41. MBA: Mortgage Applications Increase in Latest MBA Weekly Survey
Calculated Risk reports on a significant increase in mortgage applications, driven by declining mortgage rates, as noted by Joel Kan of the MBA.
42. Trump administration slams brakes on government's adoption of electric vehicles
Nathaniel Minor reports on the Trump administration's decision to halt the government's procurement of electric vehicles and deactivate some EV chargers.
43. The stock market is down, but you don't need to be
Darian Woods discusses the current stock market decline and reassures readers not to panic despite economic uncertainties.
44. Social Security Is a Ponzi Scheme
An argument that Social Security operates similarly to a Ponzi scheme, highlighting its financial unsustainability and the government's role in perpetuating it through coercive taxation.
45. Uncertainty: Does It Matter?
An argument that high-frequency uncertainty shocks significantly impact economic activity, with varying effects across macroeconomic variables and stronger responses during recessions compared to expansions.
46. Trump buys a Tesla with Elon Musk in tow, at the White House
The post discusses a notable event where the president explored Tesla vehicles alongside the company's CEO, highlighting their relationship and implications for both figures.
47. Will the Next Generation Be Better Off? International Pessimism
Timothy Taylor discusses international pessimism regarding economic prospects for future generations, highlighting polling data and its implications on politics and public sentiment.
48. Manchester United announces plans for a new $2.5 billion stadium
Plans for a new stadium next to the historic venue involve significant investment and the controversial demolition of the iconic Old Trafford.
49. Lawler: Some Observations on the Federal Reserve’s Balance Sheet Wind-Down and Reinvestment “Strategy” (Still in Quantitative Easing Mode, Just Less So)
Observations on the Federal Reserve's balance sheet adjustments reveal ongoing quantitative easing through reinvestment strategies, despite a reduction in total asset holdings.
50. Deepening Yield Curve Inversion at 6 months to 2 year Maturities since Inauguration Day
Menzie Chinn discusses the deepening yield curve inversion and its implications since Inauguration Day.
51. Tuesday's Assorted Links
The post highlights various stories related to economic principles, government spending, surgery risks, a potential government shutdown, egg price investigations, and a new Canadian prime minister.
52. Organized Hatred From Above
Pierre Lemieux discusses the trade war between the U.S. and Canada, highlighting the conflict between free trade and government-directed trade, which fosters animosity.
53. Stocks sink again, as Trump's tariff policies spark chaos
The post discusses the impact of Trump's tariff policies on stock market performance and highlights his shifting priorities regarding economic issues.
54. He fled Syria's war as a teenager. He went back to help launch a tech industry
A young entrepreneur returns to Syria to contribute to the development of the country's tech industry after fleeing the war as a teenager.
55. Bags fly for a fee: Southwest Airlines cancels its free checked luggage perk
Joe Hernandez discusses Southwest Airlines' decision to start charging for checked luggage, marking a notable change in its customer-friendly policies.
56. 2nd Look at Local Housing Markets in February
The post analyzes local housing market trends in February, comparing data to previous years and discussing mortgage rates and supply dynamics.
57. The moves to weaken Germany’s debt brake are welcome, but ultimately higher defense spending should be matched by higher taxes. Public spending cuts will promote right wing populists.
The author argues that while Germany's moves to exempt defense spending from its debt brake are positive, higher defense spending should be balanced by increased taxes to avoid promoting right-wing populism.
58. The Economic Excuse Industry is Booming
The post critiques the economic excuses made by the Trump administration, highlighting dishonesty in economic claims and the disconnect between rhetoric and actual economic data.
59. BLS: Job Openings Increased to 7.7 million in January
Bill McBride discusses the BLS report showing job openings increased to 7.7 million in January, with stable hires and separations data.
60. As Trump downplays economic fears, this data shows people feel differently
An argument that consumer confidence and business sentiment are key indicators of economic uncertainty and potential recession.