Econ Blog

your daily dose of economic commentary

521. Semiconductors: Moore’s Law and Rock’s Law

Timothy Taylor discusses the dynamics of the semiconductor industry, focusing on Moore's Law and Rock's Law, highlighting technological advancements and rising production costs.

Waiting for Data: Schedule and Alternative Business Cycle Indicators

522. Waiting for Data: Schedule and Alternative Business Cycle Indicators

The post discusses resources for tracking economic data releases and highlights various alternative business cycle indicators, emphasizing recent trends and statistics.

Confidence Collapse

523. Confidence Collapse

A significant decline in consumer confidence is analyzed, highlighting pessimism about future economic conditions and expectations for labor market and household incomes.

New limits for rent algorithm that prosecutors say let landlords drive up prices

524. New limits for rent algorithm that prosecutors say let landlords drive up prices

A settlement restricts landlords from using rent-pricing software to manipulate rental prices through confidential data sharing.

Retail Sales Increased 0.2% in September

525. Retail Sales Increased 0.2% in September

Retail sales rose 0.2% in September, with a year-over-year increase of 4.3%, though the monthly change fell short of expectations.

Why are Mormons so Libertarian?

526. Why are Mormons so Libertarian?

The post explores the connection between Latter-day Saint theology and libertarian principles, emphasizing agency, reason, and the historical resistance to centralized authority.

DOGE Was a Harbinger of Trump’s Assault on Decency and Privacy

527. DOGE Was a Harbinger of Trump’s Assault on Decency and Privacy

Paul Krugman discusses the negative impacts of DOGE on government efficiency, public health, and privacy, linking it to broader issues of decency and governance under Trump.

Tariffs vs. Quotas

528. Tariffs vs. Quotas

An argument that tariffs and quotas are economically equivalent, exploring their impacts on prices and government revenue, while discussing reasons for governmental preference for tariffs.

Case-Shiller: National House Price Index Up 1.3% year-over-year in September

529. Case-Shiller: National House Price Index Up 1.3% year-over-year in September

The post discusses the September home price index, noting a 1.3% annual gain, the impact of inflation, and regional performance variations in the housing market.

8 economic insights we're grateful for

530. 8 economic insights we're grateful for

Insights on economic concepts and phenomena that evoke gratitude are shared, highlighting their relevance and impact on society.

We're shopping our feelings this Black Friday. Here are 3 things to know

531. We're shopping our feelings this Black Friday. Here are 3 things to know

The post discusses consumer behavior during Black Friday, highlighting emotional spending and anticipated discounts as retailers seek to attract shoppers.

Are the Entry-Level Jobs Drying Up for Young Adults?

532. Are the Entry-Level Jobs Drying Up for Young Adults?

An argument that rising unemployment rates for recent college graduates suggest a shift in labor demand, with high school graduates increasingly finding jobs compared to their college-educated peers.

Portland Trail Blazers coach pleads not guilty in rigged poker games case

533. Portland Trail Blazers coach pleads not guilty in rigged poker games case

A Hall of Famer pleads not guilty to charges related to profiting from rigged poker games linked to Mafia figures and another former NBA player.

The Thanksgiving Meal That Plans Itself

534. The Thanksgiving Meal That Plans Itself

The post explores how Thanksgiving meals exemplify spontaneous order, where individual choices lead to a coordinated national dining experience without central planning.

Side-Walking Problems

535. Side-Walking Problems

Alex Tabarrok critiques NYC's facade inspection laws and suggests alternative solutions to improve safety and reduce costs instead of merely beautifying temporary structures.

The Trump Trade is Unraveling

536. The Trump Trade is Unraveling

An argument that Bitcoin's value is linked to political dynamics, particularly the Trump administration's pro-crypto policies, which have contributed to its volatility and risks for investors.

Housing November 24th Weekly Update: Inventory Only Down 4.7% Compared to Same Week in 2019

537. Housing November 24th Weekly Update: Inventory Only Down 4.7% Compared to Same Week in 2019

Bill McBride discusses the current trends in single-family housing inventory, noting a slight decline compared to previous years and seasonal patterns.

Give thanks for the discounts: The feast will cost a little less this year

538. Give thanks for the discounts: The feast will cost a little less this year

Discounts on turkey and stuffing lead to a lower overall cost for Thanksgiving meals this year, despite rising grocery prices.

THC drinks are flying high. A new hemp law could kill the buzz

539. THC drinks are flying high. A new hemp law could kill the buzz

The popularity of THC-infused drinks may decline due to a new federal law potentially banning hemp-based products.

Will technology provide a boost to truck drivers — or will it replace them?

540. Will technology provide a boost to truck drivers — or will it replace them?

Camila Domonoske discusses the impact of technology on truck drivers, exploring whether it will enhance their roles or lead to their replacement.