Econ Blog

your daily dose of economic commentary

3241. Fed Chair Powell: Economic Outlook "Uncertainty"

Calculated Risk discusses Fed Chair Powell's insights on the U.S. economy, emphasizing uncertainty, solid labor market conditions, and ongoing inflation challenges.

From Orban to Trump, Part II

3242. From Orban to Trump, Part II

Paul Krugman discusses the alarming similarities between the autocratic trends in Hungary and the Trump administration's actions in the U.S.

Q1 GDP Tracking: Mid-to-High 1% Range

3243. Q1 GDP Tracking: Mid-to-High 1% Range

Bill McBride discusses GDP tracking estimates for Q1, highlighting adjustments due to gold imports and changes in consumption and investment forecasts.

Can ... we still trust the monthly jobs report?

3244. Can ... we still trust the monthly jobs report?

Wailin Wong discusses concerns about the integrity of government data, particularly the monthly jobs report, amid scrutiny of statistical agencies.

Comments on February Employment Report

3245. Comments on February Employment Report

Bill McBride discusses the February employment report, highlighting job numbers, participation rates, and wage growth trends.

The job market is still pretty solid — but there are warning signs ahead

3246. The job market is still pretty solid — but there are warning signs ahead

Scott Horsley discusses the current job market's stability while highlighting potential warning signs for the future.

February Employment Report: 151 thousand Jobs, 4.1% Unemployment Rate

3247. February Employment Report: 151 thousand Jobs, 4.1% Unemployment Rate

Bill McBride discusses February's employment data, highlighting job growth, unemployment rates, and revisions to previous months' payroll figures.

A look at some of the creative ways companies try to dodge high tariffs

3248. A look at some of the creative ways companies try to dodge high tariffs

Rachel Treisman discusses various strategies companies use to evade or reduce tariffs, including requesting exemptions and reclassifying products.

Games we played

3249. Games we played

Tyler Cowen reflects on his childhood experiences with various card games and their role in family bonding and memories.

Farmers strongly back Trump. A new trade war could test their loyalty

3250. Farmers strongly back Trump. A new trade war could test their loyalty

Scott Neuman discusses how American farmers' support for Trump may be challenged by the impacts of a new trade war on their industry.

'A blitz attack': VA mental health experts liken Elon Musk's emails to warfare

3251. 'A blitz attack': VA mental health experts liken Elon Musk's emails to warfare

Andrea Hsu discusses how VA mental health experts believe Elon Musk's emails are negatively impacting veterans' care due to increased stress.

Trump pledges support for crypto sector at White House summit

3252. Trump pledges support for crypto sector at White House summit

Deepa Shivaram discusses President Trump's commitment to supporting the cryptocurrency sector through the establishment of a strategic reserve using seized bitcoin.

5 takeaways: China's foreign minister slams Trump's 'two-faced' policies

3253. 5 takeaways: China's foreign minister slams Trump's 'two-faced' policies

John Ruwitch discusses China's foreign minister's criticism of Trump's policies amid the escalating trade war and China's role in global affairs.

Walgreens agrees to be acquired by private equity firm for almost $10 billion

3254. Walgreens agrees to be acquired by private equity firm for almost $10 billion

The Associated Press discusses Walgreens' agreement to be acquired by a private equity firm for nearly $10 billion, highlighting the potential for operational flexibility post-acquisition.

EPU, News Sentiment, Term Spreads, VIX

3255. EPU, News Sentiment, Term Spreads, VIX

Menzie Chinn analyzes economic indicators such as EPU, news sentiment, term spreads, and VIX data to assess market conditions.

Henderson on Canada as a 51st State

3256. Henderson on Canada as a 51st State

David Henderson discusses his perspective on Canada remaining independent rather than becoming a U.S. state, emphasizing the importance of competition among countries, particularly in tax policy.

Trump takes a baseball bat to the U.S. economy

3257. Trump takes a baseball bat to the U.S. economy

Noah Smith discusses the negative impact of Trump's economic policies, particularly tariffs, on the U.S. economy and business investment during his presidency.

SpaceX's latest Starship test flight ends with another explosion

3258. SpaceX's latest Starship test flight ends with another explosion

The Associated Press reports on SpaceX's latest Starship test flight, which ended with a loss of contact shortly after launch, following a previous explosion.

3259. Guest Contribution: “Trump’s far out negotiating positions”

Menzie Chinn discusses Jeffrey Frankel's analysis of Trump's negotiating tactics, particularly regarding tariffs and their potential economic impact on the US and its trading partners.

When it comes to the economy, it's all about uncertainty

3260. When it comes to the economy, it's all about uncertainty

The author discusses Mark Zandi's views on the negative economic impact of President Trump's tariffs and the uncertainty they create.