Marketplace WNBA franchises are a slam dunk in this iffy economy
May 23, 2025
The WNBA introduces its first expansion team in 18 years, the Golden State Valkyries, captivating 18,000 fans at their debut. In a challenging economy, women's basketball is thriving, with three new teams emphasizing community engagement over star power. The discussion also touches on the declining enrollment of international students affecting job markets, and resistance to lithium mining in the Andes, exploring the environmental and community tensions surrounding this issue.
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Fed's Wait-and-See Approach
- The Fed remains cautious, keeping rates steady amid great uncertainty from tariffs and trade policies.
- Fed waits for clarity before adjusting rates, balancing stable data with evolving risks.
Economic Impact of International Students
- International students generate $56 billion annually, supporting over 300,000 U.S. jobs.
- Declining enrollment threatens this trade surplus and economic contributions to university towns.
U.S. Service Surplus from Education
- U.S. has a $294 billion surplus in services, largely due to foreign students.
- Reduced foreign student numbers could drastically shrink this valuable economic surplus.