Econ Blog

your daily dose of economic commentary

Media companies thought late night TV was irrelevant. Kimmel proved them wrong

21. Media companies thought late night TV was irrelevant. Kimmel proved them wrong

An argument that Kimmel's return to late night television demonstrates its ongoing relevance and potential to engage American audiences effectively.

3 share Nobel Prize in Economics for work on technology, growth and creative destruction

22. 3 share Nobel Prize in Economics for work on technology, growth and creative destruction

Scott Horsley discusses the Nobel Prize winners for their research on technological innovation and its impact on economic growth and creative destruction.

3 share Nobel Prize in Economics for work on technology, growth and creative destruction

23. 3 share Nobel Prize in Economics for work on technology, growth and creative destruction

Three economists received the Nobel Prize for their research on the relationship between technological innovation, economic growth, and the concept of creative destruction.

Why a Missed Release Is Sometimes Problematic

24. Why a Missed Release Is Sometimes Problematic

An argument that missed economic data releases can significantly impact understanding during critical economic turning points, highlighting the importance of timely and accurate information.

Flying Blind, Graphically Illustrated

25. Flying Blind, Graphically Illustrated

Menzie Chinn discusses key economic indicators affected by a potential government shutdown and their implications for employment and GDP data.

On Immigration Policies and the Ag Sector

26. On Immigration Policies and the Ag Sector

An argument that immigration policies are creating labor shortages in the agricultural sector, impacting food production and highlighting the reliance on unauthorized workers.

Technology Bubbles: Causes and Consequences

27. Technology Bubbles: Causes and Consequences

Paul Krugman discusses the potential AI bubble, its historical context, and the economic consequences of technology manias.

America's future could hinge on whether AI slightly disappoints

28. America's future could hinge on whether AI slightly disappoints

An argument that the U.S. economy's resilience may depend on the performance of the AI sector amidst challenges like tariffs and weak consumer sentiment.

EJ Antoni: Back to Smearing Data Sources

29. EJ Antoni: Back to Smearing Data Sources

Menzie Chinn critiques EJ Antoni's claims about inflation expectation data, emphasizing the stability of political affiliations and their impact on economic sentiment analysis.

Episode 61. Art Laffer on Tax Policy and the 50-Year History of the Laffer Curve

30. Episode 61. Art Laffer on Tax Policy and the 50-Year History of the Laffer Curve

Jon Hartley interviews Arthur Laffer about his career, the Laffer Curve, and the impact of tax policy over the past 50 years.

Talking AI With Martin Wolf

31. Talking AI With Martin Wolf

A discussion on the implications of artificial intelligence, its current capabilities, and its potential impact on economies and society.

32. Prohibitions On Tactics In Negotiating Your Wage

Robert Vienneau discusses the restrictions on wage negotiations in the U.S., emphasizing the role of laws and labor unions in shaping workers' rights and conditions.

Schedule for Week of October 12, 2025

33. Schedule for Week of October 12, 2025

Bill McBride outlines key economic reports and data releases scheduled for the week of October 12, 2025, while noting potential delays due to a government shutdown.

Trump threatens tech export limits, new 100% tariff on Chinese imports

34. Trump threatens tech export limits, new 100% tariff on Chinese imports

An argument that Trump may impose a 100% tariff on Chinese imports, raising concerns about economic repercussions and potential recession risks.

What Releases Will We Miss? (updated for 31 day shutdown)

35. What Releases Will We Miss? (updated for 31 day shutdown)

The post discusses the economic data releases that will be missed due to a government shutdown, highlighting specific reports from the BLS and BEA.

36. Some Economics of US Biofuels

The discussion focuses on the evolution, challenges, and economic impacts of US biofuels, particularly regarding production methods, market effects, and environmental implications.

AstraZeneca makes deal with White House to lower drug prices

37. AstraZeneca makes deal with White House to lower drug prices

A drugmaker agrees to a deal with the Trump administration aimed at reducing U.S. drug prices as part of a broader initiative.

Sentiment Mired at Global Financial Crisis Levels

38. Sentiment Mired at Global Financial Crisis Levels

Menzie Chinn analyzes consumer sentiment data and its implications, particularly in light of economic conditions reminiscent of the global financial crisis.

Is the Democratic Party dominated by progressives or by centrists?

39. Is the Democratic Party dominated by progressives or by centrists?

Nate Silver analyzes the internal divisions within the Democratic Party, arguing that it is more complex than simply being dominated by progressives or centrists.

When Godzilla Breaks Windows

40. When Godzilla Breaks Windows

The post discusses the broken window fallacy, illustrating how destruction, like Godzilla's rampage, does not create economic growth but rather represents a significant loss.