Econ Blog

your daily dose of economic commentary

1. Asian Americans: Two Alternate Histories

Timothy Taylor discusses two alternate histories of Asian American immigration, focusing on the impact of discriminatory laws and the evolution of immigration patterns over time.

Kamala Harris has Liz Cheney Syndrome

2. Kamala Harris has Liz Cheney Syndrome

An argument that Kamala Harris's political identity is misunderstood, as she navigates perceptions of her leftist stance while avoiding clear ideological commitments in her campaign.

Learn what economists do

3. Learn what economists do

Joshua Gans discusses the role of economists, their focus on market failures, and the misconceptions about economics in popular media, particularly in relation to Jon Stewart's interviews.

Some Massachusetts Residents Are a Little Tired of Running on Dunkin’

4. Some Massachusetts Residents Are a Little Tired of Running on Dunkin’

Residents near a new Dunkin' facility in Haverhill are experiencing persistent odors, highlighting the negative externalities of production that affect local quality of life.

Seduced by the Louis XIV Treatment

5. Seduced by the Louis XIV Treatment

The post reflects on privilege and luxury in politics, using JD Vance's Olympic visit and the Epstein scandal to illustrate the corrupting influence of elite status.

Codechella Madrid is Back — May 25-28 at CUNEF

6. Codechella Madrid is Back — May 25-28 at CUNEF

Scott Cunningham discusses the upcoming Codechella Madrid event, highlighting its workshops on causal inference methods and the importance of affordable pricing for participants.

The Takaichi Era begins for real

7. The Takaichi Era begins for real

The post discusses Takaichi Sanae's rise to power in Japan, the LDP's electoral dominance, and the implications for democracy and governance in the country.

8. Bourgeois Propaganda In The Teaching Of Economics

Robert Vienneau critiques the teaching of economics, particularly the flawed concept of the natural rate of unemployment, highlighting its political implications.

Why is Singapore no longer “cool”?

9. Why is Singapore no longer “cool”?

Tyler Cowen explores the decline in American interest in Singapore, attributing it to political, social, and economic shifts in perception and relevance.

Bryan Caplan on immigration backlash

10. Bryan Caplan on immigration backlash

An argument that immigration backlash varies in significance, suggesting that respecting voter preferences is crucial to avoid empowering toxic anti-immigrant politicians while advocating for more immigration.

Small businesses are getting help paying tariffs -- at a high cost

11. Small businesses are getting help paying tariffs -- at a high cost

Alina Selyukh discusses the challenges small businesses face with tariffs and the risky lending options available to them.

What Could Go Wrong? The AI Asset Price and Investment Boom

12. What Could Go Wrong? The AI Asset Price and Investment Boom

Menzie Chinn discusses concerns about the economic impact of the AI boom and potential corrections in asset prices, particularly regarding the Magnificent 7 companies.

Claude Code 16: The Memory Foam Mattress Theory of Claude Code

13. Claude Code 16: The Memory Foam Mattress Theory of Claude Code

Scott Cunningham discusses the adoption of Claude Code, using a memory foam mattress metaphor to explain user experiences and economic concepts related to software usage.

Federal Reserve 101, Part II: The Global Financial Crisis of 2008 and Its Aftermath

14. Federal Reserve 101, Part II: The Global Financial Crisis of 2008 and Its Aftermath

The post discusses the Federal Reserve's policy history, particularly during the 2008 financial crisis, and critiques from political figures regarding its decisions and outcomes.

A new hypothesis (from my email)

15. A new hypothesis (from my email)

A theory is proposed that rising teen anxiety correlates with cultural and political shifts rather than being caused by phones, suggesting a new understanding of these dynamics.

'Washington Post' CEO departs after going AWOL during massive job cuts

16. 'Washington Post' CEO departs after going AWOL during massive job cuts

The resignation of the Washington Post CEO follows significant layoffs at the newspaper, highlighting leadership challenges during a crisis.

USDA Forecasts Near Constant Farm Cash Income…As Long as We Dole Out $44.3 Billion

17. USDA Forecasts Near Constant Farm Cash Income…As Long as We Dole Out $44.3 Billion

Menzie Chinn discusses USDA forecasts for farm cash income and the significant role of government payments in maintaining income levels for farmers.

Closing tabs: the Saturday edition

18. Closing tabs: the Saturday edition

The post covers a variety of topics, including music reviews, personal reflections, and insights on social media, alongside mentions of economic and political issues.

My Head Talking to Hasan Minhaj

19. My Head Talking to Hasan Minhaj

Paul Krugman discusses economic growth, Bitcoin skepticism, and the intersection of economics and politics in his conversation with Hasan Minhaj.

Why America's extremes will both fail

20. Why America's extremes will both fail

An argument that American politics is increasingly dominated by engaged extremists due to technological changes, sidelining moderates and influencing policy-making through activist staffers.