Econ Blog

your daily dose of economic commentary

How Much are US Firms Using AI Tools?

461. How Much are US Firms Using AI Tools?

An argument that AI adoption in US firms is growing slowly, with significant differences across industries and firm sizes, despite high stock prices for AI companies.

Consensus vs. ARIMA(1,1,1): ADP Private Nonfarm Payroll

462. Consensus vs. ARIMA(1,1,1): ADP Private Nonfarm Payroll

Menzie Chinn analyzes the ADP private nonfarm payroll data and compares it with Bloomberg's consensus and ARIMA forecasts.

Michael and Susan Dell commit $6.25 billion for investment accounts for kids

463. Michael and Susan Dell commit $6.25 billion for investment accounts for kids

A significant donation is made to create investment accounts for children, providing funds to support their financial future.

Costco sues the Trump administration over tariffs, joining a refund queue

464. Costco sues the Trump administration over tariffs, joining a refund queue

A major retailer is suing the government for potential refunds related to tariffs, contingent on a Supreme Court decision regarding import duties.

Tuesday's Assorted Links

465. Tuesday's Assorted Links

The post highlights various stories illustrating economic principles and trends, including labor market impacts of AI, consumer spending, and social norms in public spaces.

Causality in Complex Systems: GiveDirectly and Egger et al. (2022)

466. Causality in Complex Systems: GiveDirectly and Egger et al. (2022)

Nick HK discusses GiveDirectly's cash transfer research and its implications for understanding causality in complex economic systems.

State of the Stack, One Year In

467. State of the Stack, One Year In

Paul Krugman reflects on the first year of his newsletter, discussing audience growth, production processes, and the collaborative effort with his wife, Robin Wells.

Barriers to Affordable Housing

468. Barriers to Affordable Housing

An argument that housing affordability issues stem from supply constraints, particularly zoning regulations, while acknowledging the role of demand and the need for policy changes to improve access.

Final Look at Housing Markets in October and a Look Ahead to November Sales

469. Final Look at Housing Markets in October and a Look Ahead to November Sales

The post analyzes October housing market data, highlighting sales trends, inventory levels, and price changes, while anticipating November's market performance.

Fox News faces critical test in 2nd case over false 2020 election claims

470. Fox News faces critical test in 2nd case over false 2020 election claims

David Folkenflik discusses Fox News facing a defamation lawsuit over false claims related to the 2020 presidential election.

After federal funding cuts, tribal radio station says silence is not an option

471. After federal funding cuts, tribal radio station says silence is not an option

A tribal radio station in Colorado struggles to survive amid recent federal funding cuts affecting numerous similar stations.

Recession with Decreasing Employment and Increasing GDP?

472. Recession with Decreasing Employment and Increasing GDP?

An argument that rising GDP alongside stagnant or declining employment raises questions about recession definitions and the timing of economic indicators.

Biden defenders need to take the 'L'

473. Biden defenders need to take the 'L'

An argument that Biden's renomination was a significant mistake due to his age-related decline and the Democrats' failure to hold a competitive primary process.

474. Guest Contribution: “How will unsustainable US debt end?”

Menzie Chinn discusses the unsustainable trajectory of US debt and potential outcomes, including economic growth, interest rates, and the impact of immigration and AI.

As political winds shift, top chipmaker TSMC looks beyond Taiwan

475. As political winds shift, top chipmaker TSMC looks beyond Taiwan

John Ruwitch discusses TSMC's plans to expand operations beyond Taiwan amid changing political dynamics.

Do Sweatpants Make Flights Worse?

476. Do Sweatpants Make Flights Worse?

Jadrian Wooten explores how social norms, influenced by clothing choices like sweatpants, affect behavior and experiences during flights, highlighting their economic implications.

Inflation Adjusted House Prices 3.0% Below 2022 Peak

477. Inflation Adjusted House Prices 3.0% Below 2022 Peak

An argument that inflation-adjusted house prices have declined from their 2022 peak, emphasizing the importance of real price analysis in understanding housing market trends.

Trump: Pro-crypto or Pro-crime?

478. Trump: Pro-crypto or Pro-crime?

An argument that connects Trump's pardons of drug lords to his ties with the crypto/tech elite, highlighting contradictions in his approach to crime and governance.

I love AI. Why doesn't everyone?

479. I love AI. Why doesn't everyone?

Noah Smith discusses societal attitudes toward new technologies, particularly AI, contrasting American fears with more positive global perceptions and advocating for the benefits of technological advancement.

Housing December 1st Weekly Update: Inventory Only Down 4.3% Compared to Same Week in 2019

480. Housing December 1st Weekly Update: Inventory Only Down 4.3% Compared to Same Week in 2019

The post discusses recent trends in single-family housing inventory, noting a decline compared to previous years and seasonal patterns affecting availability.