A little-noticed statement last week could portend the next big battle in China’s effort to control its debt. On August 2, the finance ministry issued directives that state-owned companies improve returns, control risks and make sure that “projects are financially viable before decisions are made.” That the government feels the need to spell out such obvious goals tells you the …

My Bloomberg View colleague Tyler Cowen has a running series of blog posts bearing the title “Markets in Everything.” Plenty of other economists and writers have picked up the phrase, and with good reason—it’s evocative of a powerful idea that defined much of Western political economy in the later part of the 20th century. The idea is that markets—systems of …

Bloomberg The risk-off mood that gripped markets last week showed signs of easing, with shares in Europe following Asian equities higher and American stock futures advancing as the prospect of a war between the US and North Korea receded. Havens including gold, Treasuries and the yen fell. The Stoxx Europe 600 Index headed for its first gain in four days, …