Econ Blog

your daily dose of economic commentary

A Conversation With Barry Ritholtz

2641. A Conversation With Barry Ritholtz

A discussion on investment strategies, focusing on common mistakes and misconceptions in finance, while also touching on broader societal issues and the current political climate.

Schedule for Week of May 25, 2025

2642. Schedule for Week of May 25, 2025

Bill McBride discusses the key economic reports and data releases scheduled for the week of May 25, 2025, including GDP and housing market indicators.

2643. Guest Contribution: “Foreign aid looks good, now that it’s gone”

Menzie Chinn discusses the value and impact of U.S. foreign aid, highlighting its successes and public misconceptions following its reduction under recent administrations.

Equity Markets

2644. Equity Markets

Menzie Chinn discusses the recovery of equity prices, highlighting differences between larger and smaller firm indices post-“Liberation Day.”

So many mistakes

2645. So many mistakes

Tyler Cowen critiques Scott Alexander's views on US AID, emphasizing the efficiency of Emergent Ventures and advocating for a reevaluation of aid distribution practices.

May 23rd COVID Update: Weekly COVID Deaths at New Pandemic Low

2646. May 23rd COVID Update: Weekly COVID Deaths at New Pandemic Low

Bill McBride discusses the decline in weekly COVID deaths, noting they have reached a new low and the implications for future reporting.

Joe Weisenthal on Jobs and Migration

2647. Joe Weisenthal on Jobs and Migration

An argument that job availability influences migration patterns, while also considering how businesses relocate to areas with favorable conditions for labor and costs.

The secret world behind those scammy text messages

2648. The secret world behind those scammy text messages

P.J. Vogt explores the intriguing journey of Zeke Faux as he investigates the origins and motivations behind scam text messages.

DOJ confirms it has a deal with Boeing to drop prosecution over deadly 737 Max crashes

2649. DOJ confirms it has a deal with Boeing to drop prosecution over deadly 737 Max crashes

An agreement has been reached to drop criminal prosecution against Boeing regarding the 737 Max crashes, despite opposition from victims' families.

“Wisconsin’s Shifting Import Economy”

2650. “Wisconsin’s Shifting Import Economy”

The discussion highlights Wisconsin's import and export dynamics, emphasizing the negative impact of tariffs on effective protection for exports due to reliance on imported inputs.

Insurance costs are soaring around Tornado Alley. Hail is the big problem.

2651. Insurance costs are soaring around Tornado Alley. Hail is the big problem.

Michael Copley discusses the rising insurance costs in Tornado Alley, attributing the increase primarily to hail damage affecting extensive regions.

What a Decent Budget Would Look Like

2652. What a Decent Budget Would Look Like

An argument that the current budget reflects poor governance, suggesting alternative fiscal policies that prioritize fairness and responsibility, particularly regarding taxation and healthcare.

New Home Sales Increase to 743,000 Annual Rate in April

2653. New Home Sales Increase to 743,000 Annual Rate in April

New home sales rose to 743,000 in April, exceeding expectations, while previous months' sales were revised down, indicating fluctuating market conditions.

Trump threatens steep tariffs on trade with the European Union -- and on iPhones

2654. Trump threatens steep tariffs on trade with the European Union -- and on iPhones

Danielle Kurtzleben discusses Trump's proposal for high tariffs on EU goods and his warning to Apple regarding iPhone manufacturing.

ICE First Look at April Mortgage Performance: "Foreclosure Activity Edges Higher Following Recent Record Lows"

2655. ICE First Look at April Mortgage Performance: "Foreclosure Activity Edges Higher Following Recent Record Lows"

The post discusses rising foreclosure activity and delinquency rates in the U.S. mortgage market following the expiration of a moratorium, highlighting key statistics and trends.

Shops make a city great

2656. Shops make a city great

An argument that commercial density and support for small businesses are essential for creating vibrant urban environments, contrasting American and Japanese zoning practices.

A federal judge further halts Trump's radical transformation of government

2657. A federal judge further halts Trump's radical transformation of government

Andrea Hsu discusses a federal judge's ruling that restricts Trump's ability to reorganize the executive branch without Congressional approval.

Target, Klarna and Sesame Street's new addy

2658. Target, Klarna and Sesame Street's new addy

Wailin Wong discusses Target's declining sales, Klarna's financial issues, and Sesame Street's new streaming platform in this week's economic roundup.

Claude 4, I attempt a first prompt and receive this answer

2659. Claude 4, I attempt a first prompt and receive this answer

Tyler Cowen discusses two significant papers from the Journal of Political Economy that address monetary policy and income inequality trends in the U.S.

Voice of America's prospects appear grim after appeals court order

2660. Voice of America's prospects appear grim after appeals court order

A federal appeals court's decision allows the Trump administration to proceed with plans to significantly reduce Voice of America's operations.