Econ Blog

your daily dose of economic commentary

Nowcasts of GDP and “Core GDP”

1861. Nowcasts of GDP and “Core GDP”

The discussion focuses on GDP nowcasts and "Core GDP," highlighting deceleration in private domestic demand and the accuracy of various forecasting models.

Leaving San Sebastián, but not yet in the US

1862. Leaving San Sebastián, but not yet in the US

The author reflects on a recent trip to San Sebastián, sharing experiences with food, culture, and personal connections while highlighting the city's unique charm and culinary offerings.

Home Economics

1863. Home Economics

A personal experience highlights how ownership changes the perception of costs and benefits, illustrating economic principles related to marginal costs and subjective value.

Are you a single mom? We want to hear from you about your life experiences

1864. Are you a single mom? We want to hear from you about your life experiences

The post invites single mothers to share their unique challenges and life experiences, highlighting the prevalence of births to unmarried women in America.

Signs of a Slowing Russian Economy: CBR Drops Rate 200 bp

1865. Signs of a Slowing Russian Economy: CBR Drops Rate 200 bp

The post discusses indicators of a slowing Russian economy, including GDP contraction, interest rate cuts, and the impact of sanctions and oil prices on growth prospects.

Q2 GDP Tracking: Mid-2s

1866. Q2 GDP Tracking: Mid-2s

The post discusses GDP growth estimates for Q2, highlighting projections from various economists and organizations regarding consumer spending and investment trends.

Horseshoe Theory: Trump and the Progressive Left

1867. Horseshoe Theory: Trump and the Progressive Left

Alex Tabarrok discusses the ideological convergence between Trump and the progressive left, particularly on issues like tariffs and corporate regulation.

Final Look at Local Housing Markets in June and a Look Ahead to July Sales

1868. Final Look at Local Housing Markets in June and a Look Ahead to July Sales

The post analyzes local housing market trends in June, highlighting sales declines, inventory levels, and potential future price changes.

The Art of the Really Stupid Deal

1869. The Art of the Really Stupid Deal

Paul Krugman critiques the Trump administration's trade deal with Japan, highlighting its negative impact on U.S. manufacturers and the broader implications of protectionist policies.

Trump administration approves sale of CBS parent company Paramount after concessions

1870. Trump administration approves sale of CBS parent company Paramount after concessions

The post discusses the Federal Communications Commission's approval of Paramount Global's sale, highlighting buyer commitments to diversity and addressing bias in CBS news coverage.

Untenable Tenant Anger

1871. Untenable Tenant Anger

An argument that tenant anger over rent increases during month-to-month leases reflects a misunderstanding of rental economics and the typical pricing strategies landlords employ.

Guest Contribution: “Global shocks, institutional development, and trade restrictions: What can we learn from crises and recoveries between 1990 and 2022?”

1872. Guest Contribution: “Global shocks, institutional development, and trade restrictions: What can we learn from crises and recoveries between 1990 and 2022?”

An analysis of global economic crises and recoveries from 1990 to 2022, focusing on institutional development, political stability, and trade restrictions' impact on recessions.

Trump visits Federal Reserve and tussles with Jerome Powell in extraordinary moment

1873. Trump visits Federal Reserve and tussles with Jerome Powell in extraordinary moment

Rafael Nam discusses President Trump's visit to the Federal Reserve, highlighting his disagreement with Jerome Powell over the renovation costs.

Brick by brick: Fed independence

1874. Brick by brick: Fed independence

The importance of Federal Reserve independence is discussed, highlighting how political pressures can undermine monetary policy and inflation control.

So Why Has Rural Housing Become Less Affordable?

1875. So Why Has Rural Housing Become Less Affordable?

Timothy Taylor discusses the rising housing prices in rural America despite ample land and fewer regulations, questioning the underlying economic factors driving this trend.

How Resilient Is the Consumer, Really?

1876. How Resilient Is the Consumer, Really?

An argument that consumer resilience is questionable based on recent data trends in consumption, retail sales, and consumer expectations.

ICE First Look at June Mortgage Performance: "Delinquencies Trend Slightly Higher in June"

1877. ICE First Look at June Mortgage Performance: "Delinquencies Trend Slightly Higher in June"

Delinquencies in mortgage payments increased slightly in June, while foreclosure activity rose from pandemic lows, indicating shifts in the housing market's performance.

The Stock Market and “The Soft Bigotry of Low Expectations”

1878. The Stock Market and “The Soft Bigotry of Low Expectations”

Menzie Chinn discusses the implications of Trump's tariff announcements on the stock market and the broader economic expectations surrounding trade deals.

It Can’t Be A Coincidence!

1879. It Can’t Be A Coincidence!

Jon Murphy discusses the distinction between causation and coincidence, emphasizing the importance of theory in understanding events and the pitfalls of misinterpreting coincidences.

2024 Chinese book sales numbers are in

1880. 2024 Chinese book sales numbers are in

Scott Cunningham shares insights on his book sales in China, highlighting significant drops and the impact of free versions on overall sales.