Econ Blog

your daily dose of economic commentary

At least five interesting things: It Isn't That Bad edition (#66)

1521. At least five interesting things: It Isn't That Bad edition (#66)

The post discusses wage growth in America, the relationship between women's education and fertility, and the implications of AI on jobs and the economy.

Update: Lumber Prices Up 26% YoY

1522. Update: Lumber Prices Up 26% YoY

Bill McBride discusses the recent increase in lumber prices and the impact of contract changes on price comparisons.

Continuous diff in diff, regressions and the 2x2

1523. Continuous diff in diff, regressions and the 2x2

Scott Cunningham reflects on his experiences with diff-in-diff methodology, its implications in economics, and the narratives that shape his understanding of empirical research.

Trump Accounts are a Big Deal

1524. Trump Accounts are a Big Deal

The post discusses a new initiative providing investment accounts for newborns, highlighting its potential impact on social welfare and future economic security.

July ICE Mortgage Monitor: Home Prices Continue to Cool, Early Signs of Homeowner Risk Emerge

1525. July ICE Mortgage Monitor: Home Prices Continue to Cool, Early Signs of Homeowner Risk Emerge

Home price growth is slowing, with early signs of homeowner risk emerging due to high mortgage rates and increasing inventory.

What Amazon Prime Day Can Teach Us About Economics

1526. What Amazon Prime Day Can Teach Us About Economics

The post explores how Amazon Prime Day exemplifies price discrimination, highlighting its economic implications and strategies for maximizing profits through consumer behavior.

Real Men Burn Stuff

1527. Real Men Burn Stuff

The post critiques the political resistance to renewable energy advancements, emphasizing the economic benefits of renewables and the detrimental impact of current policies on progress.

Housing July 7th Weekly Update: Inventory up 2.7% Week-over-week, Only Down 10% from 2019 Levels

1528. Housing July 7th Weekly Update: Inventory up 2.7% Week-over-week, Only Down 10% from 2019 Levels

Bill McBride discusses the increase in active single-family housing inventory and its comparison to previous years, highlighting trends and data from Altos Research.

Why some see the dollar's drop as a sign America is losing its financial might

1529. Why some see the dollar's drop as a sign America is losing its financial might

A discussion on the implications of the dollar's decline for America's financial dominance and investor concerns regarding its future stability.

Defunct oil wells are a national problem. Finding them is the first step

1530. Defunct oil wells are a national problem. Finding them is the first step

Camila Domonoske discusses the issue of orphan oil and gas wells in the U.S. and the environmental risks they pose.

With his tariff letters, Trump takes a radical approach to trade

1531. With his tariff letters, Trump takes a radical approach to trade

Danielle Kurtzleben discusses the administration's changing plans regarding trade negotiations and the upcoming announcement of new tariff rates.

Why can't we insure trees?

1532. Why can't we insure trees?

Ellie Katz discusses the reasons trees aren't insured like other crops and the implications of rising extreme weather events on insurance availability.

Real Time Civilian Employment past Peak?

1533. Real Time Civilian Employment past Peak?

Menzie Chinn analyzes the relationship between civilian and nonfarm payroll employment, suggesting concerns if civilian employment peaks before nonfarm payrolls.

The Age of Angst? Macro Implications

1534. The Age of Angst? Macro Implications

Menzie Chinn discusses the economic implications of policy changes affecting deficits, spending, and the impact on lower-income households' anxiety and consumption.

My Weekly Reading and Viewing for July 6, 2025

1535. My Weekly Reading and Viewing for July 6, 2025

David Henderson discusses immigration, economic growth, and cultural integration in Cincinnati, highlighting historical and contemporary perspectives on these issues.

Inequality, Part VI: Wealth and Power

1536. Inequality, Part VI: Wealth and Power

An argument that market economies create inequality, which governments can mitigate through redistribution, yet political power remains disproportionately held by the wealthy in the U.S.

Trends in Educational Attainment in the U.S. Labor Force

1537. Trends in Educational Attainment in the U.S. Labor Force

Bill McBride discusses the relationship between educational attainment and unemployment rates in the U.S. labor force, highlighting trends and implications for the future.

On Leaving Switzerland; Getting Robbed on a Train; Getting to Nerja, Spain

1538. On Leaving Switzerland; Getting Robbed on a Train; Getting to Nerja, Spain

The author recounts experiences in Switzerland, including teaching econometrics, a suitcase theft on a train, and traveling to meet family in Spain.

How to take our country back

1539. How to take our country back

Noah Smith reflects on the changing values in America, expressing concern over rising anger and a longing for a more tolerant society.

Trade Policy Uncertainty before July 9

1540. Trade Policy Uncertainty before July 9

An argument that recent increases in trade policy uncertainty are linked to various political events and initiatives, highlighting their impact on economic conditions.