Econ Blog

your daily dose of economic commentary

Light Vehicle Sales Decreased to 15.3 Million SAAR in October; Lowest in 15 Months

2081. Light Vehicle Sales Decreased to 15.3 Million SAAR in October; Lowest in 15 Months

Bill McBride discusses the decline in light vehicle sales to 15.3 million SAAR in October, marking the lowest level in 15 months due to various market factors.

A Planet Money Guide To Five Fascinating Economic Studies

2082. A Planet Money Guide To Five Fascinating Economic Studies

A selection of intriguing economic studies is presented, highlighting their findings and implications for understanding economic behavior and trends.

Notes on Maputo (Mozambique)

2083. Notes on Maputo (Mozambique)

The post discusses the affordability and convenience of the Yango ride-hailing app in Maputo, highlighting its impact on local transportation and pricing dynamics.

How one tech startup is giving cash to SNAP recipients

2084. How one tech startup is giving cash to SNAP recipients

Maria Aspan discusses Propel's initiative to provide cash assistance to SNAP recipients through a free app aimed at supporting those on food stamps.

A Curious Kind of Cycle

2085. A Curious Kind of Cycle

The discussion focuses on the unique dynamics of the labor market post-pandemic, highlighting unusual trends and potential recession risks amid a curious balance of supply and demand.

2086. Economists on the Trump Tariffs Supreme Court Case

Timothy Taylor discusses the Supreme Court case regarding Trump's tariffs and the legal authority of the President to impose them under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act.

Bring the big leagues to Mexico City

2087. Bring the big leagues to Mexico City

Nate Silver discusses the potential for expanding major sports leagues into Mexico City, highlighting its vibrant culture and economic viability for franchises.

Fed October SLOOS Survey: Banks reported Stronger Demand for Some Loan Categories

2088. Fed October SLOOS Survey: Banks reported Stronger Demand for Some Loan Categories

The post discusses the October 2025 SLOOS survey findings, highlighting changes in lending standards and demand for various loan categories among businesses and households.

The 18-Inning Lesson in Economics

2089. The 18-Inning Lesson in Economics

The post examines decision-making during a lengthy baseball game, highlighting concepts like marginal decisions and the sunk cost fallacy in economics.

We’re Number Two!

2090. We’re Number Two!

An argument that the rise of China poses challenges to American global leadership and discusses the U.S. response through policies aimed at technological and energy advancements.

Public workers could be denied loan forgiveness if cities defy Trump, lawsuit alleges

2091. Public workers could be denied loan forgiveness if cities defy Trump, lawsuit alleges

Cory Turner discusses a lawsuit claiming that changes to loan forgiveness may impact public workers if their cities oppose Trump's policies.

Huggies maker Kimberly-Clark is buying Tylenol maker Kenvue

2092. Huggies maker Kimberly-Clark is buying Tylenol maker Kenvue

A significant $49 billion merger between two major companies occurs amid controversy surrounding a painkiller linked to autism by the previous administration.

Leaving Memphis, Reflecting on Dads Funeral, 50th Birthday, Hanging with a Friend

2093. Leaving Memphis, Reflecting on Dads Funeral, 50th Birthday, Hanging with a Friend

Scott Cunningham reflects on his father's funeral, sharing personal memories and insights about their relationship, while also celebrating his father's character and legacy.

Housing November 3rd Weekly Update: Inventory Down 1.3% Week-over-week

2094. Housing November 3rd Weekly Update: Inventory Down 1.3% Week-over-week

Bill McBride discusses the decline in active single-family housing inventory and its seasonal patterns, comparing current levels to previous years.

Bidard And Klimovsky's Fake Switch Point

2095. Bidard And Klimovsky's Fake Switch Point

Robert Vienneau analyzes Bidard and Klimovsky's example of joint production, discussing techniques and feasibility in relation to wage curves and economic theory.

Labor Market Indicators amidst the Shutdown

2096. Labor Market Indicators amidst the Shutdown

Menzie Chinn discusses labor market indicators and forecasts amidst the government shutdown, highlighting discrepancies in employment data collection and projections.

2097. Guest Contribution: “Abundance”

Menzie Chinn discusses the political implications of the term "abundance" and critiques the regulatory obstacles hindering infrastructure development in America.

The Domestic Politics and Geopolitics of Renewable Energy, Part I

2098. The Domestic Politics and Geopolitics of Renewable Energy, Part I

The post discusses the global adoption of renewable energy, highlighting the U.S.'s lagging position compared to Europe and China, and its implications.

Updating Antoni-St.Onge (2024): The 2022 Recession Is Over!

2099. Updating Antoni-St.Onge (2024): The 2022 Recession Is Over!

Menzie Chinn analyzes the recession claims by EJ Antoni and Peter St. Onge, suggesting the recession may have ended in mid-2024 based on his calculations.

CA, NY, and the Nation: GDP vs. Employment

2100. CA, NY, and the Nation: GDP vs. Employment

An argument that the economic outlook for the US hinges on California and New York's GDP and employment trends, highlighting their significance in predicting national recessions.