Econ Blog

your daily dose of economic commentary

Review of the Strong Gods III: Reno Swings and Misses on Economics

1. Review of the Strong Gods III: Reno Swings and Misses on Economics

The discussion critiques Reno's economic arguments, highlighting inaccuracies and misunderstandings regarding economic theories and concepts, particularly concerning inequality and trade.

Automakers brace for higher costs as steel and aluminum tariffs kick in

2. Automakers brace for higher costs as steel and aluminum tariffs kick in

Automakers face increased costs due to new tariffs on steel and aluminum, impacting their operations and pricing strategies.

How popular is Donald Trump?

3. How popular is Donald Trump?

Nate Silver discusses Donald Trump's approval ratings, noting his current popularity compared to his first term and the factors influencing these trends.

Part 2: Current State of the Housing Market; Overview for mid-March 2025

4. Part 2: Current State of the Housing Market; Overview for mid-March 2025

Bill McBride discusses the current housing market, focusing on prices, mortgage rates, and the impact of policy changes on demand and building costs.

A Mind is a Terrible Thing to Lose

5. A Mind is a Terrible Thing to Lose

An argument that two influential figures exhibit irrational behavior, undermining their credibility and understanding of critical issues like Social Security and immigration.

Inflation eased in February, but it's still too high for comfort

6. Inflation eased in February, but it's still too high for comfort

Inflation showed a slight decrease in February, but concerns about a potential trade war complicate future predictions.

Silver Bulletin College Basketball (SBCB) ratings 🏀

7. Silver Bulletin College Basketball (SBCB) ratings 🏀

Nate Silver discusses the Silver Bulletin College Basketball ratings, detailing their methodology and updates on team performances as the season progresses.

YoY Measures of Inflation: Services, Goods and Shelter

8. YoY Measures of Inflation: Services, Goods and Shelter

The post analyzes year-over-year inflation measures for services, goods, and shelter, highlighting trends and changes in prices as of February 2025.

Why America betrayed Europe

9. Why America betrayed Europe

An argument that America’s current foreign policy under Trump represents a departure from its historical role as Europe’s protector, potentially harming both regions and global stability.

MBA: Mortgage Applications Increase in Latest MBA Weekly Survey

10. MBA: Mortgage Applications Increase in Latest MBA Weekly Survey

Calculated Risk reports on a significant increase in mortgage applications, driven by declining mortgage rates, as noted by Joel Kan of the MBA.

Trump administration slams brakes on government's adoption of electric vehicles

11. Trump administration slams brakes on government's adoption of electric vehicles

Nathaniel Minor reports on the Trump administration's decision to halt the government's procurement of electric vehicles and deactivate some EV chargers.

The stock market is down, but you don't need to be

12. The stock market is down, but you don't need to be

Darian Woods discusses the current stock market decline and reassures readers not to panic despite economic uncertainties.

Social Security Is a Ponzi Scheme

13. Social Security Is a Ponzi Scheme

An argument that Social Security operates similarly to a Ponzi scheme, highlighting its financial unsustainability and the government's role in perpetuating it through coercive taxation.

Uncertainty: Does It Matter?

14. Uncertainty: Does It Matter?

An argument that high-frequency uncertainty shocks significantly impact economic activity, with varying effects across macroeconomic variables and stronger responses during recessions compared to expansions.

Trump buys a Tesla with Elon Musk in tow, at the White House

15. Trump buys a Tesla with Elon Musk in tow, at the White House

The post discusses a notable event where the president explored Tesla vehicles alongside the company's CEO, highlighting their relationship and implications for both figures.

Will the Next Generation Be Better Off? International Pessimism

16. Will the Next Generation Be Better Off? International Pessimism

Timothy Taylor discusses international pessimism regarding economic prospects for future generations, highlighting polling data and its implications on politics and public sentiment.

Manchester United announces plans for a new $2.5 billion stadium

17. Manchester United announces plans for a new $2.5 billion stadium

Plans for a new stadium next to the historic venue involve significant investment and the controversial demolition of the iconic Old Trafford.

Lawler: Some Observations on the Federal Reserve’s Balance Sheet Wind-Down and Reinvestment “Strategy” (Still in Quantitative Easing Mode, Just Less So)

18. Lawler: Some Observations on the Federal Reserve’s Balance Sheet Wind-Down and Reinvestment “Strategy” (Still in Quantitative Easing Mode, Just Less So)

Observations on the Federal Reserve's balance sheet adjustments reveal ongoing quantitative easing through reinvestment strategies, despite a reduction in total asset holdings.

Deepening Yield Curve Inversion at 6 months to 2 year Maturities since Inauguration Day

19. Deepening Yield Curve Inversion at 6 months to 2 year Maturities since Inauguration Day

Menzie Chinn discusses the deepening yield curve inversion and its implications since Inauguration Day.

Tuesday's Assorted Links

20. Tuesday's Assorted Links

The post highlights various stories related to economic principles, government spending, surgery risks, a potential government shutdown, egg price investigations, and a new Canadian prime minister.