Econ Blog

your daily dose of economic commentary

Book review: "Abundance"

3061. Book review: "Abundance"

The discussion centers on the failure of progressives to effectively address housing shortages, climate change, and infrastructure, advocating for a new approach to liberalism.

NCAA upsets are happening more often

3062. NCAA upsets are happening more often

The post discusses the increasing frequency of NCAA tournament upsets, highlighting statistical trends and changes in player eligibility affecting team performance.

Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty sues Trump administration over canceled contract

3063. Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty sues Trump administration over canceled contract

A government-backed broadcaster is suing the Trump administration to compel the release of congressionally appropriated funds.

Listen to Dallas

3064. Listen to Dallas

A review of the Federal Reserve's monetary policy highlights past mistakes and advocates for a more neutral stance to stabilize nominal GDP growth post-pandemic.

Business Cycle Indicators NBER and Alternative, and GDPNow

3065. Business Cycle Indicators NBER and Alternative, and GDPNow

An argument that discusses recent economic indicators, including industrial production and retail sales, along with various nowcasting methods for GDP estimates.

Las Vegas in January: Visitor Traffic Down 1.1% YoY; Convention Traffic Up YoY

3066. Las Vegas in January: Visitor Traffic Down 1.1% YoY; Convention Traffic Up YoY

Visitor traffic in Las Vegas decreased slightly in January, while convention attendance increased significantly, influenced by major events and changes in scheduling.

Firing federal employees was swift. Unwinding the terminations is proving complicated

3067. Firing federal employees was swift. Unwinding the terminations is proving complicated

The post discusses federal judges ordering the reinstatement of illegally fired probationary employees and the complications agencies face in executing this mandate.

3068. Private Credit: Replacing Banks for Business Loans?

Timothy Taylor discusses the rise of private credit as an alternative to traditional bank loans for businesses, highlighting its growth and implications for financial regulation.

A Proposed Amendment to David Hume

3069. A Proposed Amendment to David Hume

An argument that Hume's view on self-interested politicians needs revision to acknowledge the potential dangers posed by ignorant or incompetent rulers in contemporary governance.

Tuesday's Assorted Links

3070. Tuesday's Assorted Links

The author discusses various economic stories, including airline revenue forecasts, wage growth, and behavioral economics related to Southwest Airlines' policy change.

3071. Exercise, Economics, and Margins

Kevin Corcoran discusses the diminishing returns of spending on bodybuilding training, highlighting the marginal benefits of budget versus high-end options.

Falling confidence in vaccination illustrates how the media’s obsession with balance and impartiality, and its aversion to regulation, can kill.

3072. Falling confidence in vaccination illustrates how the media’s obsession with balance and impartiality, and its aversion to regulation, can kill.

The author discusses how media's obsession with balance and sensationalism contributes to declining vaccination rates and public health risks.

The Stages of Trumpist Economic Grief

3073. The Stages of Trumpist Economic Grief

Paul Krugman discusses the economic disillusionment among Trump supporters and the disconnect between their expectations and reality regarding economic policies.

Industrial Production Increased 0.7% in February

3074. Industrial Production Increased 0.7% in February

The post discusses the increase in industrial production and capacity utilization in February, highlighting significant gains in manufacturing and mining sectors compared to previous months and years.

Housing Starts Increased to 1.501 million Annual Rate in February

3075. Housing Starts Increased to 1.501 million Annual Rate in February

The post discusses February's housing starts data, highlighting increases in single-family units and overall trends in building permits compared to previous months and years.

I have written a book!

3076. I have written a book!

Noah Smith announces his first book, which discusses Japan's economy and the potential for foreign investment through its cultural appeal.

What might save China's economy

3077. What might save China's economy

Darian Woods discusses China's economic growth targets and the challenges and opportunities facing its economy post-real estate slump.

Three announcements: a new diff in diff practitioners guide, a new Workshop Begins March 22, and Harvard University

3078. Three announcements: a new diff in diff practitioners guide, a new Workshop Begins March 22, and Harvard University

The post announces a new paper on difference-in-differences methodology, a related workshop, and an opportunity for practitioners to deepen their understanding of the topic.

Fast-er food: A productivity surge at U.S. restaurants

3079. Fast-er food: A productivity surge at U.S. restaurants

A study reveals a significant increase in productivity at fast-food and other restaurants after years of stagnation.

This is why Canada has plenty of eggs — and the U.S. doesn't

3080. This is why Canada has plenty of eggs — and the U.S. doesn't

Scott Horsley discusses the reasons behind the egg shortage in the U.S. compared to the abundance of eggs in Canada, highlighting farm size differences.