Econ Blog

your daily dose of economic commentary

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

961. 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

962. 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.

Malaysia: Truly Asia

963. Malaysia: Truly Asia

Noah Smith explores Malaysia's cultural diversity, historical influences, and the government's efforts to unify its population through religion and race-based policies.

What are your holiday shopping plans? NPR wants to hear from you

964. What are your holiday shopping plans? NPR wants to hear from you

The post invites readers to share their holiday shopping plans, questioning whether they will cut back or spend more this season.

Understanding Theory: Labor Market Edition

965. Understanding Theory: Labor Market Edition

The discussion centers on the implications of a new fee for H-1B visas and its potential effects on hiring practices and labor market dynamics.

Dozens of Bob Ross paintings will be auctioned to help public TV after funding cuts

966. Dozens of Bob Ross paintings will be auctioned to help public TV after funding cuts

A series of auctions featuring Bob Ross paintings aims to support public television following recent funding cuts.

Why gold is having its best year since 1979

967. Why gold is having its best year since 1979

Maria Aspan discusses the surge in gold prices and its implications for the U.S. economy.

Ingots We Trust

968. Ingots We Trust

Paul Krugman discusses Ken Griffin's insights on gold prices as an economic indicator of diminishing faith in America, linking it to political developments under Trump.

969. The Long and Winding Road

The post reflects on past predictions about housing and the economy, discussing trends, lending standards, and the absence of speculation in the current market.

Why preorders are such a big deal for authors

970. Why preorders are such a big deal for authors

Alex Goldmark discusses the significance of preorders for authors in terms of sales and visibility.

The Root returns to Black ownership. Here's how Ashley Allison is reimagining it

971. The Root returns to Black ownership. Here's how Ashley Allison is reimagining it

The discussion centers on Ashley Allison's vision for revitalizing "The Root" under Black ownership, emphasizing its role in Black media and community engagement.

Can Wemby make the MVP leap?

972. Can Wemby make the MVP leap?

The discussion centers on Victor Wembanyama's potential to become an MVP candidate, analyzing his defensive skills and the implications of team performance on his chances.

Agricultural Exports through August

973. Agricultural Exports through August

Menzie Chinn discusses the decline in agricultural exports and the implications of China's purchasing decisions on U.S. exports.

The U.S. political situation

974. The U.S. political situation

The discussion centers on the current U.S. political climate, contrasting perceptions of civil conflict with actual levels of political violence and rhetoric from leaders.

When George Dantzig Optimized His Personal Diet Problem

975. When George Dantzig Optimized His Personal Diet Problem

Timothy Taylor discusses George Dantzig's application of linear programming to optimize diets, linking it to nutritional needs and the historical context of the US poverty line.

Tuesday's Assorted Links

976. Tuesday's Assorted Links

The post shares five stories related to economic principles, including coffee prices, whiskey production, housing affordability, and the impact of industrial bubbles on infrastructure.

Not So Great Expectations: Farm Edition

977. Not So Great Expectations: Farm Edition

A discussion on the low farmer sentiment and dependency on government support amid declining commodity receipts and rising costs, particularly affecting soybean farmers.

Digital ID in the Cradle of Liberty (My Last EconLog Post)

978. Digital ID in the Cradle of Liberty (My Last EconLog Post)

Pierre Lemieux critiques the British government's digital ID scheme, arguing it enhances state power and surveillance while diminishing individual liberty and dignity.

MR Podcast: Our Favorite Models, Session 1

979. MR Podcast: Our Favorite Models, Session 1

Alex Tabarrok discusses various economic models, focusing on tax incidence and the effects of corporate taxes on capital and labor in the Marginal Revolution Podcast.

Why Aren’t We Partying Like It’s 1999?

980. Why Aren’t We Partying Like It’s 1999?

Paul Krugman discusses the current economic landscape, comparing the AI investment boom to the 1990s tech bubble while noting a prevailing pessimism among Americans today.