Econ Blog

your daily dose of economic commentary

Austin Vernon on taxes on solar (from my email)

1601. Austin Vernon on taxes on solar (from my email)

An argument that increasing taxes on solar and wind impacts project economics, influences domestic production, and complicates the market for solar panels and technology.

Senate considers ditching the EV tax credit even earlier than planned

1602. Senate considers ditching the EV tax credit even earlier than planned

Camila Domonoske discusses the Senate's consideration of ending EV tax credits sooner than planned amid ongoing debates over a tax and spending bill.

Trump and Fed Policy

1603. Trump and Fed Policy

Bill McBride discusses President Trump's call for lower interest rates and analyzes the implications of Fed policy on inflation and the economy.

Judge OKs sale of 23andMe — and its trove of DNA data — to a nonprofit led by its founder

1604. Judge OKs sale of 23andMe — and its trove of DNA data — to a nonprofit led by its founder

John Ruwitch discusses a judge's approval for the sale of 23andMe and its DNA data to a nonprofit organization led by its founder.

1605. A Case for Reading Dead Economists

An argument that studying historical economic thought enriches modern economics by providing insights, critiques, and a deeper understanding of contemporary theories and practices.

Canada ditches digital tax after tariff threat from Trump

1606. Canada ditches digital tax after tariff threat from Trump

Scott Horsley discusses Canada's decision to abandon a digital services tax in response to tariff threats from President Trump.

How $5.9 Million Turns Into $30 Million

1607. How $5.9 Million Turns Into $30 Million

Jadrian Wooten explains how the New York Mets' deferred payment to Bobby Bonilla illustrates the power of compound interest in personal finance.

We’re All Rats Now

1608. We’re All Rats Now

An argument that recent political reactions to a primary victory reveal underlying racism and bigotry, highlighting the dangers posed by the current administration's policies towards minorities.

Housing June 30th Weekly Update: Inventory up 0.3% Week-over-week, Up 28.7% Year-over-year

1609. Housing June 30th Weekly Update: Inventory up 0.3% Week-over-week, Up 28.7% Year-over-year

The post discusses the increase in active single-family housing inventory, highlighting its week-over-week and year-over-year changes, and comparing current levels to previous years.

This company wants to be the first to mine the ocean floor, with Trump's help

1610. This company wants to be the first to mine the ocean floor, with Trump's help

Daniel Ackerman discusses The Metals Company's efforts to obtain permission from the Trump administration to mine ocean minerals amid international disputes over ownership.

Can Starlink stay ahead in satellite internet?

1611. Can Starlink stay ahead in satellite internet?

The discussion focuses on Starlink's market dominance in satellite internet and its competitive challenges from the EU, China, and Jeff Bezos.

Canadian prime minister says U.S. trade talks resume after Canada rescinded tech tax

1612. Canadian prime minister says U.S. trade talks resume after Canada rescinded tech tax

The Associated Press reports that U.S. trade talks will resume after Canada withdrew its tech tax, which had previously halted negotiations.

Fascism, the Right, and the Left

1613. Fascism, the Right, and the Left

An argument that fascism cannot be strictly classified on the left-right political spectrum, highlighting similarities between extreme left and right ideologies and their implications for individual rights.

My Weekly Reading for June 29, 2025

1614. My Weekly Reading for June 29, 2025

The post discusses various articles on energy subsidies, economic interpretations of historical trade policies, and new regulations affecting DIY electric vehicle charger installations.

Privatize Federal Land!

1615. Privatize Federal Land!

Alex Tabarrok argues for privatizing federal land to increase accessibility, generate revenue, and address housing shortages in the West.

Would you rather have cheap energy, or stupid culture wars?

1616. Would you rather have cheap energy, or stupid culture wars?

Noah Smith critiques Trump's budget bill for its detrimental impact on renewable energy and its prioritization of fossil fuels over sustainable energy sources.

Here comes the bridal gown tariff

1617. Here comes the bridal gown tariff

Alina Selyukh discusses how U.S. trade tariffs are impacting wedding planning costs and decisions for couples.

Gold: The Challenger to Dollar Reserves?

1618. Gold: The Challenger to Dollar Reserves?

An argument that gold is increasingly becoming a significant component of central bank reserves, influenced by geopolitical concerns and the perceived risks associated with the dollar.

Two Housing Crashes

1619. Two Housing Crashes

A comparison of the housing crashes in China and the US, highlighting economic impacts and contrasting monetary policy responses during each crisis.

'Kisses yes, Bezos No,' protesters say, as Bezos wedding stirs controversy in Venice

1620. 'Kisses yes, Bezos No,' protesters say, as Bezos wedding stirs controversy in Venice

The Associated Press discusses protests against Jeff Bezos's wedding in Venice, highlighting concerns over inequality and local residents' sentiments.