Econ Blog

your daily dose of economic commentary

Schedule for Week of August 24, 2025

1481. Schedule for Week of August 24, 2025

Bill McBride outlines key economic indicators and reports scheduled for the week of August 24, 2025, including home sales and GDP estimates.

Europe's crusade against air conditioning is insane

1482. Europe's crusade against air conditioning is insane

Noah Smith discusses Europe's reluctance to adopt air conditioning despite rising temperatures and its implications for public health and technology adoption.

Dean Ball on state-level AI laws

1483. Dean Ball on state-level AI laws

An argument that state laws regulating AI in mental health services may hinder innovation and access while ignoring the potential benefits of AI tools in this field.

EJ Antoni Tries to Estimate Crowding Out using 2SLS

1484. EJ Antoni Tries to Estimate Crowding Out using 2SLS

An argument that estimates the relationship between interest rates and deficits using instrumental variables, highlighting issues with data and methodology in the analysis.

1485. Does the Invisible Hand Work For Honor, Too? A Thought from Montesquieu

Timothy Taylor explores Montesquieu's views on how personal ambition in monarchy can benefit society, linking it to the economic concept of self-interest promoting public good.

1486. When the Big Apple Went Bust: Bankruptcy and Austerity in New York, 1975

The post examines New York City's 1975 financial crisis, exploring the interplay of fiscal mismanagement, austerity politics, and social welfare debates.

Intel will give the U.S. government a 10% stake, Trump says

1487. Intel will give the U.S. government a 10% stake, Trump says

John Ruwitch discusses President Trump's announcement regarding Intel's 10% stake for the U.S. government, highlighting the administration's push for control over businesses.

The EV tax credit ends soon — but there's a little bit of wiggle room for car buyers

1488. The EV tax credit ends soon — but there's a little bit of wiggle room for car buyers

Camila Domonoske discusses the impending end of the federal EV tax credit and clarifies eligibility for car buyers regarding the deadline.

Cass Sunstein on classical liberalism

1489. Cass Sunstein on classical liberalism

An argument that classical liberalism encompasses diverse perspectives, highlighting the enduring relevance of figures like Hayek and von Mises in advocating for freedom.

Philly Fed: State Coincident Indexes Increased in 41 States in July (3-Month Basis)

1490. Philly Fed: State Coincident Indexes Increased in 41 States in July (3-Month Basis)

Bill McBride discusses the increase in coincident indexes for 41 states as reported by the Philadelphia Fed, indicating positive economic trends.

Trump says 'We want to be very good to Canada,' as its leader drops some tariffs

1491. Trump says 'We want to be very good to Canada,' as its leader drops some tariffs

Canada is eliminating some retaliatory tariffs in response to U.S. tariff exemptions under the trade pact with Mexico and the U.S., as announced by Prime Minister Mark Carney.

“They” not “It”: Understanding Group Behavior Through Methodological Individualism

1492. “They” not “It”: Understanding Group Behavior Through Methodological Individualism

Jon Murphy discusses how methodological individualism provides a framework for understanding group behavior by focusing on individual actions rather than treating groups as singular entities.

Fed Chair Jerome Powell signals possible rate cut, sending stocks sharply higher

1493. Fed Chair Jerome Powell signals possible rate cut, sending stocks sharply higher

Scott Horsley discusses Jerome Powell's indication of a potential interest rate cut, which led to a significant increase in stock prices.

Kilowatt Madness

1494. Kilowatt Madness

An argument that rising electricity prices, driven by demand from AI and crypto, will exacerbate inflation and hinder economic growth, while political figures misattribute the causes.

1495. Fed Chair Powell: "The shifting balance of risks may warrant adjusting our policy stance"

Bill McBride discusses Fed Chair Powell's insights on monetary policy adjustments in response to evolving economic conditions, including inflation and labor market dynamics.

Another Example With A Cost-Minimizing Technique With Intensive And Extensive Rent

1496. Another Example With A Cost-Minimizing Technique With Intensive And Extensive Rent

The discussion focuses on a model combining intensive and extensive rent in agricultural production, analyzing how different techniques affect land use and profit levels.

She's cared for America's elderly for decades. Trump wants her gone by Sept. 8

1497. She's cared for America's elderly for decades. Trump wants her gone by Sept. 8

The post discusses the impact of ending temporary protected status on health care workers caring for the elderly, highlighting the potential consequences for America's aging population.

Home sales are ticking up — and more are coming to market

1498. Home sales are ticking up — and more are coming to market

Recent data indicates a potential recovery in the real estate market after a period of stagnation due to high mortgage rates.

1499. Some Economics of Leasing Antiquities

The discussion centers on the economic complexities of antiquities ownership, highlighting leasing as a potential solution to incentivize preservation and legal compliance.

Chatbots, Companionship, and Mental Healthcare: A Call for Taking a Harm Reduction Approach

1500. Chatbots, Companionship, and Mental Healthcare: A Call for Taking a Harm Reduction Approach

The discussion revolves around the use of chatbots in mental healthcare, highlighting issues of self-selection, empathy paradox, and the challenges of causal inference in evaluating their effectiveness.