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Popular Articles
The Federal Government Has Borrowed Trillions. Who Owns All that Debt?
Most federal debt is owed to domestic holders, but foreign ownership is much higher now than it was about 50 years ago.
How Does the Capital Gains Tax Work, and What Are Some Proposed Reforms?
While the capital gains tax affects anyone selling a capital asset, higher-income individuals are typically subject to the tax more so than average Americans.
Chart Pack: The U.S. Budget
A selection of key charts that give an overview of the major components in the U.S. federal budget.
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Aug 19, 2026
The Federal Government Has Borrowed Trillions. Who Owns All that Debt?
Most federal debt is owed to domestic holders, but foreign ownership is much higher now than it was about 50 years ago.
Aug 19, 2026
With $40 Trillion in Debt, Is the U.S. Headed for More Credit Downgrades?
Three successive downgrades of the U.S. credit rating should alarm elected leaders, but our national debt remains on an unsustainable trajectory.
Aug 19, 2026
The United States Is Adding to the National Debt Faster Than Ever
The nation’s debt is growing at a historic rate and eclipsing all-time highs.
Aug 19, 2026
Infographic: The National Debt Is Now More than $40 Trillion. What Does That Mean?
Although the national debt affects each of us, it may be difficult to put such a large number into perspective.
Aug 19, 2026
4 Ways the United States Got to $40 Trillion in National Debt
These four key fiscal trends over the last 25 years that have put the nation’s debt on a dangerous trajectory.
Aug 18, 2026
What Is the Yield Curve, and What Does It Tell Us About the Economy?
Not only does the yield curve offer insights into the strength of the economy, but it also signals how investors view the government’s fiscal trajectory.
Aug 17, 2026
Social Security Inaction Raises Risk of Higher Interest Rates and Inflation
Adding to the national debt by borrowing instead of enacting Social Security reform can harm the economy in two key ways.


