Econ Blog

your daily dose of economic commentary

Trade Deficit increased to $71.5 Billion in May

1561. Trade Deficit increased to $71.5 Billion in May

Bill McBride discusses the increase in the U.S. trade deficit to $71.5 billion in May, highlighting changes in exports and imports.

How ICE crackdowns are affecting the workforce

1562. How ICE crackdowns are affecting the workforce

The impact of immigration crackdowns on industries reliant on immigrant labor and workforce participation is examined.

Trump’s Big Beautiful Debt Bomb

1563. Trump’s Big Beautiful Debt Bomb

The post critiques current U.S. debt levels and the political motivations behind recent fiscal policies, contrasting them with past economic conditions and governance.

The U.S. labor market remains solid, with employers adding 147,000 jobs last month

1564. The U.S. labor market remains solid, with employers adding 147,000 jobs last month

Job growth in June shows a solid labor market, with significant gains in health care and government sectors, while the unemployment rate falls to 4.1%.

Comments on June Employment Report

1565. Comments on June Employment Report

Bill McBride analyzes the June employment report, highlighting job growth, participation rates, and wage trends while noting seasonal fluctuations in education employment.

June Employment Report: 147 thousand Jobs, 4.1% Unemployment Rate

1566. June Employment Report: 147 thousand Jobs, 4.1% Unemployment Rate

Bill McBride discusses the June employment report, highlighting job gains, unemployment rates, and revisions to previous employment data.

Big Beautiful Bill critiques

1567. Big Beautiful Bill critiques

Tyler Cowen critiques the criticisms of the Big Beautiful Bill, emphasizing the need for comparative analysis in economic policy discussions.

An Alabama food bank braces for big increase in demand if SNAP cuts take effect

1568. An Alabama food bank braces for big increase in demand if SNAP cuts take effect

A food bank in Alabama anticipates increased demand due to potential cuts in SNAP benefits from proposed legislation.

ADP Below Consensus – What Does It Mean?

1569. ADP Below Consensus – What Does It Mean?

Menzie Chinn analyzes the recent ADP employment data, comparing it to Bloomberg consensus and discussing its implications for the upcoming BLS report.

Stagflation Summer

1570. Stagflation Summer

Claudia Sahm discusses the implications of economic data on the Fed's policies amid stagflation and the impact of immigration on labor supply.

Cash Transfers: Cutsinger’s Solution

1571. Cash Transfers: Cutsinger’s Solution

Bryan Cutsinger argues that the assumption against cash transfers, based on concerns about spending on objectionable goods, is flawed and contradictory.

A thought experiment on how to fix the national debt problem

1572. A thought experiment on how to fix the national debt problem

An argument that new government spending could potentially stimulate economic growth sufficient to manage the national debt, explored through discussions with economists.

CBS is the latest news giant to bend to Trump's power

1573. CBS is the latest news giant to bend to Trump's power

A significant payment by CBS to settle a lawsuit highlights the media's submission to Trump's influence and power in the current political landscape.

1574. June Employment Preview

The post analyzes upcoming employment data, forecasts job growth, and discusses factors influencing the labor market, including strikes and seasonal trends.

The Marriage of Jeff Bezos in Venice

1575. The Marriage of Jeff Bezos in Venice

The post discusses local opposition to Jeff Bezos's wedding in Venice, highlighting issues of property rights, tourism, and the implications for economic and political philosophy.

A Mid-Year Update from Monday Morning Economist

1576. A Mid-Year Update from Monday Morning Economist

A mid-year update highlights community support, popular articles, and growth in subscriptions, while encouraging readers to share the newsletter and engage with educational resources.

Massive Rent-Seeking in India’s Government Job Examination System

1577. Massive Rent-Seeking in India’s Government Job Examination System

Alex Tabarrok discusses the economic inefficiencies and societal costs of India's government job examination system, highlighting the extensive rent-seeking behavior it generates.

Muskenfreude

1578. Muskenfreude

Paul Krugman critiques the One Big Beautiful Bill Act and discusses Elon Musk's political power and failures in the context of government spending and oligarchy.

Light Vehicles Sales Decreased to 15.34 million SAAR in June

1579. Light Vehicles Sales Decreased to 15.34 million SAAR in June

Light vehicle sales decreased to 15.34 million SAAR in June, reflecting a decline from May and a year-over-year increase influenced by previous disruptions.

We can't afford to keep cutting taxes for the rich

1580. We can't afford to keep cutting taxes for the rich

Noah Smith argues that the GOP's tax cuts for the wealthy exacerbate federal debt and are economically unsustainable, contrary to claims of stimulating growth.