2741. Stablecoins and Monetary Policy
An argument that stablecoins do not significantly threaten monetary policy, as the Federal Reserve retains control over the monetary base and can adjust supply and demand effectively.
2742. Economic Sentiment Continues to Fall as Inflation Expectations Climb Further
Menzie Chinn discusses declining economic sentiment and rising inflation expectations based on various confidence indices and survey data.
2743. How Tariffs Built the World’s Worst Car that Only the Rich Could Have
An argument that tariffs hinder innovation and competition, exemplified by the poorly designed Hindustan Ambassador car, illustrating the long-term negative effects of protectionist policies.
2744. The Import-So-That-They-Can-Export Firms
The post discusses the role of small firms in international trade, highlighting their dual function as major importers and exporters within global supply chains.
2745. Fewer Rules, Better People: Lam on Legalism’s Moral Cost
An argument that excessive adherence to rules undermines moral development and societal flourishing, advocating for discretion and understanding the purpose behind regulations.
2746. The Trade War Isn’t Over
An argument that recent tariff reductions do not signify the end of the trade war, as significant tariffs remain and will adversely affect the economy and lower-income families.
2747. Housing Starts Increased to 1.361 million Annual Rate in April
Housing starts increased in April, with multi-family units rising, while single-family starts declined year-over-year and building permits decreased from March levels.
2748. 2 officials fired by Trump return to court to challenge his power
Two Democratic board members challenge President Trump's authority to fire them, referencing federal law and Supreme Court precedent in their court case.
2749. Why UnitedHealth's terrible year is dragging down the Dow
Maria Aspan discusses how UnitedHealth's significant stock decline is negatively impacting the Dow Jones Industrial Average.
2750. Graphs from “Changes in International Economics: Do We Need to Alter Our Approach?”
Menzie Chinn discusses the need for new approaches in international economics, highlighting the impact of tariffs on trade dynamics.
2751. The most important decision of the Trump administration?
An argument that AI training deals with Saudi Arabia and UAE could significantly impact global power dynamics, particularly regarding US-China relations and technological leadership.
2752. Brain-controlled iPhones, a Japanese asset buy-a-thon, and Trump tax cut debt
The post discusses Japanese asset purchases, brain-controlled iPhones, and the financial implications of Trump tax cuts.
2753. Business Cycle Indicators as of Mid-May; Manufacturing Contracts in “Liberation” Month
Menzie Chinn analyzes recent economic indicators, highlighting a contraction in manufacturing and industrial production as of mid-May.
2754. More Fronts in the War on Prices
An argument that government interventions in housing and immigration policies distort market signals, leading to unintended consequences and higher prices rather than effective solutions.
2755. Did the media blow it on Biden?
Nate Silver critiques media coverage of Biden's fitness for office, highlighting concerns over his age and decision-making abilities amidst significant national and global crises.
2756. Dick's Sporting Goods is buying Foot Locker for $2.4 billion
The post discusses the acquisition of Foot Locker by Dick's Sporting Goods and the challenges posed by tariffs and competition in the retail market.
2757. The Importance of Theory: Trade, Jobs, and Wages
Jon Murphy emphasizes the significance of trade theory in understanding economic patterns, particularly how trade affects jobs and wages in different sectors.
2758. Prepping for the Next Pandemic
An argument that emphasizes the importance of preparedness for future pandemics through strategic policy measures, including improved surveillance and vaccine development.
2759. Max will once again be HBO Max. Yes, it's aware of the irony
Rachel Treisman discusses Warner Bros. Discovery's decision to revert the streaming platform Max back to its original name, HBO Max, due to branding issues.
2760. Mind Your Own Damn Business!
The discussion centers on government overreach in health care decisions, particularly regarding fluoride supplements, advocating for individual autonomy and limited government intervention.