As political debates fixate on taxes and deficits, a foundational economic principle reasserts itself: the sheer scale of federal expenditure, now exceeding $7 trillion, remains the ultimate indicator of government's footprint and future fiscal peril.
Alberta's 2026 budget forecasts multi-billion dollar deficits over the next three years. While lower crude prices impact royalties, a significant increase in operating spending—particularly in healthcare and education—is a major driver, raising per-capita costs despite slowing population growth.
President Trump's forthcoming fiscal 2027 budget outlines a significant increase in Pentagon funding, offset by cuts to domestic agencies. This strategy, set against the backdrop of an unpopular war and economic pressures, sets the stage for a contentious election-year battle over national priorities and fiscal responsibility.
Newly released data shows U.S. consumer spending remained resilient at year-end 2025, even as the Federal Reserve's preferred inflation gauge edged higher than expected, complicating the central bank's path forward.
A new analysis by government spending watchdog Open the Books reveals the Department of Defense spent millions on lobster, steak, and crab in a late-September 2025 purchasing surge, highlighting ongoing concerns over 'use-it-or-lose-it' fiscal practices.
As global conflicts intensify, the UK faces mounting pressure to boost defence spending to 3.5% of GDP. This analysis examines the harsh fiscal realities behind the funding debate, arguing that sustainable investment requires difficult trade-offs in an era of high debt and taxation.
With the national debt approaching $39 trillion, U.S. interest payments have officially surpassed defense spending, becoming the third-largest federal expenditure. This shift underscores the immense fiscal challenge facing Washington, even as President Trump renews pledges to balance the budget through unconventional means.
TD Economics projects a subdued growth path for Canada this year, citing trade uncertainties and moderating population growth, but anticipates a modest pickup by year-end supported by government spending and resilient household consumption.
The U.S. economy expanded at a 1.4% annualized rate in Q4 2025, falling short of expectations and capping a year of moderating growth, with former President Trump attributing the shortfall to last fall's government shutdown.
Desjardins analysis reveals British Columbia's 2026 budget shows near-term deficit improvement but projects larger medium-term shortfalls, as increased revenues are outpaced by healthcare and education spending.
A new Congressional Budget Office report forecasts federal debt held by the public soaring to $53.1 trillion by 2035, reaching 116% of GDP. The recent Supreme Court decision striking down key Trump-era tariffs is expected to worsen an already deteriorating deficit picture, with interest costs poised to become a crushing burden.
After a frigid January that froze retail traffic, a trio of events—Valentine's Day, Presidents' Day sales, and early tax refunds—will serve as a crucial real-time check on American spending power and confidence.
U.S. retail sales grew in December, capping a volatile 2025. However, analysts warn that shifting spending patterns, lingering tariff impacts, and widespread economic anxiety—even among affluent shoppers—set the stage for a fiercely competitive and uncertain new year.
American consumers pulled back sharply in December, with retail sales showing no monthly growth and missing expectations, raising fresh questions about the resilience of the main engine of the U.S. economy.
A watchdog report revealing the Defense Department's $93 billion in September expenditures—including millions on luxury food items—has prompted sharp criticism from California Governor Gavin Newsom, who targeted Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth over the use of taxpayer funds.
The U.S. economy expanded at a modest 1.4% annualized rate in the final quarter of 2025, a significant deceleration from prior quarters, driven by a pullback in government and consumer spending, according to Commerce Department data released Friday.
The U.S. economy lost more momentum than previously estimated at the end of last year, with growth revised down sharply as consumer spending and business investment weakened, according to new government data released Friday.
A government spending watchdog reveals the Department of Defense disbursed $93.4 billion in contracts in September 2025, with a significant portion allocated for high-end food items and furniture in a late fiscal-year surge.
With federal debt hitting historic peacetime levels, a new analysis warns that Washington's capacity to cushion the next economic downturn is severely constrained, raising the stakes for future policy decisions.
Fourth-quarter GDP growth cooled to 1.4%, with the record government shutdown and softening consumer spending applying brakes to an economy that had been expanding rapidly. The White House points to underlying strength, while critics see warning signs.
