Econ Blog

your daily dose of economic commentary

New issue of Econ Journal Watch

501. New issue of Econ Journal Watch

Tyler Cowen discusses various articles in the latest issue of Econ Journal Watch, covering topics like housing supply liberalization, productivity in Russia, and economic theories.

Book Review: "Doughnut Economics"

502. Book Review: "Doughnut Economics"

The post critiques traditional economic models and discusses the emergence of alternative economic paradigms, particularly focusing on the ideas presented in a specific book.

Guest Contribution: “Does the Zillow rent measure help predict CPI rent inflation?”

503. Guest Contribution: “Does the Zillow rent measure help predict CPI rent inflation?”

An argument that the Zillow rent measure may enhance predictions of CPI rent inflation, highlighting its strengths and limitations through analysis of data from 2015 to 2023.

“What to know about Trump’s new pharmaceutical tariff plan”: That We Don’t Know Anything

504. “What to know about Trump’s new pharmaceutical tariff plan”: That We Don’t Know Anything

Menzie Chinn discusses the complexities and uncertainties surrounding Trump's pharmaceutical tariff plan, highlighting enforcement challenges and potential impacts on American patients.

Evaluating We Have Never Been Woke, Part 3: Economics

505. Evaluating We Have Never Been Woke, Part 3: Economics

An argument that critiques the contradictions in the worldview of symbolic capitalists regarding free markets and technocratic control, as presented in a specific book.

Notes on Europe’s Economy

506. Notes on Europe’s Economy

An argument that Europe’s economy, while facing challenges, is better than perceived, countering myths and discussing GDP and technological advancements.

Why friends are teaming up to buy homes

507. Why friends are teaming up to buy homes

An argument that rising home prices are prompting friends to purchase homes together instead of traditional couples.

What Exactly Happened to the Dollar around “Liberation Day”: Illiquidity vs. No-Confidence

508. What Exactly Happened to the Dollar around “Liberation Day”: Illiquidity vs. No-Confidence

The post examines the dollar's decline and rising Treasury yields, attributing these changes to liquidity issues and declining confidence in the dollar amid tariff uncertainties.

Growth Reliance on the Tech Spending Boom

509. Growth Reliance on the Tech Spending Boom

Menzie Chinn discusses the dependence of US GDP growth on the ongoing boom in technology spending and investment.

Is America ready for a gay president?

510. Is America ready for a gay president?

An argument that explores the complexities of identity politics in the context of a potential gay presidential nominee and the challenges faced by Democratic candidates.

Talking (Again) With G. Elliott Morris

511. Talking (Again) With G. Elliott Morris

Paul Krugman discusses government shutdown probabilities and public opinion with G. Elliott Morris, focusing on the political implications of healthcare funding issues.

Schedule for Week of September 28, 2025

512. Schedule for Week of September 28, 2025

The post outlines the key economic reports and indicators scheduled for the week, including employment, housing prices, and manufacturing activity.

What if local control can actually help build housing?

513. What if local control can actually help build housing?

Noah Smith argues that reducing local control over housing can help overcome NIMBY opposition and facilitate the development of diverse urban landscapes.

As federal funds wane, NPR ruefully clashes with CPB

514. As federal funds wane, NPR ruefully clashes with CPB

David Folkenflik discusses NPR's legal action against CPB regarding a significant grant for public media operations.

NPR and the Corporation for Public Broadcasting clash as federal funding declines

515. NPR and the Corporation for Public Broadcasting clash as federal funding declines

David Folkenflik discusses NPR's legal challenge against the Corporation for Public Broadcasting regarding a significant federal grant amidst declining funding.

Business Cycle Indicators: Employment at or Below April 2025 Levels, Personal Income ex-Transfers Below

516. Business Cycle Indicators: Employment at or Below April 2025 Levels, Personal Income ex-Transfers Below

Menzie Chinn analyzes key economic indicators, highlighting stagnant employment and personal income trends, while suggesting a potential economic slowdown ahead.

Do Rules to Limit High Government Debt Work?

517. Do Rules to Limit High Government Debt Work?

Timothy Taylor discusses the challenges and effectiveness of fiscal rules aimed at limiting government debt and the compliance issues faced by various countries.

Fed today, Fed tomorrow

518. Fed today, Fed tomorrow

Claudia Sahm discusses the challenges facing the Federal Reserve regarding inflation, employment, and the risk of political interference in its operations.

Radiologists are the canaries in a coal mine

519. Radiologists are the canaries in a coal mine

Joshua Gans discusses the unexpected resilience of radiologists despite predictions of AI replacing them, highlighting the complexities of AI in medical diagnostics.

Ideas Have Consequences: Law & Economics Edition

520. Ideas Have Consequences: Law & Economics Edition

Jon Murphy discusses how economics training for judges influences their rulings, leading to more severe sentences and a shift in judicial language and reasoning.