Econ Blog

your daily dose of economic commentary

Cracks in the U.S. economy: Job growth slows 75% from a year ago

761. Cracks in the U.S. economy: Job growth slows 75% from a year ago

Scott Horsley discusses the recent addition of only 22,000 jobs in the U.S. labor market, indicating potential weaknesses in the economy.

August Employment Report: 22 thousand Jobs, 4.3% Unemployment Rate

762. August Employment Report: 22 thousand Jobs, 4.3% Unemployment Rate

The post discusses the August employment report, highlighting job changes, the unemployment rate, and revisions to previous employment data, indicating a weak labor market.

Ben Shapiro Being Stupid About Marx

763. Ben Shapiro Being Stupid About Marx

Robert Vienneau critiques Ben Shapiro's misinterpretation of Marx's labor theory of value and highlights inaccuracies in Shapiro's understanding of Marxian economics.

Have questions about homeownership or renting? NPR wants to know

764. Have questions about homeownership or renting? NPR wants to know

The post invites readers to share their experiences and questions about renting and homeownership for an upcoming NPR series.

Etsy sellers are being hit hard by tariffs and the end of the de minimis rule

765. Etsy sellers are being hit hard by tariffs and the end of the de minimis rule

Bill Chappell discusses how Etsy sellers are adversely affected by tariffs and changes to the de minimis rule, impacting their business operations.

PBS cuts 15% of jobs in wake of federal funding cut

766. PBS cuts 15% of jobs in wake of federal funding cut

PBS announces a 15% staff reduction due to decreased federal funding, resulting in over 100 job losses.

“How Tariffs are Affecting Wisconsin Economy”

767. “How Tariffs are Affecting Wisconsin Economy”

Menzie Chinn discusses the impact of President Trump’s tariffs on Wisconsin's economy during a panel discussion at a WisPolitics luncheon.

768. Bordo-McCauley: “A wrong Fed could do the dollar in: An open letter to the US Senate”

An argument that political influences on Federal Reserve appointments could destabilize the dollar, harming US households and small businesses during financial crises.

The Employment Picture — Pre-August Release

769. The Employment Picture — Pre-August Release

Menzie Chinn analyzes JOLTS data and ADP employment figures, highlighting a decline in the vacancies to unemployed ratio and decelerating employment growth.

Las Vegas in July: Visitor Traffic Down 12% YoY

770. Las Vegas in July: Visitor Traffic Down 12% YoY

Bill McBride discusses the decline in visitor traffic to Las Vegas in July 2025, highlighting statistics on tourism and convention attendance.

Senators grill Trump's nominee for Fed amid alarms over central bank independence

771. Senators grill Trump's nominee for Fed amid alarms over central bank independence

Scott Horsley discusses senators' concerns regarding Stephen Miran's potential independence as a Federal Reserve nominee amid worries about central bank autonomy.

Who will be in charge of interest rates?

772. Who will be in charge of interest rates?

The post discusses the tension between political influence and the independence of the Federal Reserve in setting interest rates, particularly during Trump's presidency.

The Central Planning Arms Race

773. The Central Planning Arms Race

Jon Murphy discusses the challenges of central planning, emphasizing human creativity and the inefficiencies it creates in economic systems.

How will we reach 10,000 hours with ChatGPT?

774. How will we reach 10,000 hours with ChatGPT?

An argument that generative AI alters the learning process by reducing time inputs, raising concerns about the value of traditional homework and the implications for human capital development.

Fashion designer Giorgio Armani, whose name became synonymous with luxury, dies at 91

775. Fashion designer Giorgio Armani, whose name became synonymous with luxury, dies at 91

Diana Opong discusses the legacy of fashion designer Giorgio Armani, highlighting his influence on luxury fashion and his innovative designs.

Cooking the Federal Reserve’s Credibility

776. Cooking the Federal Reserve’s Credibility

Paul Krugman discusses the implications of Trump's potential influence on the Federal Reserve's independence and its effects on monetary policy and credibility.

Light Vehicles Sales Decreased to 16.07 million SAAR in August

777. Light Vehicles Sales Decreased to 16.07 million SAAR in August

Bill McBride discusses the August light vehicle sales data, noting a decrease from July but an increase from the previous year, influenced by consumer behavior regarding tariffs and EV credits.

Trade Deficit Increased to $78.3 Billion in July

778. Trade Deficit Increased to $78.3 Billion in July

The post discusses the increase in the U.S. trade deficit in July, highlighting changes in exports and imports, and the deficit's relationship with petroleum products.

My very interesting Conversation with Seamus Murphy

779. My very interesting Conversation with Seamus Murphy

A discussion on photography, conflict zones, cultural perceptions, and personal experiences in places like Afghanistan and Kolkata, highlighting the intersection of art and life in challenging environments.

Fox bosses privately called U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro 'reckless maniac' and more

780. Fox bosses privately called U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro 'reckless maniac' and more

Remarks about a U.S. attorney's behavior following the 2020 election highlight concerns over her promotion of unfounded election fraud claims.