● The Invisible Hand of Maria Edgeworth: How a Nineteenth-Century Novelist Taught the World Economics
Jeanna Smialek
Interview with author via Marketplace
You may have learned in grade school that Adam Smith originated many of the ideas behind modern economics in his book “The Wealth of Nations.” Maybe you’ve also heard about Thomas Robert Malthus or John Maynard Keynes, economists who are also remembered for their contributions to the field. But chances are, you probably haven’t heard of Maria Edgeworth — at least not for her contribution to economics.
Edgeworth was a Regency-era novelist who, at one point, was England’s most popular writer.
“Jane Austen was a Maria Edgeworth fangirl,” said Jeanna Smialek, Brussels bureau chief at The New York Times. “She’s obsessed with Maria Edgeworth and is sending her letters and being like, ‘please review my books.’’’
But Smialek also found that Edgeworth was deeply engaged in economics, corresponding with peers like David Ricardo and Thomas Malthus, and working the ideas from Adam Smith into her novels.
The Case for Another Rate Hike Is Growing Stronger
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A New Middle East Flashpoint Raises the Stakes for Inflation
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Book Bits: 10 October 2026
● Bear in the Bullring: How Independent Thinking Protects Your Money & Improves Your Life
David Rosenberg
Summary via publisher (Sutherland)
Bear in the Bullring is a clear-eyed guide to thinking better about money, risk, and decision-making in an age of noise and market hype. Drawing on four decades as a top-ranked economist and strategist, David Rosenberg distills the principles that have helped him protect capital, navigate bubbles, and avoid the costly mistakes that derail most investors.
US Economic Growth Expected To Strengthen In Q3 GDP Report
US economic growth remains on track to accelerate in the upcoming third-quarter GDP report, based on the median estimate for a set of nowcasts compiled by The Capital Spectator.
Fed Minutes Signal More Tightening Amid Mixed Inflation Data
The Federal Reserve appears poised to raise interest rates again to keep inflation in check, but exactly when remains uncertain, according to minutes from its Sept. 15-16 meeting. Investors continue to price in another hike, although mixed inflation signals are muddying the outlook.
What’s Fueling Portfolio Gains in 2026? Commodities and Stocks
To the extent that globally diversified portfolios are posting strong gains this year, two asset classes account for most of the upside: commodities and stocks.