Econ Blog

your daily dose of economic commentary

Stop! In the Name of Trump!

2501. Stop! In the Name of Trump!

An argument that Trump's policies are leading to a loss of investor confidence, risking an economic downturn similar to past crises in emerging markets.

Defending democracy is easier when you listen to voters

2502. Defending democracy is easier when you listen to voters

An argument that political narratives often overshadow pressing issues, emphasizing the importance of public opinion in countering executive overreach and maintaining democratic integrity.

NMHC on Apartments: Market conditions Tightened in Q1 pre-Tariffs

2503. NMHC on Apartments: Market conditions Tightened in Q1 pre-Tariffs

Market conditions for apartments tightened in Q1, influenced by recent trade policy changes, affecting financing and sales volume according to a national survey.

The pundit's dilemma

2504. The pundit's dilemma

Noah Smith discusses the challenges of balancing praise and criticism of Biden's industrial policies while maintaining credibility as an independent commentator.

China's trade war perspective

2505. China's trade war perspective

An argument that explores the impact of the U.S.-China trade war from China's perspective, highlighting its effects on consumers and businesses within the country.

Episode 51. Revisiting Empirical Macroeconomics with Robert Barro (Harvard Economics Professor)

2506. Episode 51. Revisiting Empirical Macroeconomics with Robert Barro (Harvard Economics Professor)

A discussion on Robert Barro's career, his contributions to macroeconomics, and the evolution of economic thought at Harvard University.

Walgreens to pay up to $350 million in U.S. opioid settlement

2507. Walgreens to pay up to $350 million in U.S. opioid settlement

A nationwide drugstore chain agrees to a settlement of up to $350 million related to opioid distribution and potential future financial obligations.

The Trade Debate Revisited

2508. The Trade Debate Revisited

Scott Sumner discusses the trade policy debate within the Trump administration, contrasting mercantilist views with free trade perspectives and highlighting economic misconceptions.

A China Problem: When Local Officials Shift from Facilitating Growth to Generating It

2509. A China Problem: When Local Officials Shift from Facilitating Growth to Generating It

The post examines how local Chinese officials set ambitious economic growth targets, creating competition and potential risks within the governance system amid changing economic conditions.

The Justice Department and Google battle over how to fix a search engine monopoly

2510. The Justice Department and Google battle over how to fix a search engine monopoly

Jaclyn Diaz discusses the ongoing legal battle between the Justice Department and Google regarding the company's search engine monopoly and potential penalties.

DHL will stop shipping packages over $800 to U.S. customers due to new customs rules

2511. DHL will stop shipping packages over $800 to U.S. customers due to new customs rules

Joe Hernandez discusses DHL's decision to halt shipments over $800 to U.S. customers due to new customs regulations.

The Soul in the Machine: Exploring the New AI–Human Relationships

2512. The Soul in the Machine: Exploring the New AI–Human Relationships

The discussion centers on the impact of AI and technology on loneliness, mental health, and the evolving human-robot relationships, referencing recent research and societal narratives.

LA Ports: March Inbound Traffic Up YoY, Outbound Down

2513. LA Ports: March Inbound Traffic Up YoY, Outbound Down

Inbound container traffic at LA ports increased slightly year-over-year, while outbound traffic decreased, indicating shifts in trade patterns and potential impacts from tariffs.

Of ChatGPT’s Sense of Humor

2514. Of ChatGPT’s Sense of Humor

An exploration of ChatGPT's impressive sense of humor through interactions, highlighting its ability to engage in witty exchanges and provide useful information.

Pandemic Preparation Without Romance

2515. Pandemic Preparation Without Romance

The discussion focuses on the inadequacies of pandemic preparedness and response, emphasizing pragmatic solutions within existing political frameworks rather than idealistic reforms.

China warns of 'countermeasures' against any deals that harm its interests

2516. China warns of 'countermeasures' against any deals that harm its interests

John Ruwitch discusses China's warning of potential countermeasures in response to international deals perceived as harmful to its interests.

Trump’s Cultural Revolution

2517. Trump’s Cultural Revolution

An argument that the current political climate in the U.S. mirrors historical cultural revolutions, emphasizing the dangers posed by extremist movements and their potential economic impacts.

Not All Price Hikes Are Created Equal

2518. Not All Price Hikes Are Created Equal

The post examines the disparity between wholesale and retail egg prices, consumer perceptions of fairness, and the impact of market dynamics on pricing during crises.

Housing April 21st Weekly Update: Inventory up 2.4% Week-over-week, Up 33.4% Year-over-year

2519. Housing April 21st Weekly Update: Inventory up 2.4% Week-over-week, Up 33.4% Year-over-year

Active single-family housing inventory has increased significantly week-over-week and year-over-year, indicating a larger than normal seasonal pickup in 2025.

Sell USA? Why Trump's tariffs may be sparking a historic storm on Wall Street

2520. Sell USA? Why Trump's tariffs may be sparking a historic storm on Wall Street

Rafael Nam discusses how Trump's tariffs could undermine foreign investor confidence in the U.S. economy.