Econ Blog

your daily dose of economic commentary

2 officials fired by Trump return to court to challenge his power

21. 2 officials fired by Trump return to court to challenge his power

Two Democratic board members challenge President Trump's authority to fire them, referencing federal law and Supreme Court precedent in their court case.

Why UnitedHealth's terrible year is dragging down the Dow

22. Why UnitedHealth's terrible year is dragging down the Dow

Maria Aspan discusses how UnitedHealth's significant stock decline is negatively impacting the Dow Jones Industrial Average.

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

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

Menzie Chinn discusses the need for new approaches in international economics, highlighting the impact of tariffs on trade dynamics.

The most important decision of the Trump administration?

24. The most important decision of the Trump administration?

An argument that AI training deals with Saudi Arabia and UAE could significantly impact global power dynamics, particularly regarding US-China relations and technological leadership.

Brain-controlled iPhones, a Japanese asset buy-a-thon, and Trump tax cut debt

25. Brain-controlled iPhones, a Japanese asset buy-a-thon, and Trump tax cut debt

The post discusses Japanese asset purchases, brain-controlled iPhones, and the financial implications of Trump tax cuts.

Business Cycle Indicators as of Mid-May; Manufacturing Contracts in “Liberation” Month

26. Business Cycle Indicators as of Mid-May; Manufacturing Contracts in “Liberation” Month

Menzie Chinn analyzes recent economic indicators, highlighting a contraction in manufacturing and industrial production as of mid-May.

More Fronts in the War on Prices

27. More Fronts in the War on Prices

An argument that government interventions in housing and immigration policies distort market signals, leading to unintended consequences and higher prices rather than effective solutions.

Did the media blow it on Biden?

28. Did the media blow it on Biden?

Nate Silver critiques media coverage of Biden's fitness for office, highlighting concerns over his age and decision-making abilities amidst significant national and global crises.

Dick's Sporting Goods is buying Foot Locker for $2.4 billion

29. Dick's Sporting Goods is buying Foot Locker for $2.4 billion

The post discusses the acquisition of Foot Locker by Dick's Sporting Goods and the challenges posed by tariffs and competition in the retail market.

The Importance of Theory: Trade, Jobs, and Wages

30. The Importance of Theory: Trade, Jobs, and Wages

Jon Murphy emphasizes the significance of trade theory in understanding economic patterns, particularly how trade affects jobs and wages in different sectors.

31. Prepping for the Next Pandemic

An argument that emphasizes the importance of preparedness for future pandemics through strategic policy measures, including improved surveillance and vaccine development.

Max will once again be HBO Max. Yes, it's aware of the irony

32. Max will once again be HBO Max. Yes, it's aware of the irony

Rachel Treisman discusses Warner Bros. Discovery's decision to revert the streaming platform Max back to its original name, HBO Max, due to branding issues.

33. Mind Your Own Damn Business!

The discussion centers on government overreach in health care decisions, particularly regarding fluoride supplements, advocating for individual autonomy and limited government intervention.

AvKare recalls over-the-counter eye drops after FDA audit

34. AvKare recalls over-the-counter eye drops after FDA audit

Alana Wise reports on AvKare's recall of over-the-counter eye drops following an FDA audit due to safety concerns.

Manufacturing Went South

35. Manufacturing Went South

An argument that the decline of the Rust Belt in manufacturing is due to better policies and conditions in the South, including right-to-work laws and affordable housing.

Lessons From the Newark Debacle

36. Lessons From the Newark Debacle

The post examines the air traffic control crisis at Newark, attributing it to staffing shortages and government mismanagement, while critiquing anti-government rhetoric and privatization efforts.

NAHB: "Soft Spring Selling Season Takes a Toll on Builder Confidence" in May

37. NAHB: "Soft Spring Selling Season Takes a Toll on Builder Confidence" in May

Builder confidence has declined due to high interest rates, tariff uncertainties, and material costs, impacting the housing market's performance in the spring selling season.

Walmart says higher prices from tariffs coming as soon as this month

38. Walmart says higher prices from tariffs coming as soon as this month

Higher tariffs on imports, especially from China, will lead to increased prices for consumers, as Walmart cannot absorb all the costs.

Industrial Production Unchanged in April

39. Industrial Production Unchanged in April

Bill McBride discusses the unchanged industrial production in April, highlighting declines in manufacturing and mining offset by growth in utilities output and capacity utilization rates.

Retail Sales Increased 0.1% in April

40. Retail Sales Increased 0.1% in April

Bill McBride discusses the April retail sales data, highlighting a 0.1% monthly increase and a 5.2% annual rise in sales figures.