Econ Blog

your daily dose of economic commentary

“Why ‘Humane’ Immigration Policy Ends in Cruelty”

61. “Why ‘Humane’ Immigration Policy Ends in Cruelty”

An argument that immigration policies in wealthy democracies inevitably lead to cruel enforcement measures due to rising migration demands and public opposition.

Emergent Ventures India, 13th cohort

62. Emergent Ventures India, 13th cohort

The post highlights various grant recipients from the 13th cohort of Emergent Ventures India, showcasing their innovative projects across diverse fields.

The U.S. produces a lot of food waste. This place wants to address it

63. The U.S. produces a lot of food waste. This place wants to address it

The post highlights the significant food waste in the U.S. and discusses efforts to mitigate this issue amidst rising grocery prices and environmental concerns.

Tuesday's Assorted Links

64. Tuesday's Assorted Links

The post highlights various stories related to economic principles, including job cuts, international student enrollment, and cultural trends affecting marriage interest.

Prospects for Computer Equipment Investment

65. Prospects for Computer Equipment Investment

Menzie Chinn analyzes the impact of capital investment in AI on GDP growth and speculates on future trends in computer equipment investment.

66. 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

67. 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

68. 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

69. 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

70. 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?

71. 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

72. 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

73. 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

74. 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

75. 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

76. 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?

77. 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

78. 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

79. 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

80. 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.