Econ Blog

your daily dose of economic commentary

Thoughts on Soft vs. Hard Data

1. Thoughts on Soft vs. Hard Data

An argument that soft data can provide timely economic insights, contrasting with hard data that often lags behind significant economic events and policy changes.

How I learned to love the New York Knicks

2. How I learned to love the New York Knicks

The author shares a personal journey of becoming a Knicks fan, reflecting on the team's struggles and recent success, and the unique bond it creates among New Yorkers.

3. Two more examples of the nationalist’s dilemma

The post explores the contradictions of nationalism through examples from Romania and the U.S., highlighting the dilemmas faced by nationalist leaders in aligning with ethnic groups or authoritarian regimes.

Contradictions Can Be Revealing: A Current Example

4. Contradictions Can Be Revealing: A Current Example

The post examines contradictions in Trump's stance on foreign gifts and tariffs, arguing for the benefits of free trade despite government subsidies.

5. My Weekly Reading for May 18, 2025

David Henderson discusses various readings, including topics on free speech, job reallocation due to trade, and the impact of standout firms on national productivity.

Deindustrialization: Causes and Consequences

6. Deindustrialization: Causes and Consequences

Paul Krugman discusses the unrealistic nostalgia for past manufacturing jobs and critiques the narrative linking deindustrialization to trade deficits and outsourcing.

Realtor.com Reports Most Actively "For Sale" Inventory since 2019

7. Realtor.com Reports Most Actively "For Sale" Inventory since 2019

The post discusses the significant increase in housing inventory and new listings, while noting stagnant median list prices and buyer sentiment challenges.

So why *did* U.S. wages stagnate for 20 years?

8. So why *did* U.S. wages stagnate for 20 years?

An argument that U.S. wage stagnation from 1973 to 1994 was influenced by various economic factors, with globalization's impact being more complex than commonly perceived.

GDP on a Lower Trajectory – Survey of Professional Forecasters

9. GDP on a Lower Trajectory – Survey of Professional Forecasters

An argument that GDP forecasts indicate a downward revision, reflecting a consensus among various economic surveys and projections for future growth.

Cardwell’s Cage and How to Break Free

10. Cardwell’s Cage and How to Break Free

Chelsea Follett explores Cardwell's Law and the cyclical nature of innovation in cities, examining historical examples and the conditions necessary for sustained creativity.

Saturday links

11. Saturday links

Scott Cunningham shares personal updates, discusses upcoming travels, and provides links to various topics, including productivity research and technology developments.

Tariffs: Now What?

12. Tariffs: Now What?

Paul Krugman discusses the ongoing impact of tariffs, particularly those imposed during the Trump administration, and their implications for trade policy.

Schedule for Week of May 18, 2025

13. Schedule for Week of May 18, 2025

Bill McBride discusses the key economic reports and data releases scheduled for the week of May 18, 2025, focusing on housing and employment statistics.

Emergent Ventures India, 10th cohort

14. Emergent Ventures India, 10th cohort

Tyler Cowen highlights the achievements and projects of the 10th cohort of Emergent Ventures India, showcasing innovative ideas from young entrepreneurs and researchers.

May 16th COVID Update: Weekly COVID Deaths Increased Slightly

15. May 16th COVID Update: Weekly COVID Deaths Increased Slightly

Bill McBride discusses the slight increase in weekly COVID deaths and changes in hospital reporting requirements.

The 145% tariff already did its damage

16. The 145% tariff already did its damage

An argument that the brief imposition of a 145% tariff on Chinese imports caused significant and lasting economic damage to affected companies and individuals.

Stablecoins and monetary policy

17. Stablecoins and monetary policy

An argument that stablecoins do not significantly threaten monetary policy, as the Federal Reserve retains control over the monetary base and can adjust supply and demand effectively.

Economic Sentiment Continues to Fall as Inflation Expectations Climb Further

18. Economic Sentiment Continues to Fall as Inflation Expectations Climb Further

Menzie Chinn discusses declining economic sentiment and rising inflation expectations based on various confidence indices and survey data.

How Tariffs Built the World’s Worst Car that Only the Rich Could Have

19. How Tariffs Built the World’s Worst Car that Only the Rich Could Have

An argument that tariffs hinder innovation and competition, exemplified by the poorly designed Hindustan Ambassador car, illustrating the long-term negative effects of protectionist policies.

20. The Import-So-That-They-Can-Export Firms

The post discusses the role of small firms in international trade, highlighting their dual function as major importers and exporters within global supply chains.