Econ Blog

your daily dose of economic commentary

British Industrial Policy: This Time Is Different

2081. British Industrial Policy: This Time Is Different

Pierre Lemieux discusses the resurgence of industrial policy in Britain, arguing it reflects misguided ideological beliefs about government intervention in the economy.

Supreme Court allows Trump to resume mass federal layoffs for now

2082. Supreme Court allows Trump to resume mass federal layoffs for now

The post discusses the Supreme Court's decision allowing the Trump administration to proceed with mass federal layoffs temporarily.

Latin America: A Lost Century for Catch-up Growth

2083. Latin America: A Lost Century for Catch-up Growth

Timothy Taylor discusses how Latin America's slow economic growth can be traced back over a century, highlighting technological stagnation and foreign dependency.

Prime Day — er, Days — tests deal hunters' will to spend amid tariffs

2084. Prime Day — er, Days — tests deal hunters' will to spend amid tariffs

The post discusses consumer spending behavior during Prime Day amidst economic factors like tariffs affecting prices and purchasing decisions.

Tuesday's Assorted Links

2085. Tuesday's Assorted Links

The author discusses various stories highlighting economic principles and their applications, including car pricing, employment data, and AI's impact on communication.

An Econ 101 Error

2086. An Econ 101 Error

Jon Murphy critiques Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent's tweet about stablecoins and their impact on US Treasury demand, highlighting fundamental economic misunderstandings.

The Paradox of India

2087. The Paradox of India

An exploration of India's unique cultural pluralism, emphasizing its ability to embrace diversity and coexistence in a way that offers lessons for a polarized world.

The Tariff Beatings Will Continue Until Morale Improves

2088. The Tariff Beatings Will Continue Until Morale Improves

Paul Krugman discusses the implications of Trump's new tariffs on trade with South Korea and Japan, emphasizing their historical significance and potential economic impact.

A Planet Money guide to 5 fascinating new econ papers

2089. A Planet Money guide to 5 fascinating new econ papers

A roundup of five intriguing recent economics studies highlighting various economic phenomena and insights.

The U.S. has millions of old gas and oil wells. Here's what it takes to plug them up

2090. The U.S. has millions of old gas and oil wells. Here's what it takes to plug them up

The post discusses the challenges and processes involved in plugging old gas and oil wells in the U.S. to prevent environmental hazards.

How Much Will AI Increase Productivity?

2091. How Much Will AI Increase Productivity?

The discussion centers on AI's potential to enhance productivity, presenting estimates of its economic impact and factors influencing its adoption and effectiveness across various sectors.

Business Fixed Investment ex-IIP and Policy Uncertainty

2092. Business Fixed Investment ex-IIP and Policy Uncertainty

An argument that policy uncertainty impacts business fixed investment, with a focus on historical data and trends related to economic performance.

Can Elon's America Party succeed where others have failed?

2093. Can Elon's America Party succeed where others have failed?

An argument that the America Party, potentially linked to Elon Musk, may face challenges similar to past third-party movements in U.S. politics.

At least five interesting things: It Isn't That Bad edition (#66)

2094. At least five interesting things: It Isn't That Bad edition (#66)

The post discusses wage growth in America, the relationship between women's education and fertility, and the implications of AI on jobs and the economy.

Update: Lumber Prices Up 26% YoY

2095. Update: Lumber Prices Up 26% YoY

Bill McBride discusses the recent increase in lumber prices and the impact of contract changes on price comparisons.

Continuous diff in diff, regressions and the 2x2

2096. Continuous diff in diff, regressions and the 2x2

Scott Cunningham reflects on his experiences with diff-in-diff methodology, its implications in economics, and the narratives that shape his understanding of empirical research.

Trump Accounts are a Big Deal

2097. Trump Accounts are a Big Deal

The post discusses a new initiative providing investment accounts for newborns, highlighting its potential impact on social welfare and future economic security.

July ICE Mortgage Monitor: Home Prices Continue to Cool, Early Signs of Homeowner Risk Emerge

2098. July ICE Mortgage Monitor: Home Prices Continue to Cool, Early Signs of Homeowner Risk Emerge

Home price growth is slowing, with early signs of homeowner risk emerging due to high mortgage rates and increasing inventory.

What Amazon Prime Day Can Teach Us About Economics

2099. What Amazon Prime Day Can Teach Us About Economics

The post explores how Amazon Prime Day exemplifies price discrimination, highlighting its economic implications and strategies for maximizing profits through consumer behavior.

Real Men Burn Stuff

2100. Real Men Burn Stuff

The post critiques the political resistance to renewable energy advancements, emphasizing the economic benefits of renewables and the detrimental impact of current policies on progress.