Econ Blog

your daily dose of economic commentary

ChatGPT-5 Writes a Story

1101. ChatGPT-5 Writes a Story

Joshua Gans explores the capabilities of ChatGPT-5 in storytelling, showcasing its engaging responses to whimsical prompts and reflecting on human-AI interaction.

IRS Commissioner Billy Long replaced after less than two months

1102. IRS Commissioner Billy Long replaced after less than two months

Scott Horsley discusses the replacement of IRS Commissioner Billy Long by the Trump administration after a brief tenure.

It’s Beginning to Smell a Lot Like Stagflation

1103. It’s Beginning to Smell a Lot Like Stagflation

An argument that current economic policies, particularly tariffs and immigration restrictions, are likely to lead to inflation and potential stagflation in the U.S. economy.

Did RFK just take away your cancer treatment?

1104. Did RFK just take away your cancer treatment?

Noah Smith discusses the advancements in cancer treatment, particularly focusing on mRNA vaccines and their potential to transform cancer from a death sentence into a manageable disease.

1105. A Non-Reswitching Theorem Inapplicable To Non-Competitive Markets?

Robert Vienneau discusses the implications of non-reswitching theorems in economic models, particularly in relation to non-competitive markets and the Cambridge capital controversy.

Is anyone worth a billion dollars?

1106. Is anyone worth a billion dollars?

Tyler Cowen discusses Meta's valuation increase due to AI investments and the implications for its future profitability and market expectations.

Las Vegas sees drop in tourism, hinting at broader economic woes facing the U.S.

1107. Las Vegas sees drop in tourism, hinting at broader economic woes facing the U.S.

Juliana Kim discusses the decline in Las Vegas tourism and its implications for the U.S. economy and consumer confidence.

More for Palantir, less for mRNA, and a disaster database redemption arc

1108. More for Palantir, less for mRNA, and a disaster database redemption arc

Darian Woods discusses Palantir's revenue growth, cuts to mRNA vaccine research, and the revival of a climate disaster database.

The US Auto Industry: Evolving, not Evaporating

1109. The US Auto Industry: Evolving, not Evaporating

An argument that the US auto industry has adapted to globalization, maintaining output and employment despite shifts away from traditional manufacturing hubs like Detroit.

“And you want to be my latex salesman?” (BLS edition) [updated 8/9/25]

1110. “And you want to be my latex salesman?” (BLS edition) [updated 8/9/25]

The post discusses the potential nomination of EJ Antoni as BLS Commissioner and his controversial recession declarations, highlighting implications for economic analysis.

Manufacturing on the Ropes?

1111. Manufacturing on the Ropes?

Menzie Chinn discusses the decline in manufacturing employment and production indicators since March 2025, highlighting economic trends and potential impacts of tariffs.

Laffer Curve in the United Kingdom?

1112. Laffer Curve in the United Kingdom?

An argument that the UK government's capital gains tax changes have led to decreased revenue, highlighting the long-term effects of tax policy on economic behavior.

Trump taps White House economist Stephen Miran to fill Fed vacancy on temporary basis

1113. Trump taps White House economist Stephen Miran to fill Fed vacancy on temporary basis

The post discusses Trump's nomination of Stephen Miran to a temporary position on the Federal Reserve's board of governors.

I've tracked my last 800 flights. Here's when you really need to get to the airport.

1114. I've tracked my last 800 flights. Here's when you really need to get to the airport.

Nate Silver shares insights from his extensive flying experience, advising on optimal airport arrival times and challenging conventional wisdom about excessive early arrivals.

We Have Never Been Woke Part 4: Why Are Symbolic Capitalists Woke?

1115. We Have Never Been Woke Part 4: Why Are Symbolic Capitalists Woke?

Kevin Corcoran analyzes the rise of symbolic capitalists, their demographic characteristics, and their ideological alignment with Progressivism in American society.

What to Watch (or Not): Ballard, Perfect Days, Billy Joel

1116. What to Watch (or Not): Ballard, Perfect Days, Billy Joel

The post reviews three media pieces, critiquing a TV show for poor writing, praising a film for its artistic depth, and exploring themes of isolation and connection.

The Emperor’s New Trade Deal

1117. The Emperor’s New Trade Deal

Paul Krugman critiques Donald Trump's misconceptions about a trade deal with the EU, highlighting the economic implications of tariffs and their limited impact on Europe.

11 ways NPR readers resist the impulse to shop (plus, a poem for inspo)

1118. 11 ways NPR readers resist the impulse to shop (plus, a poem for inspo)

Tips for mindful shopping are shared to help avoid regret and overspending, emphasizing the importance of resisting impulsive purchases.

My entertaining Conversation with Annie Jacobsen

1119. My entertaining Conversation with Annie Jacobsen

A discussion on nuclear weapons, fear, decision-making in crises, and reflections from defense officials on war and disarmament.

Trump doubles tariffs on India, jeopardizing longstanding ties

1120. Trump doubles tariffs on India, jeopardizing longstanding ties

The post discusses escalating tensions between the U.S. and India due to increased tariffs and pressure on India regarding Russian oil purchases.