Econ Blog

your daily dose of economic commentary

Is There a Tariff End Game?

1921. Is There a Tariff End Game?

An argument that recent tariff changes may not signal a resolution to trade tensions, as they could lead to increased costs and job losses in manufacturing.

1922. ISMĀ® Services Index decreased to 49.9% in May

Bill McBride discusses the decline of the ISM Services Index to 49.9% in May, indicating economic contraction in the services sector for the first time since June 2024.

MBA: Mortgage Applications Decrease in Latest MBA Weekly Survey

1923. MBA: Mortgage Applications Decrease in Latest MBA Weekly Survey

Bill McBride discusses a decrease in mortgage applications according to the latest MBA survey, highlighting trends in refinancing and purchase activity.

Steel tariffs double. And, Congress asked to eliminate public broadcasting funds

1924. Steel tariffs double. And, Congress asked to eliminate public broadcasting funds

Brittney Melton discusses the doubling of steel tariffs and Trump's request to eliminate public broadcasting funding.

My days collecting Mexican art, part II

1925. My days collecting Mexican art, part II

The author recounts his experiences collecting Mexican art, focusing on the painters Juan and Marcial Camilo Ayala, and the cultural and personal connections formed through this journey.

With steel tariffs doubling today, a North Carolina manufacturer wonders how to compete

1926. With steel tariffs doubling today, a North Carolina manufacturer wonders how to compete

Scott Horsley discusses the impact of President Trump's steel tariffs on a North Carolina manufacturer and the challenges of competition they face.

Trump's crypto interests (Two Indicators)

1927. Trump's crypto interests (Two Indicators)

The post discusses Trump's involvement in cryptocurrency, focusing on the $TRUMP coin and its legal implications, as well as the mechanics of Stablecoins.

Does Poverty Cause Homelessness?

1928. Does Poverty Cause Homelessness?

Scott Sumner argues that poverty is not the primary cause of homelessness, citing data that shows Mississippi, the poorest state, has the lowest homelessness rate.

Light Vehicles Sales Decrease to 15.65 million SAAR in May

1929. Light Vehicles Sales Decrease to 15.65 million SAAR in May

Bill McBride discusses the decline in U.S. light vehicle sales in May, attributing it to inventory depletion and reduced consumer demand following a surge due to tariff concerns.

Trump asks Congress to wipe out funding for public broadcasting

1930. Trump asks Congress to wipe out funding for public broadcasting

A request is made to Congress to eliminate federal funding for public broadcasting and reduce foreign aid.

TACO vs. the Game-Theoretic Art of the Deal

1931. TACO vs. the Game-Theoretic Art of the Deal

Pierre Lemieux analyzes Trump's negotiation strategy using game theory, particularly the Chicken game, to discuss the dynamics of trade negotiations and threats.

Tuesday's Assorted Links

1932. Tuesday's Assorted Links

The post highlights various stories related to economic principles, including student loans, housing market trends, tariffs, and their implications on consumer behavior and education.

Wrapping up Fewer Rules, Better People

1933. Wrapping up Fewer Rules, Better People

The discussion centers on the balance between discretion and rules in decision-making, emphasizing the importance of context and predictability in governance and economic policy.

One company forecasting a better year ahead? Dollar General

1934. One company forecasting a better year ahead? Dollar General

Alina Selyukh discusses how Dollar General is benefiting from increased consumer spending as shoppers opt for cheaper alternatives.

We Are No Longer a Serious Country

1935. We Are No Longer a Serious Country

Paul Krugman discusses the declining confidence in the U.S. economy and political decision-making under Trump, questioning the nation's seriousness in honoring its debts.

BLS: Job Openings Increased to 7.4 million in April

1936. BLS: Job Openings Increased to 7.4 million in April

Job openings rose to 7.4 million in April, with little change in hires and separations, indicating a stable labor market despite year-over-year declines in quits and openings.

How Chinese drones could defeat America

1937. How Chinese drones could defeat America

Noah Smith discusses the implications of technological advancements in warfare, comparing historical military strategies to modern drone capabilities that could challenge American military dominance.

Can bringing back manufacturing help the heartland catch up with 'superstar' cities?

1938. Can bringing back manufacturing help the heartland catch up with 'superstar' cities?

Greg Rosalsky discusses the potential of reshoring manufacturing to address economic disparities between superstar cities and the heartland.

The fate of the EV tax credits depends on the GOP's megabill

1939. The fate of the EV tax credits depends on the GOP's megabill

Camila Domonoske discusses how the GOP's tax bill could impact electric vehicle tax credits and subsequently influence automaker investments and EV sales.

Who should get mom's ring?

1940. Who should get mom's ring?

Sally Herships discusses the complexities of estate planning and inheritance, highlighting the challenges in ensuring wealth is passed down as intended.