This series spans the globe presenting leading research in economics. International applications and examples of economic progress are invaluable in a troubled world with economic booms bursting like so many penny balloons. Topics discussed include making free trade fair; the technology trade and NAFTA; the global financial crisis and net interest rate margins; the impact of the first home buyer tax credit on the U.S. housing market; the impact of a trade embargo on prices and product quality and a study of foreign direct investment stock contribution to output growth in the U.S. economy.