Econ Blog

your daily dose of economic commentary

Review of the Strong Gods II: Big Picture Problems

161. Review of the Strong Gods II: Big Picture Problems

Kevin Corcoran critiques Reno's views on authoritarianism and social disunity, arguing that his analysis lacks sufficient justification and contains economic missteps.

162. Adam Smith on Those Who Wish to Dominate Others

Timothy Taylor discusses Adam Smith's insights on the desire to dominate others, highlighting critiques and interpretations of Smith's work on slavery and pride.

Back to the farm?

163. 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

164. 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

165. 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

166. 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

167. 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

168. 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

169. 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?

170. 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

171. 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

172. 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'?

173. 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?

174. 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

175. 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

176. 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

177. 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

178. 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

179. 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

180. 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.