Econ Blog

your daily dose of economic commentary

2081. Update on the Military Base Realignment and Closure Process

Timothy Taylor discusses the challenges and political dynamics of the Military Base Realignment and Closure Process and its impact on redevelopment efforts.

Destroying Dollar Safe Haven Status at Breakneck Speed

2082. Destroying Dollar Safe Haven Status at Breakneck Speed

Menzie Chinn discusses the decline of the dollar's safe haven status and its implications following recent fiscal developments.

America is a Manufacturing Powerhouse

2083. America is a Manufacturing Powerhouse

An argument that the US manufacturing sector is stronger than perceived, emphasizing per capita output and the impact of economic policies on its perception.

Tariffs as Part of An Optimal Tax System

2084. Tariffs as Part of An Optimal Tax System

Jon Murphy discusses the role of tariffs in an optimal tax system and their potential to minimize deadweight loss compared to other taxes.

How economists (and TikTok) know if a recession is coming

2085. How economists (and TikTok) know if a recession is coming

Kenny Malone discusses how social media and economists identify recession indicators amid economic uncertainty.

A Newark air traffic controller on the moment systems went dark

2086. A Newark air traffic controller on the moment systems went dark

The post discusses recent flight disruptions at Newark Airport due to failures in air traffic control systems and the federal response to these issues.

AIA: "Billings continue to decline at architecture firms"

2087. AIA: "Billings continue to decline at architecture firms"

The post discusses the ongoing decline in billings at architecture firms, indicating recession-like conditions and predicting a slowdown in commercial real estate investment.

Random thoughts

2088. Random thoughts

Scott Cunningham reflects on relationships, gratitude, and the complexity of human existence while sharing personal updates about his daughter's graduation and upcoming trip to Europe.

Rent Seeking for Four Generations

2089. Rent Seeking for Four Generations

An argument that a family's long-term occupation of a rent-controlled apartment highlights the dysfunction of New York's rent control system and its unintended consequences.

A Liz Truss Moment for America?

2090. A Liz Truss Moment for America?

The post discusses the potential economic consequences of proposed tax cuts and social program cuts in the U.S., drawing parallels to the UK's recent fiscal turmoil under Liz Truss.

Can retailers eat tariffs without price hikes? Walmart, Target, Lowe's face pressure

2091. Can retailers eat tariffs without price hikes? Walmart, Target, Lowe's face pressure

Retailers are struggling to manage rising costs from tariffs while also navigating political pressures from the administration.

MBA: Mortgage Applications Decrease in Latest MBA Weekly Survey

2092. MBA: Mortgage Applications Decrease in Latest MBA Weekly Survey

Bill McBride discusses a 5.1% decrease in mortgage applications, highlighting rising rates and inflation concerns affecting the market.

Homebuyers and sellers say agents' cuts are too big. Flat-fee brokers offer an alternative

2093. Homebuyers and sellers say agents' cuts are too big. Flat-fee brokers offer an alternative

Laurel Wamsley discusses the rise of flat-fee brokers as a cost-effective alternative to traditional real estate agent commissions.

The great battery race: China and the U.S. compete over the future of EVs

2094. The great battery race: China and the U.S. compete over the future of EVs

A competition between China and the U.S. is shaping the development of next-generation battery technologies for electric vehicles.

What I’ve been reading

2095. What I’ve been reading

The author reviews various books, discussing their themes and relevance, ranging from thrillers to political writings, without a strong personal stance on the issues.

Limits on Self-Ownership?

2096. Limits on Self-Ownership?

David Henderson discusses libertarian views on self-ownership limits, particularly regarding age and mental capacity in decision-making for surgeries and substance use.

Guest Contribution: “Policy Rule Evaluation for the Fed’s Strategy Review”

2097. Guest Contribution: “Policy Rule Evaluation for the Fed’s Strategy Review”

Menzie Chinn discusses the Federal Reserve's strategy review and evaluates monetary policy rules, focusing on employment shortfalls and inflation targeting methods.

Advice for navigating a volatile economy

2098. Advice for navigating a volatile economy

An argument that the current U.S. economy presents challenges such as rising costs, student loan repayments, and inflation, complicating financial management for many Americans.

How an AI-generated summer reading list got published in major newspapers

2099. How an AI-generated summer reading list got published in major newspapers

Elizabeth Blair discusses how major newspapers published a summer reading list featuring AI-generated books attributed to famous authors.

The Problem of Extreme Cases

2100. The Problem of Extreme Cases

An argument that extreme cases complicate principles in economics and ethics, highlighting the challenges of interpersonal utility comparisons and the implications for public goods in anarchy.