Econ Blog

your daily dose of economic commentary

What to do about assessment?

2241. What to do about assessment?

The post discusses the challenges of AI-assisted cheating in education and explores various responses from educators, questioning the meaning and implications of grades.

2242. The Fed needs a “Strong” leader.

Scott Sumner discusses the informal leadership dynamics within the Federal Reserve and the potential implications of appointing an unqualified chair.

Chinese consumers are spending less amid trade war and economic headwinds

2243. Chinese consumers are spending less amid trade war and economic headwinds

Consumer confidence in China is declining, impacting government initiatives to boost spending amid deflation and ongoing trade tensions with the U.S.

They Took Our Jobs!

2244. They Took Our Jobs!

Tyler Watts discusses the impact of tariffs on jobs and the economy, arguing that while manufacturing jobs have declined, overall employment has increased.

Federal judge temporarily halts Trump's sweeping government overhaul

2245. Federal judge temporarily halts Trump's sweeping government overhaul

Andrea Hsu discusses a federal judge's inclination to temporarily block the Trump administration's extensive government overhaul.

Spring 2025 Journal of Economic Perspectives Freely Available Online

2246. Spring 2025 Journal of Economic Perspectives Freely Available Online

Timothy Taylor discusses the availability of the Spring 2025 issue of the Journal of Economic Perspectives and highlights its articles on drug pricing and regulation.

Trump fires all 3 Democrats on the Consumer Product Safety Commission

2247. Trump fires all 3 Democrats on the Consumer Product Safety Commission

The post discusses Trump's decision to remove all Democratic members from the Consumer Product Safety Commission, highlighting his efforts to assert control over independent agencies.

Why didn't anyone predict the American pope?

2248. Why didn't anyone predict the American pope?

The post discusses the unexpected election of an American pope and its implications for American politics and the Catholic Church's influence in the U.S.

Americans still dream about factory jobs. Can they be brought back?

2249. Americans still dream about factory jobs. Can they be brought back?

Liam McBain explores the American desire for factory jobs and discusses the potential for their revival amid political and economic factors.

Some Hidden Costs of Tariffs

2250. Some Hidden Costs of Tariffs

Jon Murphy discusses the various hidden costs of tariffs, emphasizing how firms adjust beyond just raising prices, impacting employee benefits and product lines.

Crypto Is Still for Criming

2251. Crypto Is Still for Criming

Paul Krugman discusses the ongoing issues of corruption and scams within the cryptocurrency market, particularly in relation to political figures and legislation.

AAR: Rail Carloads and Intermodal Up in April

2252. AAR: Rail Carloads and Intermodal Up in April

The post discusses April's increase in U.S. rail carloads and intermodal traffic, highlighting resilience in rail volumes amid economic uncertainty from policy changes.

The Birth Dearth: Panic or Celebrate?

2253. The Birth Dearth: Panic or Celebrate?

The post examines the implications of declining global fertility rates, debating whether to fear or embrace the potential consequences on economics, geopolitics, and quality of life.

Why Warren Buffett matters beyond Wall Street

2254. Why Warren Buffett matters beyond Wall Street

An argument that the investor's influence extends beyond finance, highlighting his reputation and character amidst a critical view of other billionaires.

Is classical liberalism for losers?

2255. Is classical liberalism for losers?

An argument that classical liberalism faces challenges from political power dynamics, emphasizing the risks of state power and the corruption inherent in both right and left governance.

Ahead of trade talks, Trump says an 80% tariff on China 'seems right'

2256. Ahead of trade talks, Trump says an 80% tariff on China 'seems right'

Trade negotiators from the U.S. and China are beginning high-level discussions in Switzerland, marking the first talks since the return of President Trump.

What's in YOUR wallet?

2257. What's in YOUR wallet?

The discussion focuses on economic indicators, savings strategies, and rising used car prices amid financial uncertainties.

A new neoliberalism?

2258. A new neoliberalism?

Scott Sumner discusses a potential revival of neoliberalism among center-left pundits and critiques both populist nationalism and left-wing economic policies using historical examples.

David Cope: Composer, computer scientist, and pioneer of computer generated music

2259. David Cope: Composer, computer scientist, and pioneer of computer generated music

The post discusses the life and contributions of a composer known for pioneering computer-generated music, particularly through a program that emulates the styles of classical composers.

An AI University would be great

2260. An AI University would be great

The discussion centers on the potential impact of AI on universities, emphasizing the threat to faculty jobs and the transformative capabilities of AI in education.