Econ Blog

your daily dose of economic commentary

2121. CCC: tl; dr

Robert Vienneau critiques mainstream economics, particularly the Cambridge Capital Controversy, arguing against the validity of supply and demand in explaining capital markets.

Trump rates meeting with China's Xi 12 out of 10, lowers tariffs

2122. Trump rates meeting with China's Xi 12 out of 10, lowers tariffs

Deepa Shivaram reports on President Trump's positive assessment of his meeting with Xi Jinping and the decision to lower tariffs.

Why car insurance costs have soared (and what drivers are doing about it)

2123. Why car insurance costs have soared (and what drivers are doing about it)

Rising car insurance premiums outpace inflation, causing financial strain for many Americans, while some drivers seek alternatives to manage costs.

Cars are essential in most of the U.S. They're also increasingly unaffordable

2124. Cars are essential in most of the U.S. They're also increasingly unaffordable

Camila Domonoske discusses the rising costs of cars in the U.S. and the financial burden it places on consumers.

My Conversation with the excellent Jonny Steinberg

2125. My Conversation with the excellent Jonny Steinberg

Tyler Cowen discusses Jonny Steinberg's insights on South African history, policing, and the complex relationship between Nelson and Winnie Mandela.

2126. IMF Lessons About Industrial Policy from Korea and Brazil

An argument that government industrial policies can benefit targeted industries but may impose costs on the broader economy, illustrated through comparisons of Korea and Brazil's approaches.

Hi Frequency Readout on Consumer Prices, Thru 12 October

2127. Hi Frequency Readout on Consumer Prices, Thru 12 October

An argument that consumer price index estimates are influenced by tariffs, highlighting data analysis through October 12.

Everyday Prices Up 2.2% since Jan. 2025

2128. Everyday Prices Up 2.2% since Jan. 2025

An argument that everyday prices have increased by 2.2% since January 2025, highlighting trends in consumer price indices and specific sectors like limited service restaurants.

Dad's obituary

2129. Dad's obituary

Scott Cunningham reflects on his father's life, detailing his journey from a small-town upbringing to a successful career in computing and family life.

Economic ideas for Takaichi Sanae

2130. Economic ideas for Takaichi Sanae

An argument that Takaichi Sanae's administration should focus on economic reforms to boost productivity and investment, while managing Japan's defense and international relations.

MBA:Mortgage Applications Increase in Latest Weekly Survey

2131. MBA:Mortgage Applications Increase in Latest Weekly Survey

Mortgage applications rose significantly due to decreasing mortgage rates, with notable increases in refinancing and purchasing activity compared to previous weeks and last year.

Trump-Xi meeting concludes after days of build-up

2132. Trump-Xi meeting concludes after days of build-up

Anthony Kuhn discusses President Trump's confidence in reaching a deal with China's leader ahead of their upcoming meeting.

The Fed cuts interest rates again as concerns grow about the job market

2133. The Fed cuts interest rates again as concerns grow about the job market

An argument that the Federal Reserve may reduce interest rates due to emerging weaknesses in the job market, prioritizing employment over inflation concerns.

Macro Implications of Withholding Contingency Funding of SNAP

2134. Macro Implications of Withholding Contingency Funding of SNAP

An argument that the prohibition of contingency funds for SNAP could negatively impact the economy, particularly during a prolonged government shutdown.

Are you worried about your SNAP benefits? NPR wants to hear your story

2135. Are you worried about your SNAP benefits? NPR wants to hear your story

NPR Staff discusses the impact of the federal government shutdown on food and nutrition aid, inviting readers to share their experiences regarding potential loss of benefits.

Tuesday's Assorted Links

2136. Tuesday's Assorted Links

Jadrian Wooten discusses various stories highlighting economic principles and their applications, including workplace toxicity, pricing, and educational economics.

A few Comments on the Seasonal Pattern for House Prices

2137. A few Comments on the Seasonal Pattern for House Prices

An argument that house prices exhibit a seasonal pattern influenced by distressed sales, with recent trends showing increased seasonal swings despite fewer distressed sales.

Do political scandals still matter? Or is ticket-splitting dead?

2138. Do political scandals still matter? Or is ticket-splitting dead?

The post examines the impact of political scandals on elections, particularly focusing on a recent scandal involving a Virginia candidate and its implications for party dynamics.

What to Watch

2139. What to Watch

Alex Tabarrok reviews films, highlighting their political themes and artistic merit, particularly focusing on "A House of Dynamite" and "Springsteen: Deliver Me from Nowhere."

Amazon lays off thousands of corporate workers as it spends big on AI

2140. Amazon lays off thousands of corporate workers as it spends big on AI

Alina Selyukh discusses Amazon's job cuts as the company reallocates resources towards artificial intelligence amid investor pressure for financial tightening.