Econ Blog

your daily dose of economic commentary

Schedule for Week of April 13, 2025

2641. Schedule for Week of April 13, 2025

Key economic reports for the week include retail sales, housing starts, and manufacturing surveys, alongside a speech by the Fed Chair on economic outlook.

This is called "capital flight"

2642. This is called "capital flight"

Noah Smith discusses the alarming trend of capital flight from the U.S., its impact on the dollar, and the potential economic consequences for America.

China put steep tariffs on U.S. exports. Farmers are worried

2643. China put steep tariffs on U.S. exports. Farmers are worried

Concerns arise among farmers as steep tariffs imposed by China threaten their exports and livelihoods, prompting discussions about potential government assistance.

Is the Michigan Survey a Fluke? Are Republicans Still Optimistic? Do Republicans See Inflation Rising?

2644. Is the Michigan Survey a Fluke? Are Republicans Still Optimistic? Do Republicans See Inflation Rising?

An argument that compares economic sentiment among Republicans and Democrats, highlighting inflation expectations and consumer confidence trends from various surveys.

April 11th COVID Update: COVID Deaths Continue Declining

2645. April 11th COVID Update: COVID Deaths Continue Declining

The post discusses the decline in weekly COVID-19 deaths and the decision to continue tracking metrics despite meeting previous goals.

Trade war dispatch from Canada

2646. Trade war dispatch from Canada

Amanda Aronczyk discusses how Canadian businesses are coping with the uncertainties of a trade war initiated by President Trump's tariffs.

2647. An Economic Argument for Mercy

Jon Murphy argues that mercy in the legal system can reduce violent crime by lowering the costs associated with surrendering compared to resisting arrest under tough-on-crime policies.

How popular is Elon Musk?

2648. How popular is Elon Musk?

Nate Silver discusses Elon Musk's favorability ratings, noting a decline in popularity linked to his support for Trump and his role as a government employee.

Inflation Expectations Explode, Sentiment Collapses (U. Michigan)

2649. Inflation Expectations Explode, Sentiment Collapses (U. Michigan)

An argument that inflation expectations have surged while economic sentiment has significantly declined, highlighting a disconnect between current conditions and future outlooks.

2650. Cement In Africa

The post examines cement production in Africa, highlighting its economic significance, market dynamics, and the impact of competition and technology on prices and capacity.

Realtor.com Reports Active Inventory Up 30.3% YoY

2651. Realtor.com Reports Active Inventory Up 30.3% YoY

Active housing inventory has risen significantly year-over-year, providing more options for buyers, while new listings and median prices show modest changes amid ongoing economic uncertainty.

The Trade Derangement Syndrome

2652. The Trade Derangement Syndrome

An argument that political incoherence and economic illiteracy characterize current U.S. trade policies, particularly under the Trump administration's approach to tariffs and negotiations.

Are Trump's tariffs a bargaining chip for a new global economic order?

2653. Are Trump's tariffs a bargaining chip for a new global economic order?

Greg Rosalsky discusses how Trump's tariffs may serve as a strategic tool in reshaping the global economic landscape.

Why we cannot have nice things

2654. Why we cannot have nice things

The discussion centers on the challenges of real estate development in California, highlighting legal obstacles and proposed legislation aimed at reducing bureaucratic barriers.

The Third-Worlding of America

2655. The Third-Worlding of America

Paul Krugman discusses the economic implications of Trump's tariffs and trade policies, highlighting their potential negative impact on consumer prices and market credibility.

At least five interesting things: Nightmarica edition (#62)

2656. At least five interesting things: Nightmarica edition (#62)

The post discusses recent civil liberties violations under the Trump administration, highlighting specific deportation cases and drawing parallels to dystopian themes in literature.

How to get what you want without using cash (you read that right)

2657. How to get what you want without using cash (you read that right)

The post discusses practical bartering strategies and encourages readers to engage with their community to obtain goods and services without using cash.

2nd Look at Local Housing Markets in March

2658. 2nd Look at Local Housing Markets in March

The post analyzes early March data from over 40 local housing markets, noting trends in sales and mortgage rates amid economic uncertainty.

Will tariffs drive more people to shop secondhand? It's a mixed bag, experts say

2659. Will tariffs drive more people to shop secondhand? It's a mixed bag, experts say

Economic uncertainty may lead Americans to shop secondhand, but experts indicate that tariffs will also impact secondhand stores.

2660. Austrian Capital Theory And Triple-Switching In The Corn-Tractor Model

Robert Vienneau examines Austrian capital theory through the lens of the corn-tractor model, focusing on the implications of triple-switching on capital-output ratios.