Econ Blog

your daily dose of economic commentary

Global Inequality: Branko Milanovic

2381. Global Inequality: Branko Milanovic

A discussion on global inequality, focusing on data challenges and the significance of understanding income disparities among world citizens.

Schedule for Week of June 15, 2025

2382. Schedule for Week of June 15, 2025

Bill McBride outlines key economic reports and events scheduled for the week of June 15, 2025, including retail sales and housing starts.

2383. The Me Decade

Scott Sumner argues that the 2020s reflect a self-centered culture, illustrated by political actions that prioritize lawmakers' interests over public safety and accountability.

Some Basic Math on Why I Think the Recession Likelihood Is Greater than 30%

2384. Some Basic Math on Why I Think the Recession Likelihood Is Greater than 30%

An argument that recent economic indicators and policy uncertainties suggest a higher likelihood of recession, estimating GDP growth could be negative by 2026.

Why I joined DOGE

2385. Why I joined DOGE

Kenny Malone discusses the inner workings of DOGE, its impact on the federal workforce, and the secrecy surrounding its cost-cutting initiatives.

June 13th COVID Update: Weekly COVID Deaths at New Pandemic Low

2386. June 13th COVID Update: Weekly COVID Deaths at New Pandemic Low

Bill McBride discusses the decline in weekly COVID deaths, noting a new low and changes in reporting requirements for hospitals.

Lines, Legalism, Limits, and Likeness

2387. Lines, Legalism, Limits, and Likeness

Kevin Corcoran discusses the challenges of legalism and definitions in law, illustrating the complexities with examples from Barry Lam's book and a legal case involving the Clean Waters Act.

The Math Ain’t Mathing: Why High Tariff Schemes Will Always Lower GDP

2388. The Math Ain’t Mathing: Why High Tariff Schemes Will Always Lower GDP

Tarnell Brown argues that high tariff schemes negatively impact GDP and that imports do not directly affect domestic economic measures.

'Buy now, pay later:' a replacement for the millennial lifestyle subsidy?

2389. 'Buy now, pay later:' a replacement for the millennial lifestyle subsidy?

An argument that "buy now, pay later" services may serve as a substitute for the diminishing millennial lifestyle subsidy, exploring their implications on consumer behavior.

Oil prices jump and stocks tumble following Israel's attack on Iran

2390. Oil prices jump and stocks tumble following Israel's attack on Iran

An argument that crude oil prices surged and stock markets declined following military actions between Israel and Iran.

Reverse Robin Hood and Trumpian Totalitarianism

2391. Reverse Robin Hood and Trumpian Totalitarianism

An argument that recent legislation disproportionately harms low-income Americans while benefiting the wealthy, reflecting a troubling trend in political power and democratic integrity.

Social media destroyed one of America's key advantages

2392. Social media destroyed one of America's key advantages

Noah Smith discusses how social media has contributed to America's societal unrest, despite strong economic performance, highlighting a decline in trust and rising polarization.

Trump's parade, FEMA phase out, and Warner Bros. Discovery divorces ... itself?

2393. Trump's parade, FEMA phase out, and Warner Bros. Discovery divorces ... itself?

The discussion includes the financial implications of Trump's military parade, FEMA's potential phase-out, and changes at Warner Bros. Discovery.

2394. P. Joyce: “Why Protecting the Congressional Budget Office Should Matter to the Congress, and to the Country”

Menzie Chinn discusses the importance of protecting the Congressional Budget Office's credibility for Congress's ability to effectively challenge executive policies and maintain democratic integrity.

Asian shares slide while oil prices surge after Israel's strike on Iran

2395. Asian shares slide while oil prices surge after Israel's strike on Iran

Asian markets decline as oil prices rise following Israel's attack on Iran, highlighting escalating tensions over Iran's nuclear program.

Episode 54. Banking Crises, Stablecoin Regulation, and Fed Policy with Former Fed Vice Chair For Financial Regulation Randal Quarles

2396. Episode 54. Banking Crises, Stablecoin Regulation, and Fed Policy with Former Fed Vice Chair For Financial Regulation Randal Quarles

Jon Hartley discusses banking crises, stablecoin regulation, and Fed policy with Randal Quarles, focusing on his career and insights into financial regulation.

[Repost] If You Thought Grocery Prices Were High, Wait for Mass Deportation

2397. [Repost] If You Thought Grocery Prices Were High, Wait for Mass Deportation

An argument that mass deportation could lead to increased grocery prices due to rising labor costs in agriculture and food processing sectors.

What led the Boeing 787 Dreamliner to crash in India with 242 people aboard?

2398. What led the Boeing 787 Dreamliner to crash in India with 242 people aboard?

The post discusses potential reasons for the Boeing 787 Dreamliner's inability to climb, referencing insights from an aviation expert.

The Curious Task

2399. The Curious Task

Jon Murphy discusses the failures of economic planning under the Trump administration, emphasizing the unpredictability of human behavior in economic systems.

This Is Not a Drill

2400. This Is Not a Drill

Paul Krugman discusses the dangerous political implications of the Trump administration's militarized response to protests in Los Angeles, framing it as an authoritarian move against dissent.