Econ Blog

your daily dose of economic commentary

Random links, plus continual updates about Boston and Harvard and the trains

1521. Random links, plus continual updates about Boston and Harvard and the trains

The author shares personal experiences about moving to Boston, using the train, and updates on academic work, while reflecting on various topics including media and gratitude.

ICEing the U.S. Economy

1522. ICEing the U.S. Economy

Paul Krugman discusses the implications of Trump's immigration policies on civil liberties and the U.S. economy, emphasizing the potential negative economic impact of deportations.

MBA: Mortgage Applications Decrease in Latest Weekly Survey

1523. MBA: Mortgage Applications Decrease in Latest Weekly Survey

Mortgage applications fell by 1.4% in the latest survey, influenced by rising rates, while year-over-year comparisons show some resilience in purchase activity.

Cobalt-free batteries reign in Chinese EVs. Why not the US?

1524. Cobalt-free batteries reign in Chinese EVs. Why not the US?

A discussion on the shift from cobalt-based to cobalt-free batteries in electric vehicles, highlighting the implications for the Chinese market compared to the US.

Walmart recalls frozen shrimp over potential radioactive contamination

1525. Walmart recalls frozen shrimp over potential radioactive contamination

A recall of frozen shrimp due to potential radioactive contamination is discussed, highlighting the low risk associated with cesium-137 exposure.

Episode 57. Richard Epstein on Property Rights, Law and Economics

1526. Episode 57. Richard Epstein on Property Rights, Law and Economics

Jon Hartley discusses Richard Epstein's insights on property rights, law, economics, and their implications for constitutional interpretation and public policy.

1527. Voltaire on the Civility of Markets

Timothy Taylor reflects on Voltaire's insights about markets fostering cooperation among diverse people and the nature of money in society.

A Serious Look at Interest Rates

1528. A Serious Look at Interest Rates

An argument that recent interest rates and monetary policy are influencing the labor market, with a focus on inflation and the effects of the AI boom on employment.

Residential Investment: Nowcast down 5.9% q/q AR

1529. Residential Investment: Nowcast down 5.9% q/q AR

A decline in residential investment is analyzed, highlighting policy uncertainty and comparing recent data against forecasts and historical interest rates.

Home Depot keeps quiet on immigration raids outside its doors

1530. Home Depot keeps quiet on immigration raids outside its doors

The post discusses Home Depot's response to immigration raids and its historical relationship with day laborers amid ongoing immigration enforcement.

Tuesday's Assorted Links

1531. Tuesday's Assorted Links

The post discusses various economic stories, including consumer behavior, unemployment rates, Fed Chair candidates, credit card spending trends, and student loan misconceptions.

Freedom as a Loophole

1532. Freedom as a Loophole

An argument that the abolition of the de minimis customs exemption restricts consumer freedom while benefiting certain domestic producers, highlighting the complexities of trade and government intervention.

Air Canada flights slowly resume after flight attendants agree to end their strike

1533. Air Canada flights slowly resume after flight attendants agree to end their strike

The Associated Press reports that Air Canada will resume flights after settling a strike with flight attendants, impacting many travelers' plans.

China Versus the US in the Competition for Global Talent

1534. China Versus the US in the Competition for Global Talent

An argument that compares the US and China's strategies for attracting global talent, highlighting the US's declining openness and potential consequences for its global standing.

What Happens If AI Hits An Energy Wall?

1535. What Happens If AI Hits An Energy Wall?

Paul Krugman discusses the environmental and economic implications of AI development, particularly focusing on the risks of unsustainable investment and potential recession.

Housing Starts Increased to 1.428 million Annual Rate in July

1536. Housing Starts Increased to 1.428 million Annual Rate in July

The post discusses the increase in housing starts and building permits in July, highlighting significant month-over-month and year-over-year changes in the housing market.

Day in a life of me on my first day in boston

1537. Day in a life of me on my first day in boston

Scott Cunningham shares his experiences on his first day in Boston, detailing his activities at Harvard and MIT, including meetings and personal reflections.

Businesses face 'chaos' as EPA aims to repeal its authority over climate pollution

1538. Businesses face 'chaos' as EPA aims to repeal its authority over climate pollution

Michael Copley discusses how businesses prefer EPA oversight on climate regulations for legal protection and investment stability.

*Capitalism: A Global History*, by Sven Beckert

1539. *Capitalism: A Global History*, by Sven Beckert

Tyler Cowen critiques Sven Beckert's book for its lack of coherence and understanding of capitalism, questioning its historical analysis and conclusions.

How algorithms are changing the way we speak

1540. How algorithms are changing the way we speak

Julia Ritchey discusses how social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram are influencing language and communication through engagement metrics and viral trends.