Econ Blog

your daily dose of economic commentary

My excellent Conversation with Austan Goolsbee

1661. My excellent Conversation with Austan Goolsbee

A discussion on inflation dynamics, monetary policy skepticism, and the impact of supply and demand, featuring insights from a Federal Reserve president's experiences and theoretical frameworks.

We're gonna need a bigger boat-building industry

1662. We're gonna need a bigger boat-building industry

The post examines the decline of the U.S. shipbuilding industry and the implications of protectionist policies on its potential revival.

Episode 55. Global Macro Investing and Geoeconomics with Hedge Fund Investor Kyle Bass

1663. Episode 55. Global Macro Investing and Geoeconomics with Hedge Fund Investor Kyle Bass

Jon Hartley discusses global macro investing and geoeconomics with Kyle Bass, covering crises, economic trends, and investment opportunities in the U.S.

Econ Battle Zone: Budget Showdown

1664. Econ Battle Zone: Budget Showdown

Keith Romer discusses a playful competition where contestants creatively explain economic concepts through various artistic formats.

Judge orders Trump administration to resume distributing money for EV chargers

1665. Judge orders Trump administration to resume distributing money for EV chargers

A federal judge has ordered the Trump administration to restart the distribution of funds designated for building new electric vehicle chargers.

Bob McCauley: “Downgrading Uncle Sam, not America”

1666. Bob McCauley: “Downgrading Uncle Sam, not America”

The discussion highlights the impact of the US Treasury downgrade on government-sponsored enterprises and their credit ratings, particularly in relation to housing finance.

May Vehicle Forecast: Sales "Subdued" at 15.0 million SAAR

1667. May Vehicle Forecast: Sales "Subdued" at 15.0 million SAAR

Bill McBride discusses subdued new-vehicle sales forecasts, highlighting factors like affordability and inventory affecting demand in the automotive market.

1668. The US Trade Balance With the EU: The Role of US Multinationals

Timothy Taylor discusses the complexities of the US trade balance with the EU, focusing on the impact of US multinationals on trade dynamics and current account balances.

A few comments on the Seasonal Pattern for House Prices

1669. A few comments on the Seasonal Pattern for House Prices

An argument that house prices exhibit a seasonal pattern, influenced by distressed sales during the housing bust and recent changes post-pandemic.

Law and Policy

1670. Law and Policy

An argument that courts should not judge the desirability of policies but rather ensure actions conform to the law, leaving policy decisions to Congress.

New Home Sales Decrease to 623,000 Annual Rate in May

1671. New Home Sales Decrease to 623,000 Annual Rate in May

New home sales in May decreased significantly, with revised figures indicating a decline compared to previous months and years, highlighting an increase in supply.

Zohran delivered the Democratic establishment the thrashing it deserved

1672. Zohran delivered the Democratic establishment the thrashing it deserved

A previously low-profile assemblyman secured the Democratic nomination for New York City mayor, showcasing a significant political shift against established candidates in the primary election.

A chat with Derek Thompson

1673. A chat with Derek Thompson

The discussion centers on Derek Thompson's transition to Substack, his writing strengths, and insights from his book on social and economic trends.

MBA: Mortgage Applications Increase in Latest MBA Weekly Survey

1674. MBA: Mortgage Applications Increase in Latest MBA Weekly Survey

Bill McBride discusses the recent increase in mortgage applications and related economic indicators from the MBA Weekly Survey.

Why a war in the Middle East hasn't sparked an oil crisis

1675. Why a war in the Middle East hasn't sparked an oil crisis

An argument that recent geopolitical tensions in the Middle East have not led to a sustained increase in global oil prices as seen in previous crises.

Just got laid off? Get back on your feet with this step-by-step guide

1676. Just got laid off? Get back on your feet with this step-by-step guide

Margaret Cirino discusses practical steps to take after being laid off, including reviewing paperwork and securing health care.

One of the cheapest ways to save a life is going away

1677. One of the cheapest ways to save a life is going away

An argument that the cost of saving lives is examined through the impact of funding cuts to health programs in Eswatini and Lesotho under a previous administration.

Are Immigrants Self-Deporting?

1678. Are Immigrants Self-Deporting?

The discussion centers on the decline of illegal immigrants, examining potential causes, survey participation issues, and the implications for the labor market and economy.

ICE First Look at May Mortgage Performance: "Delinquencies Hold Steady and Foreclosure Sales Rise to Highest Level Since Early 2023"

1679. ICE First Look at May Mortgage Performance: "Delinquencies Hold Steady and Foreclosure Sales Rise to Highest Level Since Early 2023"

Bill McBride discusses the trends in mortgage delinquencies and foreclosure sales, noting a slight increase in both metrics in May 2025.

1680. A Fed’s-Eye View of Labor Markets

Timothy Taylor discusses the Federal Reserve's insights on labor markets, employment trends, wage growth, and inflation based on their recent Monetary Policy Report.