Econ Blog

your daily dose of economic commentary

Why a Missed Release Is Sometimes Problematic

381. 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

382. 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

383. 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

384. 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

385. 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.

'Absolute madness': Soccer fans are outraged over ticket prices for U.S. World Cup

386. 'Absolute madness': Soccer fans are outraged over ticket prices for U.S. World Cup

Fans express outrage over FIFA's high ticket prices for the upcoming men's World Cup in the U.S., contrasting initial excitement with financial disappointment.

EJ Antoni: Back to Smearing Data Sources

387. 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

388. 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

389. Talking AI With Martin Wolf

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

390. 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

391. 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

392. 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)

393. 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.

394. 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

395. 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

396. 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?

397. 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

398. 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.

Leprechauns, Effective Tariffs and Inflation

399. Leprechauns, Effective Tariffs and Inflation

An argument that tariffs have not caused the expected recession or inflation, highlighting the role of tax avoidance and the impact of AI investment on the economy.

Can anything knock China off its mountain?

400. Can anything knock China off its mountain?

Noah Smith discusses the challenges China faces in maintaining its global power, particularly focusing on demographics and the implications of U.S. political actions.