
Investor of Austrian Economics
Mark Skousen was born on July 19, 1947, in Salt Lake City, Utah, USA. He holds a Ph.D. in economics from Columbia University, where he studied under the guidance of prominent economists like Friedrich Hayek. Skousen is a well-known economist, investment expert, and author, widely recognized for his work in promoting Austrian economics, free-market principles, and entrepreneurialism. He has been a prominent voice in economics, teaching at institutions such as Columbia Business School and Chapman University and contributing to a number of publications and forums in the financial world.
Skousen is best known for his work in popularizing economic ideas to a broader audience, with a particular focus on Austrian economics, entrepreneurship, and monetary policy. He has authored a number of books, the most influential of which is “The Economics of Freedom” and his long-running “The Skousen Investor”. His “The Making of Modern Economics” (2001) is a comprehensive history of the development of economic thought, where Skousen traces the ideas of economists throughout history, from the classical thinkers to the modern-day practitioners, while placing an emphasis on Austrian and libertarian economists like Hayek, Mises, and Rothbard.
Skousen’s book “The Ten Principles of Economics” (2007) offers a succinct and easily accessible outline of core economic principles, with a focus on free-market capitalism and the role of government in fostering or hindering economic growth. His work is especially influential for those seeking to understand the practical application of libertarian economic theory to real-world issues such as taxation, inflation, and government regulation. In particular, Skousen advocates for a Gold Standard, low taxes, and limited government intervention in the economy.
In addition to his academic contributions, Skousen has a background in investment advice, working as a financial analyst and publishing articles on investment strategies. His work often focuses on how the ideas of Austrian economics can be applied to the investment world, with particular attention to inflation, interest rates, and the role of monetary policy in financial markets.
Throughout his career, Skousen has advocated for the idea of “economic freedom” as the cornerstone of prosperity. He argues that individual entrepreneurship and free-market competition are essential for fostering economic growth, personal liberty, and social progress. He has also been an outspoken critic of Keynesian economics, advocating for Austrian methods of understanding business cycles and market fluctuations.
Currently, Skousen teaches at Columbia Business School, and he continues to publish books, articles, and commentary on economic policy, while also contributing to financial newsletters and investment advisories.