Econ Blog

your daily dose of economic commentary

Hotels: Occupancy Rate Decreased 2.4% Year-over-year

841. Hotels: Occupancy Rate Decreased 2.4% Year-over-year

Bill McBride discusses the decline in hotel occupancy rates due to weak international tourism and uncertainty affecting the industry.

Don’t Mistake a Miracle for Its Cause

842. Don’t Mistake a Miracle for Its Cause

Max Molden discusses the importance of focusing on the economic system rather than specific industries for sustainable prosperity, using Germany's past economic success as a case study.

Argentina and Rural America’s Awakening

843. Argentina and Rural America’s Awakening

An argument that rural Americans' political choices contradict their economic interests, highlighting the disconnect between their dependence on government aid and support for Republican policies.

NAR: Existing-Home Sales Increased to 4.06 million SAAR in September

844. NAR: Existing-Home Sales Increased to 4.06 million SAAR in September

Existing-home sales rose 1.5% in September, with inventory increasing and median prices up, reflecting trends in the housing market.

Starter homes are scarce. But homebuyers can improve their odds

845. Starter homes are scarce. But homebuyers can improve their odds

Scott Neuman discusses the scarcity of starter homes and offers strategies for homebuyers to improve their chances of finding affordable options.

Sports ticket prices are getting more expensive — and pricing out many fans

846. Sports ticket prices are getting more expensive — and pricing out many fans

Rafael Nam discusses the rising costs of sports tickets and how they are excluding many dedicated fans from attending games.

What If? An Equity Market Correction Like 2001

847. What If? An Equity Market Correction Like 2001

An analysis of potential impacts on US household wealth from an equity market correction similar to the 2001 dotcom bust, including consumption effects.

848. SBSQ #25: Why "No Kings" is a W for Democrats when the shutdown isn't

The discussion centers on the implications of government shutdowns for political dynamics, particularly how polling data influences perceptions of accountability among Democrats and Republicans.

AIA: "Softness persists at architecture firms" in September

849. AIA: "Softness persists at architecture firms" in September

The post discusses declining architecture firm conditions, indicated by a low Architecture Billings Index, suggesting ongoing softness in the sector and potential future impacts on commercial real estate investment.

Marijuana Policy in a Fragmented Legal Structure

850. Marijuana Policy in a Fragmented Legal Structure

The discussion highlights the inconsistencies in marijuana policy across states and the implications for public health and safety due to federal classification.

Profits are Social Authentication

851. Profits are Social Authentication

An argument that profits serve as a form of social authentication, reflecting consumer preferences and enabling market efficiency through individual choices and collective voices.

The U.S. Economy is in Worse Shape Than it Looks

852. The U.S. Economy is in Worse Shape Than it Looks

Paul Krugman discusses the disconnect between perceived economic stability and underlying issues, highlighting political uncertainty and inequality affecting the U.S. economy.

Should we worry about AI's circular deals?

853. Should we worry about AI's circular deals?

An argument that circular financial arrangements among AI companies may signal potential instability and inflation of perceived value, reminiscent of the dot-com bubble.

MBA:Mortgage Applications Decrease in Latest Weekly Survey

854. MBA:Mortgage Applications Decrease in Latest Weekly Survey

Mortgage applications fell slightly, while refinancing activity increased due to lower rates, indicating mixed trends in the housing market compared to previous years.

A Few Photos from Patagonia

855. A Few Photos from Patagonia

The post shares personal experiences and photos from a trip to Patagonia, highlighting its natural beauty and significant landmarks.

The Ambulance-Transport-to-Dialysis Fraud

856. The Ambulance-Transport-to-Dialysis Fraud

Timothy Taylor discusses Medicare fraud related to non-emergency ambulance transport for dialysis patients and the implications for government spending oversight.

Tuesday's Assorted Links

857. Tuesday's Assorted Links

Jadrian Wooten discusses various stories highlighting economic principles and teaching applications, including basic income, corporate banking, and market competition.

NAHB: Builder Confidence Increased in October, Negative territory for 18 consecutive months

858. NAHB: Builder Confidence Increased in October, Negative territory for 18 consecutive months

Builder confidence in the housing market increased in October, yet remains below the threshold indicating positive sales conditions, reflecting ongoing economic challenges.

The MR Podcast: Our Favorite Models, Session 2: The Baumol Effect

859. The MR Podcast: Our Favorite Models, Session 2: The Baumol Effect

Alex Tabarrok discusses the Baumol effect, emphasizing its implications on labor-intensive repair services and the shift towards cheaper new goods over time.

On Fair Prices

860. On Fair Prices

An argument that explores the concept of "fair price," distinguishing between price and cost, and questioning the morality associated with pricing in a world of scarcity.