Econ Blog

your daily dose of economic commentary

The richest third-world country

861. The richest third-world country

The post discusses the perception of the U.S. as a "third-world country," highlighting political dysfunction and authoritarian tendencies under recent leadership compared to other nations.

Take The Planet Money Summer School Quiz In Political Economy

862. Take The Planet Money Summer School Quiz In Political Economy

Eric Mennel invites readers to test their knowledge of market manipulation and domestic industry through a quiz in Political Economy.

MBA: Mortgage Applications Decrease in Latest Weekly Survey

863. MBA: Mortgage Applications Decrease in Latest Weekly Survey

Mortgage applications fell slightly, with refinance applications decreasing due to rising rates, while purchase applications showed a year-over-year increase amid more inventory and cooling prices.

U.S. tariffs take effect on India, threatening $48.2B in exports

864. U.S. tariffs take effect on India, threatening $48.2B in exports

The Associated Press discusses President Trump's executive order imposing tariffs on India, impacting $48.2 billion in exports due to its Russian oil purchases.

Protesters occupy Microsoft office as company reviews its work with Israel's military

865. Protesters occupy Microsoft office as company reviews its work with Israel's military

Protests at a Microsoft office involve employees opposing the company's collaboration with Israel's military amid concerns over its use of technology in attacks on Palestinians.

Why Is Productivity Falling in the US Construction Sector?

866. Why Is Productivity Falling in the US Construction Sector?

Timothy Taylor discusses the decline in productivity in the US construction sector and its implications for housing affordability and economic growth.

A Collectivist Judge Is a Contradiction in Terms

867. A Collectivist Judge Is a Contradiction in Terms

An argument that collectivism undermines individual rights, highlighting the role of judges in maintaining a free society based on abstract rules rather than political interests.

Confidence Drops (to above Consensus)

868. Confidence Drops (to above Consensus)

Menzie Chinn analyzes recent trends in consumer confidence and sentiment, noting their fluctuations and implications for economic expectations.

Zandi’s Recession Map

869. Zandi’s Recession Map

Menzie Chinn discusses a map illustrating quarterly nonfarm payroll growth projections through July 2025 based on data and calculations.

Tuesday's Assorted Links

870. Tuesday's Assorted Links

The author discusses various stories related to economic principles and their implications for education and productivity.

A few comments on the Seasonal Pattern for House Prices

871. A few comments on the Seasonal Pattern for House Prices

An argument that house prices exhibit a seasonal pattern, influenced by distressed sales during the housing bust and recent changes in market dynamics.

Will the Fed Lowering Rates Reduce Government Borrowing Costs?

872. Will the Fed Lowering Rates Reduce Government Borrowing Costs?

An argument that lower Federal Reserve rates may not reduce government borrowing costs due to market dynamics and increasing supply of Treasuries.

In the Matter of Lisa Cook

873. In the Matter of Lisa Cook

An argument that Trump's attempt to fire a Federal Reserve governor undermines institutional independence and reflects a broader authoritarian trend in governance.

Case-Shiller: National House Price Index Up 1.9% year-over-year in June

874. Case-Shiller: National House Price Index Up 1.9% year-over-year in June

Bill McBride discusses the latest Case-Shiller Home Price Indices, highlighting a 1.9% year-over-year increase in national home prices and notable regional variations.

How plants and fungi trade resources without a brain

875. How plants and fungi trade resources without a brain

An argument that fungi and plants demonstrate resource trading and cooperation, offering insights into human economic systems and global trade dynamics.

Judge orders Kari Lake to answer questions about Voice of America under oath

876. Judge orders Kari Lake to answer questions about Voice of America under oath

A judge mandates Kari Lake to provide sworn testimony regarding her intentions for Voice of America, indicating potential contempt issues.

Episode 58. Liz Truss on Politics and the Economy in the United Kingdom

877. Episode 58. Liz Truss on Politics and the Economy in the United Kingdom

Jon Hartley discusses Liz Truss's background, her political journey, economic policies, and the current state of the UK amidst global challenges.

Constitutional and Economic Crises: Trump Assaults the Fed’s Independence

878. Constitutional and Economic Crises: Trump Assaults the Fed’s Independence

Menzie Chinn discusses the implications of Trump's policies on the Federal Reserve's independence and the potential economic consequences of political actions.

Non-Essentials, and the Business Cycle

879. Non-Essentials, and the Business Cycle

An argument that discretionary spending trends do not indicate an impending recession, contrasting past observations with current data.

880. Interview with Gary Hoover: Teaching with Purpose

Timothy Taylor discusses Gary Hoover's journey in economics, emphasizing the importance of teaching with purpose and the need for engaging students in meaningful questions.