Econ Blog

your daily dose of economic commentary

Dropping treated units from the control, or what does Justin Bieber have to do with avoiding vanilla TWFE?

1761. Dropping treated units from the control, or what does Justin Bieber have to do with avoiding vanilla TWFE?

An argument that discusses the importance of design choices in causal inference, particularly the implications of dropping treated units from control groups in difference-in-differences analysis.

Construction Spending Decreased 0.4% in June

1762. Construction Spending Decreased 0.4% in June

Bill McBride discusses a decrease in overall construction spending in June 2025, highlighting trends in private and public construction expenditures.

How you're using AI at work

1763. How you're using AI at work

The discussion focuses on the various ways AI is utilized in the workplace, highlighting its positive and negative aspects.

The Tragedy of India’s Government-Job Prep Towns

1764. The Tragedy of India’s Government-Job Prep Towns

Alex Tabarrok discusses the economic and social implications of India's government job preparation culture, highlighting its inefficiencies and the disillusionment of educated youth.

Trump/Brazil: Delusions of Grandeur Go South

1765. Trump/Brazil: Delusions of Grandeur Go South

An argument that Trump's tariffs on Brazil reflect his misunderstanding of trade power and legality, revealing delusions about the effectiveness of his trade policies.

1766. ISM® Manufacturing index Decreased to 48.0% in July

The post discusses a decrease in the ISM manufacturing index, indicating ongoing contraction in the manufacturing sector and highlighting various related economic indicators.

Why does everyone still hate the Democrats?

1767. Why does everyone still hate the Democrats?

An argument that explores the declining favorability of Democrats compared to Republicans, attributing it to dissatisfaction among leftists and broader public trust in GOP on key issues.

Stock markets drop as Trump unleashes new round of global tariffs

1768. Stock markets drop as Trump unleashes new round of global tariffs

Rafael Nam discusses the stock market decline following Trump's announcement of new tariffs and the implications of a disappointing jobs report on the economy.

Comments on July Employment Report

1769. Comments on July Employment Report

The July employment report revealed disappointing job numbers, declining participation rates, and rising unemployment, indicating a weak labor market overall.

Trump calls for firing of senior Labor official after job market weakens in July

1770. Trump calls for firing of senior Labor official after job market weakens in July

Scott Horsley discusses the weakening job market and rising unemployment as a consequence of Trump's tariffs.

July Employment Report: 73 thousand Jobs, 4.2% Unemployment Rate

1771. July Employment Report: 73 thousand Jobs, 4.2% Unemployment Rate

Bill McBride discusses the July employment report, highlighting job changes, unemployment rates, and revisions to previous months' data.

Trump sets new tariff rates and deadlines. And, rabbis speak out on starvation in Gaza

1772. Trump sets new tariff rates and deadlines. And, rabbis speak out on starvation in Gaza

New tariff rates affecting over 65 countries are introduced, while a significant number of rabbis condemn the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.

1773. Guest Contribution: “Trump’s Taylor Rule”

Menzie Chinn discusses Donald Trump's criticisms of the Federal Reserve and the implications for central bank independence and monetary policy.

Getting the Rules Right: The Case of Plastics Pollution

1774. Getting the Rules Right: The Case of Plastics Pollution

The discussion focuses on the importance of clear and effective regulations in a market economy, particularly regarding plastics pollution and its implications for value creation.

Why a changing climate may mean less chocolate in the future

1775. Why a changing climate may mean less chocolate in the future

Emily Kwong discusses the impact of climate change on cocoa production and its implications for chocolate prices and availability.

Instantaneous Core Inflation Again Rising

1776. Instantaneous Core Inflation Again Rising

An argument that core inflation rates are increasing, highlighting differences in inflation experiences across income levels and comparing various inflation measures.

We Have Never Been Woke Part 2: Of “We” and “Wokeness”

1777. We Have Never Been Woke Part 2: Of “We” and “Wokeness”

Kevin Corcoran analyzes Musa al-Gharbi's concept of "analytic egalitarianism" and critiques the asymmetrical treatment of social behaviors based on identity groups.

The White House sets a swath of new tariff rates — and a new date — for dozens of countries

1778. The White House sets a swath of new tariff rates — and a new date — for dozens of countries

New tariff rates have been announced for various countries, with a delay in implementation and specific rates for goods from Canada starting August 1.

Joshua Rauh on Federal Spending, Tax Revenue, Economic Growth, and Deficits

1779. Joshua Rauh on Federal Spending, Tax Revenue, Economic Growth, and Deficits

David Henderson discusses Joshua Rauh's testimony on the relationship between federal spending, tax revenue, economic growth, and deficits, emphasizing the need for spending restraint.

A fact checker hangs up his Pinocchios

1780. A fact checker hangs up his Pinocchios

Glenn Kessler discusses his departure from The Washington Post and reflects on the importance of fact-checking in a climate of misinformation.