Econ Blog

your daily dose of economic commentary

The unraveling of Obamacare?

81. The unraveling of Obamacare?

An argument that Obamacare's financial and political stability is questionable, highlighting the implications of the mandate's unpopularity and ongoing budget concerns.

Twenty Two Days in October

82. Twenty Two Days in October

The post discusses the implications of a government shutdown on economic data releases, particularly focusing on employment statistics and trends in different firm sizes.

The Third Magic

83. The Third Magic

Noah Smith explores the transformative and mysterious nature of AI technology, likening it to magic and discussing its implications for society and understanding.

Tech and the Wealth of Nations

84. Tech and the Wealth of Nations

The discussion centers on the impact of technological lag in Europe compared to the U.S. and its implications for productivity and economic growth.

Delaying Employment Situation Release, CPI Release Next?

85. Delaying Employment Situation Release, CPI Release Next?

The post discusses the implications of delayed employment and inflation data releases, questioning the administration's reaction and analyzing recent economic indicators.

AI Scientists in the Lab

86. AI Scientists in the Lab

The post discusses the development of AI scientists and autonomous labs aimed at accelerating scientific discovery, including potential breakthroughs in materials and biosecurity challenges.

Talking With Jonathan Cohn

87. Talking With Jonathan Cohn

A discussion on the Affordable Care Act's impact, the impending expiration of enhanced subsidies, and the political implications surrounding healthcare during a government shutdown.

88. Skilled Labor, Labor Values, Prices Of Production

An argument that explores the production and valuation of skilled versus unskilled labor within classical and Marxian economic frameworks, focusing on labor values and prices of production.

Here's how the fashion industry is using AI to predict the next big trend

89. Here's how the fashion industry is using AI to predict the next big trend

Chloe Veltman discusses how the fashion industry is leveraging AI algorithms to forecast upcoming trends.

Business Cycle Implications from the ADP Release

90. Business Cycle Implications from the ADP Release

Menzie Chinn analyzes trends in employment data from the ADP release, focusing on differences between small and large firms' payrolls.

Shutdown has already delayed the jobs report. More critical reports could be held up

91. Shutdown has already delayed the jobs report. More critical reports could be held up

Scott Horsley discusses the impact of the federal shutdown on the release of critical economic reports, particularly the jobs report.

The Missing Rules

92. The Missing Rules

An argument that implicit rules significantly influence behavior, contrasting with explicit rules and genetic programming, using the kibbutz movement as a case study.

Machine learning, AI and Causal Inference Workshop; Demand Estimation Workshop; Weather in Boston

93. Machine learning, AI and Causal Inference Workshop; Demand Estimation Workshop; Weather in Boston

Scott Cunningham discusses upcoming workshops on machine learning, AI, and causal inference, emphasizing their relevance to economics and data science.

Q3 GDP Tracking: Flyin' Blind

94. Q3 GDP Tracking: Flyin' Blind

The post discusses recent GDP tracking estimates, highlighting changes in consumer spending and investment growth while noting the impact of a government shutdown on data releases.

Why do people get paid to invest their money?

95. Why do people get paid to invest their money?

Noah Smith discusses the fairness of capital income and the role of investors in the economy, questioning why investors are compensated for minimal effort.

Declining American Democracy: Trump is a Symptom, Not the Cause

96. Declining American Democracy: Trump is a Symptom, Not the Cause

The post discusses the current threats to American democracy, emphasizing that Trump's actions reflect deeper systemic issues within the Republican party and political polarization.

A public broadcaster's path after losing U.S. funds: Youth sports and less local news

97. A public broadcaster's path after losing U.S. funds: Youth sports and less local news

David Folkenflik discusses how South Dakota Public Broadcasting adapts to funding losses by increasing reliance on NPR programs and shifting focus towards youth sports and less local news.

Financial Inclusion

98. Financial Inclusion

Timothy Taylor discusses the importance of financial inclusion and the challenges faced by unbanked and underbanked populations in the U.S. economy.

On politics and gender

99. On politics and gender

An argument that explores social differences in gender performance between conservatives and liberals in Washington politics, highlighting attire, behavior, and cultural norms.

Slow down and protect things: Fed independence and the Supreme Court

100. Slow down and protect things: Fed independence and the Supreme Court

Claudia Sahm discusses the Supreme Court's delay in a case involving Fed Governor Lisa Cook, highlighting implications for Fed independence and political interference.