Econ Blog

your daily dose of economic commentary

Business Cycle Indicator Sit-Rep

1. Business Cycle Indicator Sit-Rep

Menzie Chinn discusses indicators related to the business cycle, particularly focusing on potential recession signals and economic data analysis.

How 23andMe's bankruptcy led to a run on the gene bank

2. How 23andMe's bankruptcy led to a run on the gene bank

The post discusses the implications of 23andMe's bankruptcy on consumer genetic data privacy and the potential fate of customers' genetic information.

Clearing the Air on Tariffs and Trade Deficits

3. Clearing the Air on Tariffs and Trade Deficits

An argument that trade deficits are not inherently negative and that they can coexist with beneficial foreign investment, challenging common political misconceptions about tariffs.

Recession Now? The Message from (Final rev’d) Michigan Expectations vs. PMI and CISS

4. Recession Now? The Message from (Final rev’d) Michigan Expectations vs. PMI and CISS

Menzie Chinn analyzes recession probabilities using Michigan sentiment data, PMI, and CISS, highlighting differing predictions for April and discussing implications for economic forecasting.

It's good when stocks go up

5. It's good when stocks go up

Nate Silver discusses the positive implications of recent economic developments related to Trump and Musk, emphasizing their potential benefits for the stock market and the economy.

April 25th COVID Update: COVID Deaths Continue to Decline

6. April 25th COVID Update: COVID Deaths Continue to Decline

Bill McBride discusses the decline in COVID deaths and the decision to stop tracking hospitalizations as metrics change.

Philly Fed: State Coincident Indexes Increased in 43 States in March (3-Month Basis)

7. Philly Fed: State Coincident Indexes Increased in 43 States in March (3-Month Basis)

Bill McBride discusses the recent increase in coincident indexes for 43 states, indicating improved economic conditions according to the Philly Fed's data.

Fired, rehired, and fired again: Some federal workers find they're suddenly uninsured

8. Fired, rehired, and fired again: Some federal workers find they're suddenly uninsured

Andrea Hsu discusses federal workers losing health care coverage amid legal disputes over firings and rehiring processes.

Adam Smith Definitely Would Not Approve

9. Adam Smith Definitely Would Not Approve

Jon Murphy discusses Adam Smith's opposition to tariffs and critiques current trade policies, particularly those of Trump, emphasizing the importance of free trade.

The Library Burned Slowly

10. The Library Burned Slowly

Alex Tabarrok discusses the consequences of expanding federal control over universities and the political hubris of the left, highlighting the dangers of state power.

Big brands are officially worried about American shoppers

11. Big brands are officially worried about American shoppers

Alina Selyukh discusses how major brands like Pepsi and Procter & Gamble are reducing financial forecasts due to concerns about American consumer spending.

Q1 GDP Tracking: No Growth

12. Q1 GDP Tracking: No Growth

Bill McBride discusses the advance estimates for Q1 GDP, indicating expectations of minimal growth and highlighting concerns about inventory and import impacts.

How to have friends past age 30

13. How to have friends past age 30

The post discusses the challenges of maintaining friendships after age 30 and offers personal insights on fostering social connections amidst rising loneliness trends.

Intercontinental Exchange: Mortgage Delinquency Rate Increased in March

14. Intercontinental Exchange: Mortgage Delinquency Rate Increased in March

Bill McBride discusses the increase in mortgage delinquency rates in March, highlighting trends and factors affecting the U.S. mortgage market.

15. Technical Change and Triple-Switching in the Corn-Tractor Model

An argument that technical change and triple-switching in production techniques illustrate complexities in economic models, particularly concerning reswitching and cost-minimization under varying conditions.

Student loans are back, U.S. travel is whack, and AI — please, step back

16. Student loans are back, U.S. travel is whack, and AI — please, step back

Darian Woods discusses the return of student loan collections, declining foreign travel to the U.S., and the potential costs of AI interactions.

Bans on Artificial Food Dyes are Unjust

17. Bans on Artificial Food Dyes are Unjust

Christopher Freiman argues against bans on artificial food dyes, emphasizing individual rights to make personal health choices despite potential risks.

Symposium: “Europe amidst Uncertainty”

18. Symposium: “Europe amidst Uncertainty”

Menzie Chinn discusses Europe's economic and political challenges, including trade wars, populism, and transatlantic relations amidst global uncertainty.

One way or another

19. One way or another

Scott Sumner discusses geopolitical tensions involving Russia, China, and the U.S., highlighting the resurgence of territorial ambitions and the implications for military alliances.

Realtor.com Reports Active Inventory Up 30.0% YoY

20. Realtor.com Reports Active Inventory Up 30.0% YoY

Bill McBride discusses the significant year-over-year increase in active housing inventory and its implications for the real estate market.