Econ Blog

your daily dose of economic commentary

U.S. egg prices fall for the first time in months but remain near record highs

61. U.S. egg prices fall for the first time in months but remain near record highs

The Associated Press reports that average egg prices have decreased for the first time in months but remain high compared to previous levels.

ESPN's new streaming app could replace cable for some but may end up costing them more

62. ESPN's new streaming app could replace cable for some but may end up costing them more

Lydia Calitri discusses how ESPN's new streaming app may offer a cable alternative but could ultimately lead to higher costs for consumers.

Never Reason from a Population Change

63. Never Reason from a Population Change

Scott Sumner critiques the interpretation of housing market studies, emphasizing the importance of distinguishing between demand and supply factors in understanding housing prices.

President Trump's Trip to the Middle East

64. President Trump's Trip to the Middle East

The post discusses President Trump's overseas trip to the Middle East, focusing on meetings with Gulf leaders and the significance of U.S. deals and personal relationships.

65. How a Small Share of Firms Drive Economic Growth

An argument that a small number of firms significantly influence national productivity growth, with the U.S. outperforming the UK and Germany due to a higher proportion of standout firms.

Tuesday's Assorted Links

66. Tuesday's Assorted Links

The author discusses various stories that illustrate economic principles, including pricing strategies and housing market trends.

Why I love Imperfect Competition

67. Why I love Imperfect Competition

An argument that imperfect competition fosters variety and meets diverse consumer preferences, contrasting with the ideal of perfect competition favored by some politicians.

End of semester causal inference assignment

68. End of semester causal inference assignment

The post discusses a final assignment on causal inference, focusing on multiple analyst designs and the variability in research results from identical datasets and methods.

UnitedHealth Group abruptly replaces CEO Andrew Witty, deepening a terrible year

69. UnitedHealth Group abruptly replaces CEO Andrew Witty, deepening a terrible year

A health care conglomerate experiences financial difficulties and consumer dissatisfaction, leading to the unexpected replacement of its CEO.

Econ 101 is Underrated: Pharma Price Controls

70. Econ 101 is Underrated: Pharma Price Controls

An argument that price controls on pharmaceuticals may harm low-income countries while providing minimal benefits to U.S. consumers, highlighting the complexities of price discrimination in economics.

NY Fed Q1 Report: Change in Household Debt Balances Mixed; Student Loan Delinquencies Rise Sharply

71. NY Fed Q1 Report: Change in Household Debt Balances Mixed; Student Loan Delinquencies Rise Sharply

Bill McBride discusses the NY Fed's report on household debt, highlighting mixed changes in debt balances and a significant rise in student loan delinquencies.

Drill, Baby, Dr … Never Mind

72. Drill, Baby, Dr … Never Mind

Paul Krugman discusses the misconceptions surrounding energy production in the U.S. under Trump and Biden, highlighting the impact of policies and market conditions on energy independence.

Inflation cools in April — but tariffs could upend the picture in coming months

73. Inflation cools in April — but tariffs could upend the picture in coming months

Consumer prices showed a modest increase in April, but potential tariff impacts could alter economic conditions in the near future.

YoY Measures of Inflation: Services, Goods and Shelter

74. YoY Measures of Inflation: Services, Goods and Shelter

Bill McBride analyzes year-over-year inflation measures for services, goods, and shelter, highlighting trends and changes in various categories through April 2025.

Importers respond U.S.-China tariff cuts. And, takeaways from day 1 of Diddy's trial

75. Importers respond U.S.-China tariff cuts. And, takeaways from day 1 of Diddy's trial

Importers are optimistic about resuming trade following U.S. tariff reductions on China, while Diddy's trial begins with various allegations.

A major toy manufacturer is already nervous about Trump tariffs for holiday season

76. A major toy manufacturer is already nervous about Trump tariffs for holiday season

Nia Dumas discusses how Jay Foreman of Basic Fun! expresses concerns about the impact of Trump's tariff policies on businesses during the holiday season.

Why an economist says temporary U.S.-China tariff deal doesn't ease uncertainty

77. Why an economist says temporary U.S.-China tariff deal doesn't ease uncertainty

Obed Manuel discusses how a temporary U.S.-China tariff deal fails to alleviate uncertainty and may lead to higher prices for businesses importing Chinese goods.

Why aren't Americans filling the manufacturing jobs we already have?

78. Why aren't Americans filling the manufacturing jobs we already have?

An argument that American manufacturers face challenges in filling existing manufacturing jobs despite efforts from political leaders to revive the sector.

First, relief. Then, a scramble to get stuff in after U.S. cuts China tariffs for now

79. First, relief. Then, a scramble to get stuff in after U.S. cuts China tariffs for now

Business owners express relief over temporary tariff cuts with China, but uncertainty looms regarding future trade relations and economic impacts.

A brief history of NPR funding

80. A brief history of NPR funding

Darian Woods discusses NPR's funding sources and the implications of President Trump's executive order to cut federal support.