Tuesday's Assorted Links
Hardship withdrawals, AI anxiety, demand for news, Christmas imports, and Nintendo Switch delays
Hi y’all! Here are five stories from this week that contained some neat applications of economic principles or are related to teaching:
According to Vanguard Group, a record 4.8% of its 401(k) account holders made hardship withdrawals last year — more than double the 2.3% share seen before the pandemic [Vanguard Group]
A new study finds 41% of Gen Z feeling anxious about using AI, with nearly half believing it will harm their critical thinking skills [Axios]
With Americans hungering for information about what’s happening to their retirement accounts, cable business news channels are experiencing a ratings bonanza [Hollywood Reporter]
Chinese producers of Christmas decor say they’ve received no orders from US customers yet, which are typically finalized in mid-April [CNBC]
Nintendo delays Switch 2 pre-orders in response to Trump tariffs, which could raise prices by nearly 50% [Polygon]
You’ve probably heard the advice: “Just buy American to avoid tariffs.” But even products made in the U.S. often rely on global parts & packaging. You’re paying for all of it. Tariffs are taxes on consumers—not other countries.
The Hidden Cost of Buying American
One morning last week, somewhere between my first sip of coffee and the last bite of breakfast, I started thinking about global trade. Not in an abstract, textbook kind of way—just by looking at what was left on the plate in front of me.
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