Econ Blog

your daily dose of economic commentary

NAR: Existing-Home Sales Decreased to 4.02 million SAAR in March; Down 2.4% YoY

2461. NAR: Existing-Home Sales Decreased to 4.02 million SAAR in March; Down 2.4% YoY

Existing-home sales declined in March, with significant drops in sales across major U.S. regions and an increase in housing inventory year-over-year.

Decades later, the Microsoft antitrust case casts a shadow over the Google trial

2462. Decades later, the Microsoft antitrust case casts a shadow over the Google trial

A significant historical antitrust case influences the current U.S. government's legal proceedings against Google regarding potential penalties.

Oil companies expected a big business boom under Trump. Now they're worried

2463. Oil companies expected a big business boom under Trump. Now they're worried

Oil executives initially anticipated profit increases under Trump, but now face concerns about a recession impacting their expectations.

A small U.S. town grew a big company. Can it weather the tariff blizzard?

2464. A small U.S. town grew a big company. Can it weather the tariff blizzard?

A rural Minnesota town hosts a significant tech company that is facing challenges due to tariffs and economic pressures.

My excellent Conversation with Chris Dixon

2465. My excellent Conversation with Chris Dixon

Tyler Cowen discusses Chris Dixon's views on the internet's evolution, blockchain technology, and the intersection of economics, technology, and philosophy.

Nowcast vs. Nowcast: Tariff-Jumping Imports as a Factor

2466. Nowcast vs. Nowcast: Tariff-Jumping Imports as a Factor

An argument that various economic forecasts for GDP growth differ significantly, influenced by factors like tariffs and import surges, affecting future growth expectations.

Who's advising Trump on trade?

2467. Who's advising Trump on trade?

Darian Woods examines the advisors influencing President Trump's trade decisions, particularly regarding tariffs and potential trade deals.

2468. Ted Koppel Does a Lousy Job on USAID

The author critiques Ted Koppel's reporting on USAID cuts, questioning the effectiveness and transparency of the agency while suggesting alternatives for humanitarian aid.

You are the heir to something greater than Empire

2469. You are the heir to something greater than Empire

The discussion centers on the contrasting historical perspectives of China and the West regarding civilization, industrialization, and the implications of these narratives for current challenges.

A dozen states sue the Trump administration to stop tariff policy

2470. A dozen states sue the Trump administration to stop tariff policy

A dozen states challenge the Trump administration's tariff policy in court, disputing the legality of imposing tariffs under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act.

2471. Interview with Robert Barro: Empirical Macroeconomics

Timothy Taylor discusses Robert Barro's insights on government spending multipliers and the impact of inflation on debt in macroeconomic contexts.

AIA: "Business conditions at architecture firms soften further"

2472. AIA: "Business conditions at architecture firms soften further"

Business conditions at architecture firms are deteriorating, with declining billings and weak future work indicators, signaling a slowdown in commercial real estate investment.

Eli Lilly sues companies selling alternative versions of its weight loss drug

2473. Eli Lilly sues companies selling alternative versions of its weight loss drug

Sydney Lupkin discusses Eli Lilly's lawsuit against telehealth companies for selling alternative versions of its weight loss drug Zepbound.

Canadians Grapple with the Wide Impacts of U.S. Tariffs

2474. Canadians Grapple with the Wide Impacts of U.S. Tariffs

Jackie Northam discusses the broad effects of U.S. tariffs on Canada, affecting its economy, politics, and national identity, particularly in Nova Scotia.

The Vice President Meets the Pope

2475. The Vice President Meets the Pope

Pierre Lemieux discusses the ideological differences between JD Vance and Pope Francis regarding social justice and political authority, highlighting their shared beliefs in a broader context.

2476. Fed's Beige Book: "Economic outlook worsened considerably"

Bill McBride discusses the Fed's Beige Book, highlighting economic stagnation, trade policy uncertainty, and mixed labor market conditions across various Districts.

Stocks gain on hopes Trump will ease tensions with the Fed -- and China

2477. Stocks gain on hopes Trump will ease tensions with the Fed -- and China

Rafael Nam discusses the stock market's rise due to Trump's comments about the Fed and optimism regarding U.S.-China trade tensions.

Silver Linings and Green Clouds

2478. Silver Linings and Green Clouds

Jon Murphy critiques the economic models behind recent tariffs, expressing optimism about potential declines in protectionism while warning of the damage to expert credibility.

The European Union hits Apple and Meta with 700 million euros in fines

2479. The European Union hits Apple and Meta with 700 million euros in fines

The European Union imposed significant fines on Apple and Meta for violations of digital competition regulations.

A primer on the Federal Reserve's independence

2480. A primer on the Federal Reserve's independence

The post discusses the Federal Reserve's independence, its historical context, and recent political pressures, particularly from the Trump administration regarding interest rates and central bank authority.