Econ Blog

your daily dose of economic commentary

4 astronauts splashdown on SpaceX capsule to end Axiom Space's private Ax-4 mission

1441. 4 astronauts splashdown on SpaceX capsule to end Axiom Space's private Ax-4 mission

Russell Lewis discusses the successful splashdown of four astronauts after Axiom Space's Ax-4 mission, highlighting Peggy Whitson's record-setting space duration.

Why Trump's tariffs may hit low-income households hardest

1442. Why Trump's tariffs may hit low-income households hardest

An argument that tariffs imposed by the Trump administration disproportionately affect low-income households by targeting their preferred goods.

Why there's so much excitement around a cryptocurrency called stablecoin

1443. Why there's so much excitement around a cryptocurrency called stablecoin

Rafael Nam discusses the rising interest in stablecoins and the regulatory measures Congress is considering for them.

Power prices are expected to soar under new tax cut and spending law

1444. Power prices are expected to soar under new tax cut and spending law

Michael Copley discusses how the absence of renewable energy policies may lead to increased power prices as federal clean energy tax incentives are set to expire.

How to talk to the AIs

1445. How to talk to the AIs

Tyler Cowen discusses the implications of AI discourse, criticizing doomsday narratives and emphasizing the importance of responsible communication about AI's potential.

Why aren't filmmakers shooting in LA?

1446. Why aren't filmmakers shooting in LA?

Darian Woods discusses the decline of film production in Los Angeles due to competition from states and countries offering production subsidies.

SBSQ #22:⚡Lightning Round edition⚡

1447. SBSQ #22:⚡Lightning Round edition⚡

Nate Silver discusses various reader questions about political implications of the One Big Beautiful Bill and its effects on the midterms and public perception.

Tuesday: CPI, NY Fed Mfg

1448. Tuesday: CPI, NY Fed Mfg

Bill McBride discusses upcoming economic reports, specifically the Consumer Price Index and the New York Fed manufacturing survey, and their implications for interest rates.

Why the Federal Reserve's building renovations are attracting the White House's ire

1449. Why the Federal Reserve's building renovations are attracting the White House's ire

A $2.5 billion renovation of the Federal Reserve's headquarters is facing criticism from the Trump administration amid ongoing tensions over interest rate policies.

Minimum Wage Misery

1450. Minimum Wage Misery

Walter Block argues that minimum wage laws harm the economically weakest individuals, preventing them from obtaining jobs that match their productivity levels.

CPI Preview

1451. CPI Preview

Bill McBride discusses the upcoming Consumer Price Index release, consensus forecasts, and factors influencing inflation trends.

Why Are Americans Suddenly Saving Again?

1452. Why Are Americans Suddenly Saving Again?

The post examines the recent increase in American savings, exploring both optimistic and pessimistic interpretations of this trend in relation to economic confidence and consumer behavior.

Making Immigration Great Again

1453. Making Immigration Great Again

Paul Krugman discusses the political implications of immigration policies under Trump, highlighting public disapproval of his approach and the reality of immigrant crime rates.

Housing July 14th Weekly Update: Inventory down 0.7% Week-over-week, Down 11% from 2019 Levels

1454. Housing July 14th Weekly Update: Inventory down 0.7% Week-over-week, Down 11% from 2019 Levels

Bill McBride discusses the recent trends in single-family housing inventory, noting a week-over-week decline and comparisons to previous years.

Developing countries: A follow-up

1455. Developing countries: A follow-up

The post discusses the impact of industrial policy on developing countries' economic growth, highlighting challenges and opportunities in the post-pandemic landscape.

Trump's Brazil tariffs are 'grotesquely illegal,' says Nobel Prize-winning economist

1456. Trump's Brazil tariffs are 'grotesquely illegal,' says Nobel Prize-winning economist

An argument that tariffs proposed by Trump will persist and negatively impact U.S. consumers, according to economist Paul Krugman.

Trump to meet with NATO over Russia-Ukraine war. And, a list of Trump's tariff letters

1457. Trump to meet with NATO over Russia-Ukraine war. And, a list of Trump's tariff letters

The discussion centers on Trump's upcoming NATO meeting regarding the Russia-Ukraine war and his announcement of 30% tariffs on the EU and Mexico.

A lawsuit against Tesla and its driver-assistance technology goes to trial in Florida

1458. A lawsuit against Tesla and its driver-assistance technology goes to trial in Florida

Joel Rose discusses a trial in Florida regarding a lawsuit against Tesla related to its driver-assistance technology and safety concerns following a fatal crash.

Before La La Land, there was Fort Lee, New Jersey

1459. Before La La Land, there was Fort Lee, New Jersey

Darian Woods discusses the origins of Hollywood and its historical connection to Fort Lee, New Jersey.

WSJ July Survey: 2025 q4/q4 Growth at 1%

1460. WSJ July Survey: 2025 q4/q4 Growth at 1%

Menzie Chinn discusses the WSJ July survey's GDP growth forecasts for 2025, highlighting varying predictions and the impact of economic policies.