The oxymoronic economy of Japan is baffling: undervalued currency, yet undoubtedly strong. According to financial analyst Peter Tasker, the Japanese yen is significantly undervalued and is due for a major revaluation. Tasker, however, praises Japan’s strong economy, low debt levels, and massive trade surplus as evidence of the yen’s true value, which he believes is much higher than its current exchange rate suggests. Tasker argues that it is only a matter of time before the yen rises to its true value, leading to significant changes in the global currency market. Read full article here
Societal Issues
To curb drug deaths, communities turn to Reddit, texts and wastewater
With drug overdose deaths on the rise, authorities are attempting to curb the epidemic by tracking and sharing information in real time. In one unique effort, a nonprofit in New York City is using drug-testing equipment and stamping or marking habits of dealers to identify drug batches that may endanger users. Other approaches are also being used, such as monitoring drug-related chatter on Reddit and analyzing local wastewater for opioid and other drug levels. With the combination of these efforts, researchers hope to put a dent in the opioid crisis and reduce overdose deaths. Read full article here
Merv
June 1, 2023
