Econ Blog

your daily dose of economic commentary

Schedule for Week of October 12, 2025

941. Schedule for Week of October 12, 2025

Bill McBride outlines key economic reports and data releases scheduled for the week of October 12, 2025, while noting potential delays due to a government shutdown.

Trump threatens tech export limits, new 100% tariff on Chinese imports

942. Trump threatens tech export limits, new 100% tariff on Chinese imports

An argument that Trump may impose a 100% tariff on Chinese imports, raising concerns about economic repercussions and potential recession risks.

What Releases Will We Miss? (updated for 31 day shutdown)

943. What Releases Will We Miss? (updated for 31 day shutdown)

The post discusses the economic data releases that will be missed due to a government shutdown, highlighting specific reports from the BLS and BEA.

944. Some Economics of US Biofuels

The discussion focuses on the evolution, challenges, and economic impacts of US biofuels, particularly regarding production methods, market effects, and environmental implications.

AstraZeneca makes deal with White House to lower drug prices

945. AstraZeneca makes deal with White House to lower drug prices

A drugmaker agrees to a deal with the Trump administration aimed at reducing U.S. drug prices as part of a broader initiative.

Sentiment Mired at Global Financial Crisis Levels

946. Sentiment Mired at Global Financial Crisis Levels

Menzie Chinn analyzes consumer sentiment data and its implications, particularly in light of economic conditions reminiscent of the global financial crisis.

Is the Democratic Party dominated by progressives or by centrists?

947. Is the Democratic Party dominated by progressives or by centrists?

Nate Silver analyzes the internal divisions within the Democratic Party, arguing that it is more complex than simply being dominated by progressives or centrists.

When Godzilla Breaks Windows

948. When Godzilla Breaks Windows

The post discusses the broken window fallacy, illustrating how destruction, like Godzilla's rampage, does not create economic growth but rather represents a significant loss.

Leprechauns, Effective Tariffs and Inflation

949. Leprechauns, Effective Tariffs and Inflation

An argument that tariffs have not caused the expected recession or inflation, highlighting the role of tax avoidance and the impact of AI investment on the economy.

Can anything knock China off its mountain?

950. Can anything knock China off its mountain?

Noah Smith discusses the challenges China faces in maintaining its global power, particularly focusing on demographics and the implications of U.S. political actions.

Nobel Prize in Economics Predictions

951. Nobel Prize in Economics Predictions

Scott Cunningham discusses his predictions for the Nobel Prize in economics, highlighting notable economists and their contributions to the field.

'I'm done being afraid': How the shutdown has led federal workers to speak out

952. 'I'm done being afraid': How the shutdown has led federal workers to speak out

Federal employees express renewed hope for their voices to be heard following layoffs and funding cuts during the government shutdown.

Divergence in Employment Growth, by Firm Size

953. Divergence in Employment Growth, by Firm Size

Menzie Chinn discusses employment growth disparities between small and large firms, highlighting a slowdown in smaller firms based on recent data.

Is The Housing Affordability Crisis an Illusion?

954. Is The Housing Affordability Crisis an Illusion?

An argument that the housing affordability crisis may be overstated, emphasizing the importance of considering inflation, income growth, and home size in price analyses.

Hanson and Buterin for Nobel Prize in Economics

955. Hanson and Buterin for Nobel Prize in Economics

An argument that Robin Hanson and Vitalik Buterin deserve a Nobel Prize for their contributions to prediction markets and applied mechanism design in economics.

Bailing out Bessent’s Buddies’ Bets on Argentina

956. Bailing out Bessent’s Buddies’ Bets on Argentina

Paul Krugman critiques the Trump administration's support for Argentina's government, highlighting the economic failures and political motivations behind the proposed financial aid.

957. December 2006: Tanta joined CR!

The post reflects on the contributions of a notable female finance blogger, Tanta, and her insights into the mortgage industry during her time writing for the blog.

3 debt myths that can hold you back from making smart financial decisions

958. 3 debt myths that can hold you back from making smart financial decisions

An argument that common misconceptions about credit card debt can hinder effective financial decision-making and understanding of personal finance.

Trump threatens 'massive' tariffs and cancelling meeting after China's rare earth curb

959. Trump threatens 'massive' tariffs and cancelling meeting after China's rare earth curb

John Ruwitch discusses China's export restrictions on rare earths to enhance its negotiating power in upcoming trade talks with the U.S.

Renewable energy outpaces coal for electricity generation in historic first, report says

960. Renewable energy outpaces coal for electricity generation in historic first, report says

A report reveals that renewable energy has surpassed coal in global electricity generation for the first time in history.