The US sets the bar high, keeping the euro from becoming an ‘international currency of stature’. When the euro launched in 1999, many expected it to become a strong competitor to the dollar on the international currency stage. Two decades later, the currency remains confined to the eurozone. The culprit: There’s an insufficient supply of superior euro-denominated assets and no “safe” government-backed asset for the currency. In contrast, the US has a far superior capacity for securitizing assets, given its unified and relatively reliable legal and regulatory system. Read full article here
Technology
The First Solar-Powered Car Comes at a Hot Price
The Lightyear O is a revolutionary electric car powered by the sun. Developed by a Dutch startup, the four-door sedan has over 50 square feet of solar panels on its roof and hood, generating up to 43 miles of energy a day. With production now underway in Finland, the car does come with a hefty price tag at $262,000, but the company hopes to introduce a more affordable version, the Lightyear 2, by 2025. Read full article here