Econ Blog

your daily dose of economic commentary

My excellent Conversation with Helen Castor

1321. My excellent Conversation with Helen Castor

The discussion focuses on the functions and limitations of the English government in the 14th century, including taxation, law-making, and the role of landed nobles.

Trump says cutting interest rates will make homebuying cheaper. It's not that simple

1322. Trump says cutting interest rates will make homebuying cheaper. It's not that simple

An argument that cutting interest rates may not necessarily lead to cheaper homebuying, highlighting potential negative consequences.

How to beach on a budget

1323. How to beach on a budget

Robert Smith discusses how Americans are finding ways to save money on vacations, highlighting economic trends and consumer behavior.

LA under Occupation: Macro Indicators for California

1324. LA under Occupation: Macro Indicators for California

Menzie Chinn discusses the economic decline in California due to federal actions and their effects on employment and agriculture.

AIA: "Architecture firm billings remain soft" in June

1325. AIA: "Architecture firm billings remain soft" in June

The post discusses the decline in architecture firm billings while noting an increase in project inquiries, indicating potential future growth despite ongoing economic challenges in the sector.

Does the public favor rent control?

1326. Does the public favor rent control?

The discussion highlights the disconnect between public opinion polls and actual policy outcomes regarding rent control, emphasizing the complexities of public sentiment on economic issues.

1327. Only Five Ways to Address Rising US Debt

Timothy Taylor discusses five potential methods to address the rising US debt-to-GDP ratio, emphasizing the economic and political implications of each option.

Trump's new AI policies keep culture war focus on tech companies

1328. Trump's new AI policies keep culture war focus on tech companies

An argument that new executive orders target tech companies over perceived "woke AI," linking federal contracts to compliance with these policies.

Tesla profits slide 16%, despite Elon Musk's pivot back to his companies

1329. Tesla profits slide 16%, despite Elon Musk's pivot back to his companies

John Ruwitch discusses Tesla's profit decline and sales drop, highlighting the impact on the company despite Elon Musk's renewed focus on his businesses.

Georgia has gone from luxury to necessity for Democrats

1330. Georgia has gone from luxury to necessity for Democrats

An argument that Georgia has become essential for Democrats, highlighting demographic shifts and electoral trends that influence the state's political landscape ahead of the 2026 midterms.

The REAL Land of Cockaigne

1331. The REAL Land of Cockaigne

The post contrasts the mythical land of Cockaigne with real grocery stores, emphasizing how market systems and prices effectively address scarcity and incentivize production and consumption.

Philly Fed: State Coincident Indexes Increased in 40 States in June (3-Month Basis)

1332. Philly Fed: State Coincident Indexes Increased in 40 States in June (3-Month Basis)

Bill McBride discusses the increase in coincident indexes for 40 states in June, indicating positive economic trends based on employment and other indicators.

About That Japan Deal

1333. About That Japan Deal

Paul Krugman discusses the implications of the Trump administration's trade deal with Japan, highlighting its potential to increase the trade deficit and crony capitalism.

The Hellscapes of Their Minds

1334. The Hellscapes of Their Minds

Paul Krugman discusses the potential dangers of ICE's actions in New York City and critiques the false narratives surrounding urban crime and immigration.

NAR: Existing-Home Sales Decreased to 3.93 million SAAR in June; Unchanged YoY

1335. NAR: Existing-Home Sales Decreased to 3.93 million SAAR in June; Unchanged YoY

Bill McBride discusses a 2.7% decrease in existing-home sales in June, highlighting trends in inventory and regional variations.

Mixtape Sessions presents “The Hidden Curriculum”

1336. Mixtape Sessions presents “The Hidden Curriculum”

Scott Cunningham discusses a workshop aimed at graduate students and early-career economists, focusing on essential skills not taught in graduate school.

MBA: Mortgage Applications Increase in Latest Weekly Survey

1337. MBA: Mortgage Applications Increase in Latest Weekly Survey

Mortgage applications rose slightly, with purchase applications increasing year-over-year, while refinance applications declined due to high interest rates impacting borrowers.

How China came to rule the world of rare earth elements

1338. How China came to rule the world of rare earth elements

Emily Feng discusses how China has overtaken the U.S. in the rare earth elements market, highlighting the shift in global control over these critical resources.

Summer School 3: How government decides what to spend our money on

1339. Summer School 3: How government decides what to spend our money on

The discussion centers on how government prioritizes spending and the limitations it faces in financial decisions.

Govt 3: You are what you pay for (Budgets)

1340. Govt 3: You are what you pay for (Budgets)

The author, Robert Smith, discusses government spending priorities and the limitations faced in budget decisions.