WSJ Explains
Why Everything Is On Sale: The Bullwhip Effect
Sales are likely to continue throughout the year — but are they good for the economy?
If it seems like there are more sales lately, it’s because there are. General retailers are shedding excess inventory. Why? Just blame the bullwhip effect. WSJ’s Jon Hilsenrath explains what it is, and what it means for the economy.
WSJ Explains
News moves fast, and there's not always time to untangle the complex forces driving the day's biggest stories. WSJ Explains breaks down big market moves, business and economic trends, and scientific developments to help you stay ahead of the curve.
Up Next in WSJ Explains
The Mechanics of Russia’s Nuclear Arsenal, Explained
As Russia suffers losses in Ukraine, President Vladimir Putin has made veiled threats to use nuclear weapons—a scenario that security experts still deem unlikely. WSJ looks at satellite images and documents to understand how the process of launching a strike would work. Photo composite: Eve HartleyHow China’s Military Drills Could Choke Off Taiwan’s Internet
Taiwan’s internet relies on undersea cables that also connect much of Asia to the web, but tensions with Beijing have raised concerns about the network’s vulnerability. WSJ maps out how China could limit the island’s communications, and how Taipei is preparing. Illustration: Adam AdadaWhat Sewage Can Tell Us About Polio, Monkeypox and Other Virus Outbreaks
Testing sewage to track viruses has drawn renewed interest after recent outbreaks of diseases like monkeypox and polio. WSJ visited a wastewater facility to find out how the testing works and what it can tell us about public health. Photo illustration: Ryan Trefes