Econ Blog

your daily dose of economic commentary

Federalism and Housing Policy

1621. Federalism and Housing Policy

An argument that housing affordability disparities between red and blue states may change, influenced by regulations and competition for residents amid shifting economic conditions.

Import Sensitive CPI Components, Core PCE Nowcast Rise

1622. Import Sensitive CPI Components, Core PCE Nowcast Rise

The post discusses recent trends in consumer price index components and their impact on core PCE nowcast inflation estimates.

Tuesday's Assorted Links

1623. Tuesday's Assorted Links

The post highlights various stories related to economic principles, including educational tools, patent charges, currency issues, and generational workplace dynamics.

1624. Learning, AI, and John Searle’s Chinese Room

An argument that explores the implications of AI on learning through Searle’s Chinese room analogy, highlighting concerns about genuine understanding in education.

One year later, is the River winning?

1625. One year later, is the River winning?

An argument that contrasts two political communities, the River and the Village, analyzing their roles and perceptions in the context of the 2024 election and recent political events.

ChatGPT Classic

1626. ChatGPT Classic

The post discusses the backlash against GPT-5, comparing it to Coca-Cola's New Coke, highlighting user investment and the challenges of adapting to rapid AI changes.

The Future of Art with AI

1627. The Future of Art with AI

Jon Murphy discusses the impact of AI on art, analyzing its economic implications and the potential job displacement for artists in different market segments.

Early Look at 2026 Cost-Of-Living Adjustments and Maximum Contribution Base

1628. Early Look at 2026 Cost-Of-Living Adjustments and Maximum Contribution Base

An analysis of the upcoming cost-of-living adjustments and contribution base changes based on recent CPI-W data and wage trends.

Trump Plays the Carnage Card

1629. Trump Plays the Carnage Card

An argument that Trump manipulates perceptions of crime and the economy to divert attention from his failures, despite evidence showing crime rates are declining and economic conditions are poor.

The hidden costs of cutting Medicaid

1630. The hidden costs of cutting Medicaid

Emily Crawford discusses the broader implications and hidden costs of cutting Medicaid beyond immediate budget savings.

[Rerun] Steve Berry, IO and Structural Econometrics, Yale University

1631. [Rerun] Steve Berry, IO and Structural Econometrics, Yale University

Scott Cunningham discusses his conversation with Steven Berry about his influential work in industrial organization and the BLP model in economics.

At least five interesting things: Cool research edition (#68)

1632. At least five interesting things: Cool research edition (#68)

The post discusses various podcasts on AI's impact on the economy, labor market trends, and critiques a misleading economic chart shared by Bernie Sanders.

YoY Measures of Inflation: Services, Goods and Shelter

1633. YoY Measures of Inflation: Services, Goods and Shelter

The post analyzes year-over-year inflation measures for services, goods, and shelter, highlighting recent trends and changes in prices through July 2025.

Inflation remains elevated as Trump's tariffs take hold

1634. Inflation remains elevated as Trump's tariffs take hold

Scott Horsley discusses how inflation remains high due to the impact of President Trump's tariffs on consumer prices.

U.S. and China extend tariff truce deadline for another 3 months

1635. U.S. and China extend tariff truce deadline for another 3 months

Ashish Valentine discusses President Trump's extension of the tariff truce deadline between the U.S. and China for an additional three months.

The arduous system for getting aid into Gaza

1636. The arduous system for getting aid into Gaza

Arwa Damon discusses the challenges of delivering humanitarian aid to Gaza and the economic factors affecting her charity's efforts.

Banking on Data Center Investment

1637. Banking on Data Center Investment

Menzie Chinn discusses the importance of sustained capital expenditure investment in data centers and its implications for economic growth.

Tuesday: CPI

1638. Tuesday: CPI

The post discusses mortgage rates, the significance of upcoming inflation reports, and their potential impact on interest rates and market expectations.

Guest Contribution: “Cryptocurrencies and the political economy of money”

1639. Guest Contribution: “Cryptocurrencies and the political economy of money”

An argument that explores the viability of cryptocurrencies, their economic functions, and their political implications within the context of global finance and state sovereignty.

Ford says it will roll out a cheaper electric pickup truck

1640. Ford says it will roll out a cheaper electric pickup truck

Camila Domonoske discusses Ford's plans to produce a more affordable electric pickup truck to compete with Chinese manufacturers.