. The show’s theme song is by Metaphor Music.