The craft beer industry has been on a tear, boasting a 17% rise in sales last year and continued growth expected going forward. Lately, it looks like a big surge is on tap not only for craft breweries, but small businesses that make wine and spirits as well.
Government
Europeans Are Thinking the Unthinkable: That Debt Defaults Might Make Sense
Instead of struggling to keep the euro zone together, default may be less painful in the long run for the people of overindebted countries
Why the Argument for Austerity Took a Big Hit Yesterday
Updated at 11:12 p.m.
In the years following the financial crisis, America has been obsessed with debt. Hurting from the crisis, consumers and businesses have been busy paying off debt, while the federal government has ramped up its borrowing through a combination of stimulus spending and lower tax revenue. And of course all this new …
The Real Significance of the Bitcoin Boom (and Bust)
Online currencies like the Bitcoin are one day likely to alter government policy, just as the bond market did in the 1990s
Under the Gun: Businesses Pressured, Punished in States Passing Tough Gun Regulations
States have been passing tougher gun laws with the hopes of preventing another Newtown. But lawmakers are facing the possibility that their efforts to save lives may be killing local businesses and jobs.
Was Thatcherism Good (or Bad) for the Economy?
Margaret Thatcher was known as the woman who, from 1979 to 1990, brought austerity and — at least for part of her tenure — economic growth to a stagflation-riddled Britain. She’s also known as a heedless free-market …
Is the Global Economy Slowly Falling Apart?
For Americans, the economy is likely to remain sluggish for several years, but the long-term outlook isn’t nearly as bad as the pessimists say
Why Derivatives May Be the Biggest Risk for the Global Economy
Since the recession, the value of derivatives outstanding has grown, and they remain very risky with the potential for large, unpredictable losses.
Meet the People Who Eat Roadkill Meat—And Rave About It
“It really is a sin to waste that good meat when there’s no reason to, when it could be salvaged and somebody could use it.”
Is It Time to Stop Green-Lighting Red-Light Cameras?
The number of local red-light camera contracts awarded around the country has exploded, from 155 in 2005 to 689 last year. The pitch to install the cameras is that it’s a win-win for municipalities, simultaneously saving them …
In the Wake of Ugly Incidents at Sea, the Cruise Industry Is in Hot Water
When one cruise ship experiences problems at sea, it’s categorized as an isolated incident. What happens when several ships operated by the same company run into high-profile trouble?
Can the U.S. Dollar Become Almighty Once Again?
A stronger dollar could be a bellwether of an improving economy and a brighter outlook for U.S. stocks.