When looking at energy prices, look at both the price increase and how long it’s been that high. A prolonged price increase causes profit charts to look very red as they continue to hurt businesses (and by extension, their customers). This is called the “area under the curve” and it describes how long energy prices have stayed above the baseline. If it becomes bigger than expected—meaning the price hike has lingered longer than expected—then financial analysts and business owners should adjust the baseline energy price and reanalyse from there. 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
