Econ Blog

your daily dose of economic commentary

1201. Guest Contribution: “Trump’s Taylor Rule”

Menzie Chinn discusses Donald Trump's criticisms of the Federal Reserve and the implications for central bank independence and monetary policy.

Getting the Rules Right: The Case of Plastics Pollution

1202. Getting the Rules Right: The Case of Plastics Pollution

The discussion focuses on the importance of clear and effective regulations in a market economy, particularly regarding plastics pollution and its implications for value creation.

Why a changing climate may mean less chocolate in the future

1203. Why a changing climate may mean less chocolate in the future

Emily Kwong discusses the impact of climate change on cocoa production and its implications for chocolate prices and availability.

Instantaneous Core Inflation Again Rising

1204. Instantaneous Core Inflation Again Rising

An argument that core inflation rates are increasing, highlighting differences in inflation experiences across income levels and comparing various inflation measures.

We Have Never Been Woke Part 2: Of “We” and “Wokeness”

1205. We Have Never Been Woke Part 2: Of “We” and “Wokeness”

Kevin Corcoran analyzes Musa al-Gharbi's concept of "analytic egalitarianism" and critiques the asymmetrical treatment of social behaviors based on identity groups.

The White House sets a swath of new tariff rates — and a new date — for dozens of countries

1206. The White House sets a swath of new tariff rates — and a new date — for dozens of countries

New tariff rates have been announced for various countries, with a delay in implementation and specific rates for goods from Canada starting August 1.

Joshua Rauh on Federal Spending, Tax Revenue, Economic Growth, and Deficits

1207. Joshua Rauh on Federal Spending, Tax Revenue, Economic Growth, and Deficits

David Henderson discusses Joshua Rauh's testimony on the relationship between federal spending, tax revenue, economic growth, and deficits, emphasizing the need for spending restraint.

A fact checker hangs up his Pinocchios

1208. A fact checker hangs up his Pinocchios

Glenn Kessler discusses his departure from The Washington Post and reflects on the importance of fact-checking in a climate of misinformation.

State of the Macroeconomy: GDP, Key Indicators as of 7/31

1209. State of the Macroeconomy: GDP, Key Indicators as of 7/31

Menzie Chinn analyzes GDP growth and key economic indicators, emphasizing the importance of private domestic purchases and discussing trends in economic activity as of July 2023.

Refocusing US Health Care Spending

1210. Refocusing US Health Care Spending

The discussion highlights the disparity between high US health care spending and poor health outcomes, suggesting reforms to reduce costs and improve care efficiency.

Which is easier to interpret: canonical TWFE or 2x2 diff in diff?

1211. Which is easier to interpret: canonical TWFE or 2x2 diff in diff?

An argument that interpreting traditional TWFE coefficients is more complex than understanding 2x2 difference-in-differences due to underlying calculations and assumptions.

Eminent Domain and the Problem of Government

1212. Eminent Domain and the Problem of Government

Jon Murphy discusses the complexities of eminent domain, highlighting its potential benefits and pitfalls in different contexts of public works projects.

High Noon is recalling some vodka seltzers mislabeled as Celsius energy drinks

1213. High Noon is recalling some vodka seltzers mislabeled as Celsius energy drinks

Rachel Treisman discusses a recall of High Noon hard seltzers due to mislabeling as Celsius energy drinks in several states.

The Media Can’t Handle the Absence of Truth

1214. The Media Can’t Handle the Absence of Truth

Paul Krugman discusses the media's failure to accurately report on Trump's economic policies and the broader implications of misinformation in politics.

PCE Measure of Shelter Unchanged at 4.1% YoY in June

1215. PCE Measure of Shelter Unchanged at 4.1% YoY in June

Bill McBride discusses the unchanged year-over-year shelter measure in the PCE report and its implications for inflation and housing trends.

Personal Income Increased 0.3% in June; Spending Increased 0.3%

1216. Personal Income Increased 0.3% in June; Spending Increased 0.3%

Bill McBride discusses the increase in personal income and spending in June, along with related inflation data from the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis.

What Trump's threat to tariff Russia's trade partners means for India

1217. What Trump's threat to tariff Russia's trade partners means for India

Omkar Khandekar discusses India's response to President Trump's threats regarding tariffs on Russian trade partners and its implications for the economy.

The Fed holds interest rates steady. And, Texas releases bid for new redistricting map

1218. The Fed holds interest rates steady. And, Texas releases bid for new redistricting map

Brittney Melton discusses the Federal Reserve's decision to maintain interest rates and Texas Republicans' proposal for a new redistricting map.

Not enough money for retirement? NPR wants to hear from you

1219. Not enough money for retirement? NPR wants to hear from you

Arezou Rezvani discusses NPR's interest in hearing from adults over 50 who struggle with retirement savings and financial security.

Why the Fed could lose $1.5 trillion

1220. Why the Fed could lose $1.5 trillion

An argument that the Federal Reserve faces a significant financial loss due to pandemic-related quantitative easing measures.