Econ Blog

your daily dose of economic commentary

Comments on February Employment Report

141. Comments on February Employment Report

Bill McBride discusses the February employment report, highlighting job numbers, participation rates, and wage growth trends.

The job market is still pretty solid — but there are warning signs ahead

142. The job market is still pretty solid — but there are warning signs ahead

Scott Horsley discusses the current job market's stability while highlighting potential warning signs for the future.

February Employment Report: 151 thousand Jobs, 4.1% Unemployment Rate

143. February Employment Report: 151 thousand Jobs, 4.1% Unemployment Rate

Bill McBride discusses February's employment data, highlighting job growth, unemployment rates, and revisions to previous months' payroll figures.

A look at some of the creative ways companies try to dodge high tariffs

144. A look at some of the creative ways companies try to dodge high tariffs

Rachel Treisman discusses various strategies companies use to evade or reduce tariffs, including requesting exemptions and reclassifying products.

Games we played

145. Games we played

Tyler Cowen reflects on his childhood experiences with various card games and their role in family bonding and memories.

Farmers strongly back Trump. A new trade war could test their loyalty

146. Farmers strongly back Trump. A new trade war could test their loyalty

Scott Neuman discusses how American farmers' support for Trump may be challenged by the impacts of a new trade war on their industry.

'A blitz attack': VA mental health experts liken Elon Musk's emails to warfare

147. 'A blitz attack': VA mental health experts liken Elon Musk's emails to warfare

Andrea Hsu discusses how VA mental health experts believe Elon Musk's emails are negatively impacting veterans' care due to increased stress.

Trump pledges support for crypto sector at White House summit

148. Trump pledges support for crypto sector at White House summit

Deepa Shivaram discusses President Trump's commitment to supporting the cryptocurrency sector through the establishment of a strategic reserve using seized bitcoin.

5 takeaways: China's foreign minister slams Trump's 'two-faced' policies

149. 5 takeaways: China's foreign minister slams Trump's 'two-faced' policies

John Ruwitch discusses China's foreign minister's criticism of Trump's policies amid the escalating trade war and China's role in global affairs.

Walgreens agrees to be acquired by private equity firm for almost $10 billion

150. Walgreens agrees to be acquired by private equity firm for almost $10 billion

The Associated Press discusses Walgreens' agreement to be acquired by a private equity firm for nearly $10 billion, highlighting the potential for operational flexibility post-acquisition.

EPU, News Sentiment, Term Spreads, VIX

151. EPU, News Sentiment, Term Spreads, VIX

Menzie Chinn analyzes economic indicators such as EPU, news sentiment, term spreads, and VIX data to assess market conditions.

Henderson on Canada as a 51st State

152. Henderson on Canada as a 51st State

David Henderson discusses his perspective on Canada remaining independent rather than becoming a U.S. state, emphasizing the importance of competition among countries, particularly in tax policy.

Trump takes a baseball bat to the U.S. economy

153. Trump takes a baseball bat to the U.S. economy

Noah Smith discusses the negative impact of Trump's economic policies, particularly tariffs, on the U.S. economy and business investment during his presidency.

SpaceX's latest Starship test flight ends with another explosion

154. SpaceX's latest Starship test flight ends with another explosion

The Associated Press reports on SpaceX's latest Starship test flight, which ended with a loss of contact shortly after launch, following a previous explosion.

155. Guest Contribution: “Trump’s far out negotiating positions”

Menzie Chinn discusses Jeffrey Frankel's analysis of Trump's negotiating tactics, particularly regarding tariffs and their potential economic impact on the US and its trading partners.

When it comes to the economy, it's all about uncertainty

156. When it comes to the economy, it's all about uncertainty

The author discusses Mark Zandi's views on the negative economic impact of President Trump's tariffs and the uncertainty they create.

Review of the Strong Gods II: Big Picture Problems

157. Review of the Strong Gods II: Big Picture Problems

Kevin Corcoran critiques Reno's views on authoritarianism and social disunity, arguing that his analysis lacks sufficient justification and contains economic missteps.

158. Adam Smith on Those Who Wish to Dominate Others

Timothy Taylor discusses Adam Smith's insights on the desire to dominate others, highlighting critiques and interpretations of Smith's work on slavery and pride.

Back to the farm?

159. Back to the farm?

Scott Sumner discusses the challenges of labor shortages in agriculture and the implications of immigration policies on the U.S. workforce and economy.

Trump's latest tariff twist: A break for Mexico and Canada

160. Trump's latest tariff twist: A break for Mexico and Canada

Franco Ordoñez discusses Trump's decision to impose and then lift tariffs on goods from Canada and Mexico, highlighting market reactions.