Econ Blog

your daily dose of economic commentary

Crypto Is Still for Criming

141. Crypto Is Still for Criming

Paul Krugman discusses the ongoing issues of corruption and scams within the cryptocurrency market, particularly in relation to political figures and legislation.

AAR: Rail Carloads and Intermodal Up in April

142. AAR: Rail Carloads and Intermodal Up in April

The post discusses April's increase in U.S. rail carloads and intermodal traffic, highlighting resilience in rail volumes amid economic uncertainty from policy changes.

The Birth Dearth: Panic or Celebrate?

143. The Birth Dearth: Panic or Celebrate?

The post examines the implications of declining global fertility rates, debating whether to fear or embrace the potential consequences on economics, geopolitics, and quality of life.

Why Warren Buffett matters beyond Wall Street

144. Why Warren Buffett matters beyond Wall Street

An argument that the investor's influence extends beyond finance, highlighting his reputation and character amidst a critical view of other billionaires.

Is classical liberalism for losers?

145. Is classical liberalism for losers?

An argument that classical liberalism faces challenges from political power dynamics, emphasizing the risks of state power and the corruption inherent in both right and left governance.

Ahead of trade talks, Trump says an 80% tariff on China 'seems right'

146. Ahead of trade talks, Trump says an 80% tariff on China 'seems right'

Trade negotiators from the U.S. and China are beginning high-level discussions in Switzerland, marking the first talks since the return of President Trump.

What's in YOUR wallet?

147. What's in YOUR wallet?

The discussion focuses on economic indicators, savings strategies, and rising used car prices amid financial uncertainties.

A new neoliberalism?

148. A new neoliberalism?

Scott Sumner discusses a potential revival of neoliberalism among center-left pundits and critiques both populist nationalism and left-wing economic policies using historical examples.

David Cope: Composer, computer scientist, and pioneer of computer generated music

149. David Cope: Composer, computer scientist, and pioneer of computer generated music

The post discusses the life and contributions of a composer known for pioneering computer-generated music, particularly through a program that emulates the styles of classical composers.

An AI University would be great

150. An AI University would be great

The discussion centers on the potential impact of AI on universities, emphasizing the threat to faculty jobs and the transformative capabilities of AI in education.

Tariffs, Growth, and Brexit

151. Tariffs, Growth, and Brexit

Janet Bufton discusses the long-term economic impacts of tariffs and Brexit, emphasizing their effects on growth and market efficiency.

Here's why Bill Gates is giving away most of his remaining fortune to his charity

152. Here's why Bill Gates is giving away most of his remaining fortune to his charity

An argument that Bill Gates is reallocating his wealth to charity as part of a broader philanthropic strategy after his success with Microsoft.

153. How Can You Tell if Health Insurance Helps Health?

Timothy Taylor discusses the complexities of determining the causal effects of health insurance on health outcomes, highlighting various research methodologies used to analyze this relationship.

The Lure of Yesteryear Manufacturing

154. The Lure of Yesteryear Manufacturing

An argument that reviving labor-intensive manufacturing in the U.S. through tariffs is economically detrimental and counterproductive to modern employment and productivity.

Realtor.com Reports Most Actively "For Sale" Inventory since 2019

155. Realtor.com Reports Most Actively "For Sale" Inventory since 2019

Bill McBride discusses the significant increase in housing inventory and new listings reported by Realtor.com, indicating a lively real estate market.

This is Vindication???

156. This is Vindication???

An argument that recent claims of vindication for protectionist views lack substantial data and overlook the benefits of globalization, despite its social and economic challenges.

Will Trump Pretend to Fix What He Broke?

157. Will Trump Pretend to Fix What He Broke?

An argument that the Trump administration's trade policies are misguided and detrimental, attempting to address non-existent problems while creating economic uncertainty and potential harm to the U.S. economy.

Globalization did not hollow out the American middle class

158. Globalization did not hollow out the American middle class

An argument that globalization's impact on the American middle class is misunderstood, emphasizing the need for reindustrialization despite the negative effects of tariffs.

Americans are already seeing Trump's tariffs kick in. They sent in receipts to prove it

159. Americans are already seeing Trump's tariffs kick in. They sent in receipts to prove it

Increased tariffs on imports are raising prices for Americans, as evidenced by receipts showing the financial impact on consumers.

Fed keeps interest rates steady. And, Catholics around the world wait for a new Pope

160. Fed keeps interest rates steady. And, Catholics around the world wait for a new Pope

Brittney Melton discusses the Federal Reserve's decision on interest rates and the Trump administration's deportation plans for migrants to Libya.