Econ Blog

your daily dose of economic commentary

Teaching Potential Outcomes to My Students on Day 3 of Class

1261. Teaching Potential Outcomes to My Students on Day 3 of Class

The post discusses teaching potential outcomes in causal inference, emphasizing its importance and the challenges students face in understanding the concept.

When MAGA Prophecy Fails

1262. When MAGA Prophecy Fails

Paul Krugman discusses the failure of Trump's economic promises and the cult-like behavior of his supporters in denying the reality of economic data.

Part 1: Current State of the Housing Market; Overview for mid-September 2025

1263. Part 1: Current State of the Housing Market; Overview for mid-September 2025

Bill McBride discusses the current housing market, highlighting increased inventory, declining sales, and projected year-over-year price decreases for existing homes by the end of 2025.

Absolute Rent, Extensive Rent, And Intensive Rent

1264. Absolute Rent, Extensive Rent, And Intensive Rent

An argument that explores the concepts of absolute, intensive, and extensive rent within the context of non-competitive markets and their implications for agricultural and industrial capitalists.

MBA: Mortgage Applications Increase in Latest Weekly Survey

1265. MBA: Mortgage Applications Increase in Latest Weekly Survey

Mortgage applications rose significantly, driven by declining rates and increased borrower demand, with notable growth in both purchase and refinance applications compared to previous weeks and last year.

Who is Lachlan Murdoch, the anointed media tycoon?

1266. Who is Lachlan Murdoch, the anointed media tycoon?

The piece discusses Lachlan Murdoch's secure leadership role at News Corp. and Fox following a succession battle with his father.

Why We Teach International Trade and Foreign Direct Investment Together

1267. Why We Teach International Trade and Foreign Direct Investment Together

Menzie Chinn discusses the interrelation between international trade and foreign direct investment, emphasizing their complementary nature in the context of trade policy uncertainty.

White House Tries to (Ineptly) Spin the Preliminary Benchmark Release

1268. White House Tries to (Ineptly) Spin the Preliminary Benchmark Release

Menzie Chinn discusses the White House's misleading interpretation of benchmark revisions regarding job growth and the economy under Presidents Trump and Biden.

Federal judge blocks Trump from firing Fed Governor Lisa Cook, for now

1269. Federal judge blocks Trump from firing Fed Governor Lisa Cook, for now

Scott Horsley discusses a federal judge's ruling that temporarily prevents President Trump from firing Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook.

Implications of the Preliminary Benchmark Revision

1270. Implications of the Preliminary Benchmark Revision

An argument that the Preliminary Benchmark Revision likely undercounts employment, particularly for undocumented workers, and discusses its implications for job growth estimates.

Is Susan Collins toast?

1271. Is Susan Collins toast?

The post examines Susan Collins's vulnerability in the upcoming Senate race, highlighting Maine's unique political landscape and the implications for Democratic strategies in the 2026 elections.

Supreme Court agrees to hear challenge to some of Trump's sweeping tariffs

1272. Supreme Court agrees to hear challenge to some of Trump's sweeping tariffs

Nina Totenberg discusses the Supreme Court's decision to hear a challenge regarding the legality of Trump's tariffs, which lower courts have deemed illegal.

Supreme Court will weigh in on Trump's tariffs. Here's what to know about the case

1273. Supreme Court will weigh in on Trump's tariffs. Here's what to know about the case

The Supreme Court will review lower court rulings declaring some of Trump's tariffs unlawful.

A Substantive Reply on Tariffs

1274. A Substantive Reply on Tariffs

An argument that tariffs on steel and aluminum may harm national security by diverting resources from critical industries, complicating the justification for such trade restrictions.

EU Productivity and Lack of Integration

1275. EU Productivity and Lack of Integration

Timothy Taylor discusses the EU's lagging productivity and economic integration, highlighting barriers that hinder competition and innovation compared to the US economy.

Tuesday's Assorted Links

1276. Tuesday's Assorted Links

The post shares five stories highlighting economic principles and their applications, emphasizing the importance of engaging economics education for students.

Winter workshop announcements plus pictures of Boston

1277. Winter workshop announcements plus pictures of Boston

Scott Cunningham shares his recent move to Boston, experiences with football, and plans for upcoming games while reflecting on personal memories and friendships.

CPI Preview

1278. CPI Preview

The post discusses upcoming Consumer Price Index data, forecasts for inflation rates, and factors influencing changes in CPI and core CPI.

A Blessing and a Curse

1279. A Blessing and a Curse

Jon Murphy discusses the dual nature of markets, highlighting their ability to coordinate and innovate while also critiquing the dangers of collectivism and centralized control.

Housing 101

1280. Housing 101

Alex Tabarrok discusses housing market dynamics, comparing apartment prices in Austin and New York, and the impact of Airbnb regulations on hotel prices.