Econ Blog

your daily dose of economic commentary

Hi Frequency Readout on Consumer Prices, Thru 12 October

781. Hi Frequency Readout on Consumer Prices, Thru 12 October

An argument that consumer price index estimates are influenced by tariffs, highlighting data analysis through October 12.

Everyday Prices Up 2.2% since Jan. 2025

782. Everyday Prices Up 2.2% since Jan. 2025

An argument that everyday prices have increased by 2.2% since January 2025, highlighting trends in consumer price indices and specific sectors like limited service restaurants.

Dad's obituary

783. Dad's obituary

Scott Cunningham reflects on his father's life, detailing his journey from a small-town upbringing to a successful career in computing and family life.

Economic ideas for Takaichi Sanae

784. Economic ideas for Takaichi Sanae

An argument that Takaichi Sanae's administration should focus on economic reforms to boost productivity and investment, while managing Japan's defense and international relations.

MBA:Mortgage Applications Increase in Latest Weekly Survey

785. MBA:Mortgage Applications Increase in Latest Weekly Survey

Mortgage applications rose significantly due to decreasing mortgage rates, with notable increases in refinancing and purchasing activity compared to previous weeks and last year.

Trump-Xi meeting concludes after days of build-up

786. Trump-Xi meeting concludes after days of build-up

Anthony Kuhn discusses President Trump's confidence in reaching a deal with China's leader ahead of their upcoming meeting.

The Fed cuts interest rates again as concerns grow about the job market

787. The Fed cuts interest rates again as concerns grow about the job market

An argument that the Federal Reserve may reduce interest rates due to emerging weaknesses in the job market, prioritizing employment over inflation concerns.

Macro Implications of Withholding Contingency Funding of SNAP

788. Macro Implications of Withholding Contingency Funding of SNAP

An argument that the prohibition of contingency funds for SNAP could negatively impact the economy, particularly during a prolonged government shutdown.

Are you worried about your SNAP benefits? NPR wants to hear your story

789. Are you worried about your SNAP benefits? NPR wants to hear your story

NPR Staff discusses the impact of the federal government shutdown on food and nutrition aid, inviting readers to share their experiences regarding potential loss of benefits.

Tuesday's Assorted Links

790. Tuesday's Assorted Links

Jadrian Wooten discusses various stories highlighting economic principles and their applications, including workplace toxicity, pricing, and educational economics.

A few Comments on the Seasonal Pattern for House Prices

791. A few Comments on the Seasonal Pattern for House Prices

An argument that house prices exhibit a seasonal pattern influenced by distressed sales, with recent trends showing increased seasonal swings despite fewer distressed sales.

Do political scandals still matter? Or is ticket-splitting dead?

792. Do political scandals still matter? Or is ticket-splitting dead?

The post examines the impact of political scandals on elections, particularly focusing on a recent scandal involving a Virginia candidate and its implications for party dynamics.

What to Watch

793. What to Watch

Alex Tabarrok reviews films, highlighting their political themes and artistic merit, particularly focusing on "A House of Dynamite" and "Springsteen: Deliver Me from Nowhere."

Amazon lays off thousands of corporate workers as it spends big on AI

794. Amazon lays off thousands of corporate workers as it spends big on AI

Alina Selyukh discusses Amazon's job cuts as the company reallocates resources towards artificial intelligence amid investor pressure for financial tightening.

Adam Smith Would Not Approve: The Evidence

795. Adam Smith Would Not Approve: The Evidence

Jon Murphy argues that Adam Smith would disapprove of recent U.S. tariffs due to their non-compliance with his principles on trade and mercantilism.

The Hunger Games Begin

796. The Hunger Games Begin

Paul Krugman discusses the implications of a potential government shutdown on SNAP funding and the political motivations behind it.

Bring back liberal nationalism

797. Bring back liberal nationalism

Noah Smith discusses the challenges facing the Trump administration and the Democratic Party's struggle to gain public support amidst rising Republican popularity.

Case-Shiller: National House Price Index Up 1.5% year-over-year in August

798. Case-Shiller: National House Price Index Up 1.5% year-over-year in August

Bill McBride discusses the August home price indices, noting a 1.5% annual gain and the impact of inflation on housing wealth.

America's immigration crackdown is disrupting the global remittance market

799. America's immigration crackdown is disrupting the global remittance market

Greg Rosalsky discusses how America's immigration policies are affecting the global remittance market and the financial implications for various countries.

States with Negative GDP, Employment Growth in 2025H1

800. States with Negative GDP, Employment Growth in 2025H1

The post analyzes states with negative GDP and employment growth in the first half of 2025, highlighting discrepancies between GDP and employment trends.