Econ Blog

your daily dose of economic commentary

Who runs trade surpluses?

2301. Who runs trade surpluses?

Scott Sumner discusses the relationship between wages and trade surpluses, arguing that high wages are linked to productivity and economic advancement, not trade deficits.

Why oil prices are falling, and what it means for the economy

2302. Why oil prices are falling, and what it means for the economy

Falling oil prices benefit consumers while negatively impacting oil companies, influenced by global tariffs and increased OPEC production.

The Marxist Owner of the American Store?

2303. The Marxist Owner of the American Store?

Pierre Lemieux critiques Donald Trump's statement about owning the American market, linking it to Marxist ideas of collective ownership and the implications for individual property rights.

Tuesday's Assorted Links

2304. Tuesday's Assorted Links

Unknown discusses various stories that illustrate economic principles and their implications for education and policy.

Inflation and the Demand for Money: The Confederacy in the Civil War

2305. Inflation and the Demand for Money: The Confederacy in the Civil War

An argument that the Confederacy's financial struggles during the Civil War stemmed from ineffective taxation, borrowing challenges, and the detrimental effects of printing money.

S4E22: Jessica Brown, Labor Economist, University of South Carolina

2306. S4E22: Jessica Brown, Labor Economist, University of South Carolina

Scott Cunningham discusses Jessica Brown's journey as a labor economist and her experiences studying under Alan Krueger, highlighting her contributions to the field.

Has Clothing Declined in Quality?

2307. Has Clothing Declined in Quality?

Alex Tabarrok discusses the perceived decline in clothing quality, arguing it is driven by consumer demand for fast fashion rather than solely by imports or manufacturing practices.

Thoughts on Sinofuturism

2308. Thoughts on Sinofuturism

Noah Smith explores Sinofuturism, discussing China's technological advancements, economic shifts, and urban transformation amid its recent economic challenges and political context.

Trade Deficit increased to $140.5 Billion in March

2309. Trade Deficit increased to $140.5 Billion in March

The post discusses the increase in the U.S. trade deficit in March, highlighting changes in exports and imports, particularly in relation to tariffs and trade with China.

What do farmers do in a trade war?

2310. What do farmers do in a trade war?

Two American farmers share their experiences and feelings regarding the trade war affecting the soybean industry and its primary market, China.

Korea’s Low Fertility Rate

2311. Korea’s Low Fertility Rate

The post discusses Korea's exceptionally low fertility rate and its implications for the economy, including labor supply and the influence of housing costs and education on family planning.

American Association of Physicians and Surgeons Opines on … Gold

2312. American Association of Physicians and Surgeons Opines on … Gold

The post discusses the decline in confidence in U.S. Treasury bills, rising gold purchases by central banks, and critiques of the Affordable Care Act.

Former Palantir workers condemn company's work with Trump administration

2313. Former Palantir workers condemn company's work with Trump administration

Former employees criticize the company's collaboration with the Trump administration, claiming it contradicts its foundational values.

Trump's plan for movie tariffs leads to global confusion

2314. Trump's plan for movie tariffs leads to global confusion

A proposal for imposing tariffs on foreign movies raises questions about its implementation and potential beneficiaries amidst Hollywood's production struggles.

'James' wins 2025 Pulitzer Prize for fiction

2315. 'James' wins 2025 Pulitzer Prize for fiction

The post discusses the announcement of the 2025 Pulitzer Prize for fiction, awarded to a novel that reimagines a classic American work.

Recession Watch Metrics

2316. Recession Watch Metrics

The post discusses economic indicators suggesting a potential recession, emphasizing trade policy and housing data while noting resilience in the U.S. economy.

ICE Mortgage Monitor: Home Prices Continue to Cool

2317. ICE Mortgage Monitor: Home Prices Continue to Cool

Bill McBride discusses the cooling trend in home prices, highlighting changes in the ICE Home Price Index and market dynamics affecting homeowners.

Why 100 Humans Probably Can’t Beat a Gorilla

2318. Why 100 Humans Probably Can’t Beat a Gorilla

An argument that collective action problems hinder cooperation among large groups, making it unlikely for 100 humans to successfully coordinate against a gorilla despite their numbers.

A Note From the Netherlands

2319. A Note From the Netherlands

The author reflects on the quality of life in the Netherlands compared to the U.S., highlighting social well-being, urban design, and political stability.

2320. ISM® Services Index Increased to 51.6% in April

Bill McBride discusses the increase in the ISM® Services Index to 51.6% in April, indicating ongoing economic expansion in the services sector.