What makes something a commodity?
Global commerce is underpinned by these unsexy items, but how do they attain that status?
By H.T.
To mark the publication of "Go Figure", a collection of The Economist’s explainers and daily charts, the editors of this blog solicited ideas on Facebook and Twitter. This week we publish five explainers suggested by our readers, who will each receive a copy of the book.
Discover more
What is Kamala Harris’s record as a prosecutor?
Republicans say she was soft on crime. Progressives say she was too harsh
Can Donald Trump use songs against a musician’s will?
Many stars have complained, and some have filed lawsuits
What is the Fed’s preferred inflation measure?
The PCE gauge is broader and more dynamic than its better-known relative, the CPI
Will Taylor Swift’s endorsement of Kamala Harris matter?
Celebrity endorsements are unlikely to change voters’ minds. But they may boost turnout
Donald Trump says immigrants are eating Springfield’s pets. What?
He repeated the bizarre—and false—claim in his presidential debate against Kamala Harris
Who will lead Britain’s Conservative Party?
Here are the four candidates vying for the daunting job