
Markets Discussion Series Part 2 – Composition of Debt
As the federal debt-to-GDP ratio is set to soar, is it federal debt to GDP or total debt to GDP that counts?
David Kotok offers insights and analysis on current economic and political issues and their potential impact on global financial markets. David’s articles and financial market commentaries have appeared in The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, Barron’s, and other publications. He is a frequent contributor to Bloomberg TV, and Bloomberg Radio, Fox Business, and other media.

As the federal debt-to-GDP ratio is set to soar, is it federal debt to GDP or total debt to GDP that counts?

Senator Rick Scott has attacked the Fed. Reader can decide — truth, fiction, or political hyperbole? We supply relevant facts.

Volatility trends since the Great Financial Crisis indicate that old assumptions may not be reliable.

Public health policy changes have enormous implications, including economic ones.

There is a possible bullish stock market case for the Trump tariffs and other policy outcomes. Here’s a scenario; it’s not a forecast.

Does the healthcare sector go from growing to shrinking? Does it get better or worse?

According to the CBO, President Trump’s numbers don’t add up. I discuss the deficit, the “Nifty 14,” the bond market, and the price of protectionism.

Is a positive “real” interest rate necessary? Let’s look at the data.

I offer an example (my opinion) of how possible market dysfunction has presented a bond trade opportunity to seize a market pricing anomaly.

R. Christopher Whalen’s Inflated details how America has navigated its eventful history using debt and inflation. What can we learn from the past as we consider what lies ahead?

Rick Newman reports on what a non-zero US default risk costs us. I offer my two-minute take.

Section 70302 of the Big Beautiful Bill targets the federal courts, with huge implications for individuals, businesses and fiduciaries of all types.