Econ Blog

your daily dose of economic commentary

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

541. 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.

Secretary of Treasury Bessent: No Recession in 2026

542. Secretary of Treasury Bessent: No Recession in 2026

An argument that current economic data suggests no recession is imminent in 2026, despite some concerning employment trends and historical precedents.

Vibecessions, Part II

543. Vibecessions, Part II

Paul Krugman analyzes the disconnect between positive economic indicators and negative public sentiment, exploring factors contributing to this "vibecession" phenomenon.

At least five interesting things: Future of Humanity edition (#72)

544. At least five interesting things: Future of Humanity edition (#72)

The post discusses the potential economic impacts of AI investment, tariffs, and inflation, highlighting the complexities of predicting economic outcomes and the interplay between demand and prices.

Here's why concerns about an AI bubble are bigger than ever

545. Here's why concerns about an AI bubble are bigger than ever

Concerns arise over the financial risks and potential bubble in AI investments as tech companies heavily invest in AI infrastructure using debt and risky strategies.

Raise the Yuan!

546. Raise the Yuan!

An argument that the renminbi is undervalued, hindering China's economic goals and global demand, and suggests a necessary appreciation of the currency.

Forward P/E Ratios – Mag 7 and Others

547. Forward P/E Ratios – Mag 7 and Others

The post analyzes the forward P/E ratios of the Magnificent 7 stocks, comparing them to trailing ratios and discussing their implications for future earnings predictions.

548. Persistent Unemployment: A Flaw In Capitalism

Robert Vienneau discusses the flaws in capitalism, particularly regarding persistent unemployment and the limitations of market clearing in labor economics.

Schedule for Week of November 23, 2025

549. Schedule for Week of November 23, 2025

The post outlines the economic reports scheduled for release during the week of Thanksgiving, highlighting key indicators and their expected announcements.

Opinion: Jamal Khashoggi's words live forever

550. Opinion: Jamal Khashoggi's words live forever

Scott Simon reflects on Jamal Khashoggi's enduring impact and the significance of his words following his tragic murder.

Keep Houston weird

551. Keep Houston weird

The post discusses the Houston Rockets' successful rebuilding strategy, their unconventional playing style, and standout players contributing to their impressive performance this season.

EJ Antoni’s Scary Picture … and a(nother) Emily Litella* Moment

552. EJ Antoni’s Scary Picture … and a(nother) Emily Litella* Moment

Menzie Chinn discusses EJ Antoni's commentary on monetary policy and its implications for the economy, referencing economic data and trends.

What’s an Essential Worker (or Activity)? No October CPI, Employment Release, but We Get a Hole Where the East Wing Used to Be

553. What’s an Essential Worker (or Activity)? No October CPI, Employment Release, but We Get a Hole Where the East Wing Used to Be

Menzie Chinn discusses the implications of the White House's demolition of the East Wing and the lack of timely economic data releases during government shutdowns.

Consumer Sentiment in November: Near Record Low

554. Consumer Sentiment in November: Near Record Low

Consumer sentiment in November is near record lows, suggesting economic distress, though definitions of recession based on sentiment are debated among economists.

The female crash test dummy has been a long time coming — but she isn't here yet

555. The female crash test dummy has been a long time coming — but she isn't here yet

A new female crash test dummy has been approved, but its immediate implementation in safety testing remains uncertain.

My very fun Conversation with Blake Scholl

556. My very fun Conversation with Blake Scholl

A discussion on supersonic flight, airport design, and innovative solutions to systemic inefficiencies in transportation and regulatory processes.

Rare earths: Federal backing and tech advances aim to help the U.S. catch up to China

557. Rare earths: Federal backing and tech advances aim to help the U.S. catch up to China

An argument that U.S. efforts, including federal support and technological advancements, aim to reduce reliance on China for rare earth elements.

The economics theory that could have saved the Trump presidency

558. The economics theory that could have saved the Trump presidency

An argument that economic dissatisfaction among voters significantly impacts Trump's approval ratings, linking perceptions of economic policy to broader political consequences.

EJ Antoni Continues to See a Vast Conspiracy at BLS

559. EJ Antoni Continues to See a Vast Conspiracy at BLS

The discussion highlights perceived biases in employment data reporting, questioning the interpretation of job growth figures and their implications for economic analysis.

Do Exclusionary Preferences Explain Why Some Americans Are Happy about Paying for Tariffs?

560. Do Exclusionary Preferences Explain Why Some Americans Are Happy about Paying for Tariffs?

Timothy Taylor discusses how exclusionary preferences may explain why some Americans support tariffs despite recognizing they raise consumer prices.