Econ Blog

your daily dose of economic commentary

Intermittent fasting but for my brain

1. Intermittent fasting but for my brain

The author explores a personal approach to mental clarity through a method akin to intermittent fasting, reflecting on weight loss experiences and the simplicity of calorie deficits.

The MR Podcast: Debt!

2. The MR Podcast: Debt!

A discussion on the implications of US debt, interest rates, and the relationship between debt and economic conditions, emphasizing the valuation of debt as an asset.

Trump to Disaster Victims: Drop Dead

3. Trump to Disaster Victims: Drop Dead

The post discusses the historical context of federal disaster relief, critiques Trump's policies on FEMA, and highlights the negative impact on communities in need of aid.

America's mayors are right to support small business

4. America's mayors are right to support small business

Support for small businesses by mayors reflects a positive shift in progressive governance, emphasizing economic revitalization and reducing burdensome regulations.

Industrial Production Increased 0.1% in September

5. Industrial Production Increased 0.1% in September

Bill McBride discusses the slight increase in industrial production and capacity utilization in September, highlighting its implications and comparisons to past data.

MBA: Mortgage Applications Decrease in Latest Weekly Survey

6. MBA: Mortgage Applications Decrease in Latest Weekly Survey

Mortgage applications fell 1.4% in the latest survey, influenced by lower mortgage rates and mixed economic indicators, with year-over-year trends showing some improvement.

How Much are US Firms Using AI Tools?

7. How Much are US Firms Using AI Tools?

An argument that AI adoption in US firms is growing slowly, with significant differences across industries and firm sizes, despite high stock prices for AI companies.

ELWAY NFL team projections: Week 14

8. ELWAY NFL team projections: Week 14

An argument that presents a new NFL model for team ratings, detailing projections, quarterback assessments, and the impact of injuries on team performance.

Consensus vs. ARIMA(1,1,1): ADP Private Nonfarm Payroll

9. Consensus vs. ARIMA(1,1,1): ADP Private Nonfarm Payroll

Menzie Chinn analyzes the ADP private nonfarm payroll data and compares it with Bloomberg's consensus and ARIMA forecasts.

Michael and Susan Dell commit $6.25 billion for investment accounts for kids

10. Michael and Susan Dell commit $6.25 billion for investment accounts for kids

A significant donation is made to create investment accounts for children, providing funds to support their financial future.

Costco sues the Trump administration over tariffs, joining a refund queue

11. Costco sues the Trump administration over tariffs, joining a refund queue

A major retailer is suing the government for potential refunds related to tariffs, contingent on a Supreme Court decision regarding import duties.

Tuesday's Assorted Links

12. Tuesday's Assorted Links

The post highlights various stories illustrating economic principles and trends, including labor market impacts of AI, consumer spending, and social norms in public spaces.

Causality in Complex Systems: GiveDirectly and Egger et al. (2022)

13. Causality in Complex Systems: GiveDirectly and Egger et al. (2022)

Nick HK discusses GiveDirectly's cash transfer research and its implications for understanding causality in complex economic systems.

State of the Stack, One Year In

14. State of the Stack, One Year In

Paul Krugman reflects on the first year of his newsletter, discussing audience growth, production processes, and the collaborative effort with his wife, Robin Wells.

Barriers to Affordable Housing

15. Barriers to Affordable Housing

An argument that housing affordability issues stem from supply constraints, particularly zoning regulations, while acknowledging the role of demand and the need for policy changes to improve access.

Final Look at Housing Markets in October and a Look Ahead to November Sales

16. Final Look at Housing Markets in October and a Look Ahead to November Sales

The post analyzes October housing market data, highlighting sales trends, inventory levels, and price changes, while anticipating November's market performance.

Fox News faces critical test in 2nd case over false 2020 election claims

17. Fox News faces critical test in 2nd case over false 2020 election claims

David Folkenflik discusses Fox News facing a defamation lawsuit over false claims related to the 2020 presidential election.

Recession with Decreasing Employment and Increasing GDP?

18. Recession with Decreasing Employment and Increasing GDP?

An argument that rising GDP alongside stagnant or declining employment raises questions about recession definitions and the timing of economic indicators.

Biden defenders need to take the 'L'

19. Biden defenders need to take the 'L'

An argument that Biden's renomination was a significant mistake due to his age-related decline and the Democrats' failure to hold a competitive primary process.

20. Guest Contribution: “How will unsustainable US debt end?”

Menzie Chinn discusses the unsustainable trajectory of US debt and potential outcomes, including economic growth, interest rates, and the impact of immigration and AI.