Econ Blog

your daily dose of economic commentary

Why an economist says temporary U.S.-China tariff deal doesn't ease uncertainty

2801. Why an economist says temporary U.S.-China tariff deal doesn't ease uncertainty

Obed Manuel discusses how a temporary U.S.-China tariff deal fails to alleviate uncertainty and may lead to higher prices for businesses importing Chinese goods.

Why aren't Americans filling the manufacturing jobs we already have?

2802. Why aren't Americans filling the manufacturing jobs we already have?

An argument that American manufacturers face challenges in filling existing manufacturing jobs despite efforts from political leaders to revive the sector.

First, relief. Then, a scramble to get stuff in after U.S. cuts China tariffs for now

2803. First, relief. Then, a scramble to get stuff in after U.S. cuts China tariffs for now

Business owners express relief over temporary tariff cuts with China, but uncertainty looms regarding future trade relations and economic impacts.

A brief history of NPR funding

2804. A brief history of NPR funding

Darian Woods discusses NPR's funding sources and the implications of President Trump's executive order to cut federal support.

A UK Tariff Scorecard: We Lost

2805. A UK Tariff Scorecard: We Lost

The post discusses the negative impact of increased tariffs on UK-US trade under the Trump administration, highlighting the permanence of higher tariffs compared to previous rates.

“Changes in International Economics:  Do We Need to Alter Our Approach?”

2806. “Changes in International Economics:  Do We Need to Alter Our Approach?”

Menzie Chinn discusses the evolving nature of international economics and its implications for educational approaches in the field.

What’s a New Drug Worth?

2807. What’s a New Drug Worth?

Timothy Taylor discusses President Trump's drug pricing policy and its economic implications, referencing recent academic papers on pharmaceutical pricing and innovation.

Trump tried to fire Corporation for Public Broadcasting board members. Then came DOGE

2808. Trump tried to fire Corporation for Public Broadcasting board members. Then came DOGE

Stephen Fowler discusses Trump's attempt to dismiss Corporation for Public Broadcasting board members and the subsequent involvement of DOGE staffers.

They Took Our Jobs: The Sequel

2809. They Took Our Jobs: The Sequel

Tyler Watts discusses job growth in the U.S., arguing that new service sector jobs often pay better than lost manufacturing jobs, countering common economic misconceptions.

They Took Our Jobs: The Sequel

2810. They Took Our Jobs: The Sequel

An argument that job growth in the U.S. has outpaced population growth, with many new jobs offering better wages than lost manufacturing positions, challenging common misconceptions about employment trends.

They Didn’t Take Our Jobs

2811. They Didn’t Take Our Jobs

An argument that job growth in the U.S. has outpaced population growth, with many new jobs paying better than lost manufacturing positions, challenging common misconceptions about employment trends.

Can Democrats really win the Senate in 2026?

2812. Can Democrats really win the Senate in 2026?

The post examines the challenges and potential strategies for Democrats to win the Senate in 2026, highlighting key races and the impact of candidate quality.

Fed April SLOOS Survey: Banks reported Weaker Demand for Residential Real Estate

2813. Fed April SLOOS Survey: Banks reported Weaker Demand for Residential Real Estate

The post discusses the April 2025 SLOOS survey findings, highlighting weaker demand for residential real estate loans and tighter lending standards by banks.

When an Arsonist Poses as a Firefighter

2814. When an Arsonist Poses as a Firefighter

Paul Krugman discusses Trump's recent tariff cuts on China, analyzing their implications for trade policy and economic uncertainty.

Why Picking a Pope Takes More Than a Majority

2815. Why Picking a Pope Takes More Than a Majority

Jadrian Wooten explores the complexities of the papal election process, emphasizing the economic implications of voting rules and decision-making trade-offs.

Stocks soar after U.S. and China agree to temporarily slash tariffs

2816. Stocks soar after U.S. and China agree to temporarily slash tariffs

The post discusses the positive market reaction following the U.S. and China’s agreement to temporarily reduce tariffs.

Housing May 12th Weekly Update: Inventory up 1.6% Week-over-week, Up 32.9% Year-over-year

2817. Housing May 12th Weekly Update: Inventory up 1.6% Week-over-week, Up 32.9% Year-over-year

Bill McBride discusses the increase in active single-family housing inventory, highlighting significant year-over-year growth and comparisons to previous years.

At least five interesting things: Requiem for capitalism edition (#63)

2818. At least five interesting things: Requiem for capitalism edition (#63)

Noah Smith discusses the decline of capitalism, highlighting political and economic challenges, including tariffs, the legacy of Warren Buffett, and broader market trends.

The U.S. and China cut tariffs. And, what's expected from Trump's Middle East trip

2819. The U.S. and China cut tariffs. And, what's expected from Trump's Middle East trip

Brittney Melton discusses the U.S. and China reducing tariffs and anticipates commerce and cultural exchanges during Trump's Middle East trip.

The future of student loan repayment, explained

2820. The future of student loan repayment, explained

The post discusses potential changes to student loan repayment options, highlighting a Republican proposal that limits borrowers to two repayment plans.