61. 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.
62. 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.
63. 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.
64. 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.
65. 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.
66. 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.
67. There is no utopia waiting on the other side of Trump's economy
Noah Smith discusses the negative impact of Trump's economic policies on the stock market and critiques the notion of a future utopia resulting from these policies.
68. How reliable is the government's economic data? Under Trump, there are real concerns
Scott Horsley discusses concerns about the reliability of government economic data under the Trump administration, highlighting changes in data consultation and GDP calculation.
69. The government already knows a lot about you. DOGE is trying to access all of it
Laurel Wamsley discusses government data collection on citizens and the implications of DOGE attempting to access this information.
70. Visiting the New Jersey shore
The author reflects on personal experiences at the New Jersey shore, emphasizing the significance of local identity and regional differences among towns.
71. Can you take government spending out of GDP?
An argument that government spending should be excluded from GDP calculations, exploring the implications of this perspective and its potential motivations.
72. Two Excuses
An argument that historical economic policies and current political rhetoric may misinterpret market reactions and GDP measurements, highlighting potential misunderstandings in economic analysis.
73. Will Wall Street turn on Trump — and Elon?
Nate Silver discusses the impact of Donald Trump's policies on the stock market and the geopolitical consequences affecting Wall Street's perception of him and Elon Musk.
74. Three Questions on the US Safety Net
Timothy Taylor discusses key questions regarding the US safety net, including the effectiveness of universal versus means-tested programs and the impact of welfare reform.
75. Why Shouldn’t the Stock Market Be Crashing?
An argument that explores economic uncertainty and consumer sentiment indicators, questioning why the stock market isn't experiencing a crash despite various economic signals.
76. Canada's Hudson's Bay has survived 355 years. Now the store is in crisis
Alina Selyukh discusses Hudson's Bay's financial struggles due to pandemic impacts, inflation, and trade tensions after 355 years in business.
77. Media Matters sues Elon Musk's X over 'libel tourism' legal assault
A legal dispute highlights how Musk's lawsuits are hindering the operations of a liberal advocacy group.
78. AAR: Rail Carloads Down YoY in February, Intermodal Up
The post discusses February's rail traffic data, highlighting a decline in carloads and an increase in intermodal volumes, influenced by economic conditions and weather challenges.
79. Stocks slump yet again as fears grow about tariffs -- and a recession
Maria Aspan discusses investor concerns regarding tariffs and their potential impact on the U.S. economy, contributing to a slump in stock markets.
80. The Cost of Uncertainty
Jadrian Wooten discusses the economic impact of uncertainty stemming from tariff policies and its effects on consumer and business behavior.