Econ Blog

your daily dose of economic commentary

Trump tariff revenue soars 78%. Who's paying them?

1861. Trump tariff revenue soars 78%. Who's paying them?

An argument that increased tariff collections may reduce federal debt but could simultaneously cause higher inflation and slower economic growth.

Dave Portnoy on Trump, the 'manosphere' and 'Barstool conservatism'

1862. Dave Portnoy on Trump, the 'manosphere' and 'Barstool conservatism'

Steve Inskeep discusses Dave Portnoy's views on voting for Trump, his disagreements with him, and his openness to supporting Democrats.

Macroeconomic Implications of Premature Escalation in LA

1863. Macroeconomic Implications of Premature Escalation in LA

Menzie Chinn discusses the economic impact of ICE raids in blue states, particularly California and New York, highlighting GDP and employment growth projections.

1864. My Weekly Reading for June 8, 2025

David Henderson discusses various articles on legal accreditation, Supreme Court decisions, and their implications for democracy and education.

Day 1 in Turin, Day t-1 before diff-in-diff workshop at Collegio Carlo Alberto

1865. Day 1 in Turin, Day t-1 before diff-in-diff workshop at Collegio Carlo Alberto

Scott Cunningham shares his experiences in Turin, including travel details, accommodations, and his enjoyment of a new TV show while preparing for a workshop.

Working within Reason

1866. Working within Reason

An argument that reasoning Generative AI models significantly enhance productivity in research, particularly in economics, while also presenting challenges in management and accuracy.

Supersonics Takeoff!

1867. Supersonics Takeoff!

A discussion on lifting the ban on supersonic aircraft, highlighting its potential to enhance technological development and restore U.S. leadership in aviation innovation.

Understanding Inequality, Part II

1868. Understanding Inequality, Part II

An argument that rising inequality in America since 1980 stems primarily from shifts in political and bargaining power against workers, rather than globalization or technology.

Leading Index for Commercial Real Estate Increased 4% in May

1869. Leading Index for Commercial Real Estate Increased 4% in May

Bill McBride discusses the 4% increase in the Dodge Momentum Index for commercial real estate in May, highlighting trends in planning activity and economic uncertainty.

Speak Now or Forever Hold Your Peace

1870. Speak Now or Forever Hold Your Peace

An argument that students should challenge economic teachings in college to foster critical thinking and address widespread misconceptions about concepts like price gouging and trade.

Poor Elon Musk!

1871. Poor Elon Musk!

Pierre Lemieux discusses Elon Musk's political miscalculations and his relationship with Trump, highlighting Musk's lack of understanding of political dynamics and liberty.

Inventing the Renaissance: Ada Palmer

1872. Inventing the Renaissance: Ada Palmer

The discussion explores the complexities of defining the Renaissance as a historical era, emphasizing its ongoing reinterpretation and significance in cultural history.

It's OK not to be fat

1873. It's OK not to be fat

Noah Smith shares his personal weight loss journey and discusses societal perceptions of weight loss and personal struggles, emphasizing the importance of individual effort and lifestyle changes.

Leaving Scotland (eventually)

1874. Leaving Scotland (eventually)

Scott Cunningham shares his travel experiences in Scotland, including a missed flight, reflections on anger, and highlights from his week in Glasgow.

Avila, Spain

1875. Avila, Spain

The post highlights Avila's historical significance, cultural reenactments, and its underrated status as a travel destination, drawing parallels with a Mexican village's traditions.

Michaillat-Saez Recession Indicator

1876. Michaillat-Saez Recession Indicator

Menzie Chinn discusses the recession indicator's recent performance and its implications for current economic conditions.

“First thing we do, let’s kill all the beancounters” Part 3

1877. “First thing we do, let’s kill all the beancounters” Part 3

The post discusses criticisms of the Congressional Budget Office from Republicans regarding its economic forecasts and the implications for fiscal policy debates.

June 6th COVID Update: Weekly COVID Deaths at New Pandemic Low

1878. June 6th COVID Update: Weekly COVID Deaths at New Pandemic Low

The post discusses the recent decline in weekly COVID-19 deaths, noting metrics and goals related to pandemic reporting and wastewater data as indicators.

When Chinese manufacturing met Small Town, USA

1879. When Chinese manufacturing met Small Town, USA

The post explores the implications of a multinational battery factory's establishment in a small American town, highlighting the intersection of local democracy and global economic forces.

May Employment Release: NFP above Consensus, Mfg below

1880. May Employment Release: NFP above Consensus, Mfg below

The post analyzes employment data, highlighting stronger nonfarm payroll growth but weaker manufacturing employment, while discussing broader economic indicators and potential impacts of tariffs.