Econ Blog

your daily dose of economic commentary

A Balance of Payments Primer, Part I

3001. A Balance of Payments Primer, Part I

Paul Krugman discusses the historical context of trade deficits and their implications, referencing David Hume's ideas and current economic debates in the U.S.

3002. Guest Contribution: “No Mar-A-Lago Accord March 22, 2025”

Proposals for a "Mar-a-Lago Accord" aim to depreciate the dollar to improve the trade balance, but face significant challenges and contradictions regarding US interest rates and dollar dominance.

Trump says Boeing will build the new generation of fighter jets, the F-47

3003. Trump says Boeing will build the new generation of fighter jets, the F-47

A statement reveals Boeing's contract to produce the next generation of U.S. Air Force fighter jets, with limited details on the aircraft's features.

The "corporate feudalism" thing won't work

3004. The "corporate feudalism" thing won't work

An argument that the focus on corporate power by progressives fails to resonate with the public, highlighting a disconnect between elite concerns and the economic issues affecting everyday Americans.

How low is Trump's popularity floor?

3005. How low is Trump's popularity floor?

Nate Silver analyzes Trump's fluctuating approval ratings and discusses factors influencing his political resilience despite economic challenges.

Closing tabs: Cold Harbor Edition

3006. Closing tabs: Cold Harbor Edition

Scott Cunningham shares a collection of topics including AI, personal growth, culture, and research queries, with insights on economics and political science.

How Should We Think About the Economics of AI?

3007. How Should We Think About the Economics of AI?

Paul Krugman discusses the intersection of AI and economics, emphasizing the need for economists to better understand technology through his conversation with Erik Brynjolfsson.

Schedule for Week of March 23, 2025

3008. Schedule for Week of March 23, 2025

Key economic reports for the week include new home sales, GDP estimates, personal income, and manufacturing surveys, highlighting trends in housing and consumer spending.

Court hearing centers on Newsmax CEO's role in spreading election-fraud claims

3009. Court hearing centers on Newsmax CEO's role in spreading election-fraud claims

A court case examines the role of Newsmax's CEO in promoting false claims about election fraud, similar to a previous lawsuit involving Fox News and Dominion Voting Systems.

3010. The North American Trade Bloc at Risk

Concerns arise regarding the potential fracturing of the North American trade bloc due to political tensions and the implications for economic cooperation and supply chains.

Voice of America staff sue Trump administration for shutting down network

3011. Voice of America staff sue Trump administration for shutting down network

A lawsuit is filed by Voice of America staff against the Trump administration, claiming unconstitutional actions to shut down the network.

March 21st COVID Update: COVID Deaths Continue Declining

3012. March 21st COVID Update: COVID Deaths Continue Declining

The post discusses the decline in weekly COVID deaths, updates on hospital reporting requirements, and trends in COVID metrics, particularly wastewater data.

What's the ideal age to reach a life milestone? Many Americans say it depends

3013. What's the ideal age to reach a life milestone? Many Americans say it depends

Manuela López Restrepo discusses survey findings on the ideal ages for life milestones among Americans, highlighting that opinions vary based on individual perspectives.

Can we just change how we measure GDP?

3014. Can we just change how we measure GDP?

Nick Fountain discusses the implications of changing how GDP is measured, focusing on a proposal to exclude government spending from the calculation.

Whistleblower John Barnett's family files wrongful death suit against Boeing

3015. Whistleblower John Barnett's family files wrongful death suit against Boeing

A family files a wrongful death suit against Boeing, referencing a note from John Barnett expressing a desire for accountability from the company.

Tariffs and Inflation

3016. Tariffs and Inflation

Jon Murphy discusses the impact of tariffs on prices and inflation, emphasizing that tariffs cause temporary price increases but do not lead to long-term inflation.

One Requirement of the Rule of Law

3017. One Requirement of the Rule of Law

The post discusses the importance of the rule of law for individual liberty and prosperity, emphasizing judicial independence as essential to prevent tyranny.

Hotels: Occupancy Rate Decreased 3.5% Year-over-year

3018. Hotels: Occupancy Rate Decreased 3.5% Year-over-year

Bill McBride discusses a decrease in U.S. hotel occupancy rates and the impact of international tourism decline due to political factors.

Homo Economicus and Home Buying Economics

3019. Homo Economicus and Home Buying Economics

Kevin Corcoran discusses how the homo economicus model can mislead homebuyers, particularly regarding escalation clauses in real estate offers.

China’s Medicines are Saving American Lives

3020. China’s Medicines are Saving American Lives

Alex Tabarrok discusses how China's pharmaceutical advancements are benefiting American healthcare and emphasizes the importance of a global market for innovation.