Record $233 Billion in Stock Buybacks Signal Trouble Ahead

Corporations announced a staggering $233.8 billion in stock buybacks in April, the second-highest monthly total ever recorded. But unlike previous buyback bonanzas, this isn't a sign of economic strength or corporate confidence. Quite the opposite. Are buybacks just one big shell game or are they fiscally prudent? Corporate stock buybacks have inspired great debate since a Reagan era tax law change and a Clinton era deal sweetener. On the one hand they have enriched shareholders and made executives extremely wealthy. On the other hand, the growth in buybacks mean companies aren't investing in innovation, workers, or expansion. Let’s talk about it.

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CHAPTERS
00:00​ - Introduction
00:58​ - Corporate Cash Reserves and Stock Buybacks
05:04​ - History of Stock Buybacks
09:09​ - Failed Reform Attempt
13:17​ - Closing Thoughts
16:54​ - Credits

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Unf*cking the Republic (UNFTR for short) is progressive media organization that produces a longform podcast, YouTube videos, newsletters and original essays on U.S. politics, socio economics and civil liberties. Our features attempt to explain how we arrived in Bizarro America, the funhouse mirror version of what was originally intended. You can access all of our work at www.UNFTR.com