Econ Blog

your daily dose of economic commentary

Back to the farm?

161. Back to the farm?

Scott Sumner discusses the challenges of labor shortages in agriculture and the implications of immigration policies on the U.S. workforce and economy.

Trump's latest tariff twist: A break for Mexico and Canada

162. Trump's latest tariff twist: A break for Mexico and Canada

Franco Ordoñez discusses Trump's decision to impose and then lift tariffs on goods from Canada and Mexico, highlighting market reactions.

Trump Is Planning the Biggest Heist in History

163. Trump Is Planning the Biggest Heist in History

Paul Krugman discusses Donald Trump's alleged involvement in cryptocurrency scams and the potential dangers of a federal "strategic crypto reserve."

At a housewares expo in Chicago, talk keeps turning to price hikes from tariffs

164. At a housewares expo in Chicago, talk keeps turning to price hikes from tariffs

David Schaper discusses how housewares industry professionals at a Chicago expo are addressing challenges posed by tariffs and rising prices.

1st Look at Local Housing Markets in February

165. 1st Look at Local Housing Markets in February

Bill McBride discusses early February housing market trends, including sales data and mortgage rates, comparing them to previous years.

Trade Deficit increased to $131.4 Billion in January

166. Trade Deficit increased to $131.4 Billion in January

Bill McBride discusses the significant increase in the U.S. trade deficit for January, highlighting changes in exports and imports.

Did tariffs contribute to the Great Depression? Here's what to know

167. Did tariffs contribute to the Great Depression? Here's what to know

Chandelis Duster explores the role of tariffs among various factors contributing to the Great Depression, referencing insights from economists.

Is a Recession Still Coming?

168. Is a Recession Still Coming?

Menzie Chinn analyzes recession probabilities using economic indicators and models, highlighting differing forecasts and recent trends in market sentiment.

My Conversation with Carl Zimmer

169. My Conversation with Carl Zimmer

Tyler Cowen discusses his conversation with Carl Zimmer about airborne diseases, genetics, and the implications of DNA information in society and decision-making.

As Canadians cancel trips due to Trump, the U.S. tourism industry could lose billions

170. As Canadians cancel trips due to Trump, the U.S. tourism industry could lose billions

Joe Hernandez discusses how Canadian travelers are canceling trips to the U.S. in response to the Trump administration's actions, potentially impacting the U.S. tourism industry.

Why is Elon Musk so obsessed with 'ghost employees'?

171. Why is Elon Musk so obsessed with 'ghost employees'?

Bobby Allyn discusses Elon Musk's initiatives to eliminate 'ghost employees' from Twitter and the federal government payrolls.

State Supreme Court races can be costly, competitive and combative. Why?

172. State Supreme Court races can be costly, competitive and combative. Why?

Anya van Wagtendonk discusses the increasing costs and competitiveness of state Supreme Court races in Wisconsin, highlighting their evolving nature.

What to make of the Ukraine minerals deal

173. What to make of the Ukraine minerals deal

Darian Woods discusses the potential U.S.-Ukraine minerals deal and evaluates the significance of Ukraine's mineral resources amidst ongoing military aid debates.

A few words about FiveThirtyEight

174. A few words about FiveThirtyEight

Nate Silver reflects on the challenges faced by FiveThirtyEight under Disney's ownership and the importance of data journalism in politics.

How Today’s Egg Prices Scrambled Traditional Economic Theories

175. How Today’s Egg Prices Scrambled Traditional Economic Theories

Craig Richardson discusses how current egg prices challenge traditional economic theories, highlighting unexpected market behaviors and consumer reactions in the U.S.

Don’t Cap Credit Card Interest Rates

176. Don’t Cap Credit Card Interest Rates

Christopher Freiman argues against capping credit card interest rates, stating it would limit credit access for high-risk borrowers and ultimately harm those it intends to help.

Volunteers help fired federal workers re-enter the job market

177. Volunteers help fired federal workers re-enter the job market

Andrew Stelzer discusses a workshop in Philadelphia aimed at helping recently fired federal workers find new employment.

Economic Uncertainty in the US Economy

178. Economic Uncertainty in the US Economy

Timothy Taylor discusses the rising economic uncertainty in the US and its implications for decision-making and economic activity.

CoreLogic: Home Prices Increased 3.3% Year-over-year in January

179. CoreLogic: Home Prices Increased 3.3% Year-over-year in January

Calculated Risk discusses CoreLogic's report indicating a 3.3% year-over-year increase in home prices and regional variations in the housing market.

Trump grants automakers temporary relief from tariffs

180. Trump grants automakers temporary relief from tariffs

Scott Horsley discusses President Trump's decision to temporarily relieve automakers from tariffs on imports from Canada and Mexico.