Econ Blog

your daily dose of economic commentary

Housing July 28th Weekly Update: Inventory up 0.4% Week-over-week; Down 10% from 2019 Levels

1841. Housing July 28th Weekly Update: Inventory up 0.4% Week-over-week; Down 10% from 2019 Levels

Bill McBride discusses the increase in active single-family housing inventory, noting trends compared to previous years and highlighting a larger than normal rise in 2025.

Xi Jinping is the main thing holding China back

1842. Xi Jinping is the main thing holding China back

An argument that Xi Jinping's concentration of power and personal limitations hinder China's potential for greatness, despite its current economic and technological advancements.

Trump lands trade deal with EU. And, Pete Buttigieg on what's next for Democrats

1843. Trump lands trade deal with EU. And, Pete Buttigieg on what's next for Democrats

Brittney Melton discusses Trump's trade deal with the EU and Pete Buttigieg's insights on the Democratic Party's challenges in the 2024 election.

My first students

1844. My first students

Tyler Cowen reflects on his early teaching experiences at UC Irvine and the notable achievements of his first students in economics.

A baby bonds bonanza

1845. A baby bonds bonanza

Wailin Wong discusses the concept of baby bonds and their potential to address wealth inequality through government-funded accounts for newborns.

Who has the brightest future in the NBA?

1846. Who has the brightest future in the NBA?

The discussion centers on NBA team rankings based on expected championships, analyzing player performance and team dynamics for future success.

A Nonexistent Quote About Free Trade

1847. A Nonexistent Quote About Free Trade

The discussion centers on the absence of true free trade in countries, emphasizing the importance of minimal government intervention and the benefits of free markets.

My Weekly Reading for July 27, 2025

1848. My Weekly Reading for July 27, 2025

David Henderson discusses various articles on Medicaid, Social Security, and comparisons of living standards between the U.S. and Europe.

Understanding Interest Rate Policy

1849. Understanding Interest Rate Policy

Paul Krugman explains the misconceptions surrounding interest rate policy and the importance of the Federal Reserve's role in managing the economy.

1850. FOMC Preview: No Change to Fed Funds Rate

An argument that the FOMC is expected to maintain the current Fed Funds rate, with future rate cuts anticipated based on evolving economic data and inflation risks.

Here's a puzzling question: Why are stocks at record highs despite looming tariffs?

1851. Here's a puzzling question: Why are stocks at record highs despite looming tariffs?

An argument that despite potential negative economic impacts from tariffs, stock markets continue to reach record highs due to investor optimism.

Where Is the Administration’s Economic Forecast? A Forensic Analysis

1852. Where Is the Administration’s Economic Forecast? A Forensic Analysis

Menzie Chinn critiques the Administration's lack of economic forecasts and questions the credibility of their revenue projections amid legislative uncertainty.

Closing tabs on a Saturday

1853. Closing tabs on a Saturday

Scott Cunningham reflects on various topics including AI, cognitive decline, and personal experiences while traveling, sharing insights from recent research and his evolving musical tastes.

Talking With Henry Farrell

1854. Talking With Henry Farrell

A conversation explores the concept of "weaponized interdependence," U.S. global influence, and the evolving ideologies of Silicon Valley's elite in the current political landscape.

MAGA doesn't build anything

1855. MAGA doesn't build anything

An argument that the MAGA movement lacks a constructive vision, focusing instead on deconstruction without building lasting institutions or culture, jeopardizing its long-term viability.

Schedule for Week of July 27, 2025

1856. Schedule for Week of July 27, 2025

Bill McBride outlines key economic reports and events scheduled for the week, including GDP estimates and employment data.

Corporate America is having a weird tariff summer

1857. Corporate America is having a weird tariff summer

Some companies face financial struggles due to tariffs and economic uncertainty, while others experience significant growth amid these challenges.

Home sales are down. So why are prices at an all-time high?

1858. Home sales are down. So why are prices at an all-time high?

Laurel Wamsley discusses the paradox of declining home sales alongside rising prices, highlighting factors affecting buyers and the housing market dynamics.

Price Controls on Oranges

1859. Price Controls on Oranges

David Henderson discusses the effects of a government-imposed price ceiling on oranges and its impact on the price of orange juice in a competitive market.

The President's Golden Share in U.S. Steel

1860. The President's Golden Share in U.S. Steel

Erika Beras discusses the political implications of President Trump's approval of a foreign acquisition of U.S. Steel, including the concept of a "golden share."