Econ Blog

your daily dose of economic commentary

Inputs are Nested Fractally

2701. Inputs are Nested Fractally

Kevin Corcoran discusses the complexity of production inputs and the negative impact of tariffs on the economy, using the example of a pencil's creation.

Trump administration backs off Nvidia's 'H20' chip crackdown after Mar-a-Lago dinner

2702. Trump administration backs off Nvidia's 'H20' chip crackdown after Mar-a-Lago dinner

The Trump administration reconsidered a ban on Nvidia's AI chip sales to China after a dinner at Mar-a-Lago, impacting Chinese companies' stockpiling strategies.

A Blueprint for FDA Reform

2703. A Blueprint for FDA Reform

Recommendations for FDA reform include easing manufacturing regulations, utilizing AI for data processing, publishing all trial results, and creating competitive approval frameworks to enhance drug development.

Part 1: Current State of the Housing Market; Overview for mid-April 2025

2704. Part 1: Current State of the Housing Market; Overview for mid-April 2025

Bill McBride discusses the current housing market's state, emphasizing the impact of economic factors like inventory and stock market volatility on home sales and prices.

U.S. stocks soar in an incredible rally after Trump pauses many of his tariffs

2705. U.S. stocks soar in an incredible rally after Trump pauses many of his tariffs

Rafael Nam discusses the modest gains in U.S. stocks amid escalating tariff tensions between the U.S., China, and the EU.

The Cost of Chaos: This is Getting Scary

2706. The Cost of Chaos: This is Getting Scary

Paul Krugman discusses the potential economic crisis resulting from Donald Trump's unpredictable tariff policies and their implications for business investment and inflation expectations.

*Micro* becomes *Macro* and Macro-Financial Interactions

2707. *Micro* becomes *Macro* and Macro-Financial Interactions

Menzie Chinn discusses the macroeconomic implications of tariffs, financial disruptions, and rising recession odds, highlighting the interplay between micro and macro factors.

MBA: Mortgage Applications Increase in Latest MBA Weekly Survey

2708. MBA: Mortgage Applications Increase in Latest MBA Weekly Survey

Mortgage applications surged 20% due to lower rates, with significant increases in both purchase and refinance applications, reflecting economic uncertainty's impact on the housing market.

Word of the Week: Trump calls tariffs 'the most beautiful word.' Here's its history

2709. Word of the Week: Trump calls tariffs 'the most beautiful word.' Here's its history

Rachel Treisman explores the origin of the word "tariff" and its significance in contemporary discussions, particularly in the context of President Trump's remarks.

Why not inquire together more?

2710. Why not inquire together more?

Tyler Cowen discusses the challenges and benefits of collaborative inquiry, emphasizing the importance of structured dialogue and shared experiences in enhancing understanding.

A new vacuum can alert you to incoming text messages. Why?

2711. A new vacuum can alert you to incoming text messages. Why?

James Doubek discusses how home appliance companies are integrating AI into products to gather data and foster long-term customer relationships.

How the powerful are using lawsuit threats to silence media and 'Murder the Truth'

2712. How the powerful are using lawsuit threats to silence media and 'Murder the Truth'

Michel Martin discusses how influential figures are leveraging lawsuit threats to suppress media coverage and undermine the truth.

What happens when an economist becomes prime minister?

2713. What happens when an economist becomes prime minister?

The post explores the implications of an economist transitioning to a political role, focusing on how economic expertise influences political decision-making.

Asian shares deepen losses, with Nikkei down 5%, as latest US tariffs take effect

2714. Asian shares deepen losses, with Nikkei down 5%, as latest US tariffs take effect

Asian markets, particularly Japan's Nikkei 225, fell sharply due to the implementation of new U.S. tariffs on Chinese imports.

China retaliates with new 84% tariffs as global markets fall

2715. China retaliates with new 84% tariffs as global markets fall

Sherisse Pham discusses the decline of Asian markets following Trump's tariffs and China's potential response to protect its economy.

The Yield Curve: Steepening *and* Inverting

2716. The Yield Curve: Steepening *and* Inverting

An argument that the yield curve's behavior, including steepening and inverting, signals economic conditions and potential recession indicators based on recent data trends.

2717. A Lack of Government Capability at the State and Local Level

Timothy Taylor discusses the limitations of state and local governments in managing public services and the impact of federal funding and administrative laws on their effectiveness.

Fact-check: Who's right in the Musk-Navarro feud over Tesla?

2718. Fact-check: Who's right in the Musk-Navarro feud over Tesla?

Camila Domonoske discusses the dispute between Peter Navarro and Elon Musk regarding Tesla's reliance on imported parts, highlighting Musk's factual accuracy.

Judge orders White House to allow AP access to news events

2719. Judge orders White House to allow AP access to news events

A judge mandates the White House to grant the Associated Press access to news events, rejecting restrictions based on terminology preferences.

Silicon Valley's gamble on Trump isn't paying off

2720. Silicon Valley's gamble on Trump isn't paying off

Nate Silver discusses Silicon Valley's initial support for Trump and the subsequent disillusionment as economic expectations fail to materialize.