Econ Blog

your daily dose of economic commentary

Inflation ticked up 3% in September, the U.S. belatedly reports

2181. Inflation ticked up 3% in September, the U.S. belatedly reports

Maria Aspan discusses the U.S. inflation report for September, noting it rose less than anticipated and its implications for Social Security beneficiaries.

Boo to spooky chocolate prices! It's the year of chewy, fruity Halloween treats

2182. Boo to spooky chocolate prices! It's the year of chewy, fruity Halloween treats

An argument that rising non-chocolate candy sales reflect shifts in consumer preferences and challenges in chocolate production due to cocoa shortages.

It's supposed to be payday for many federal workers. Instead, they're getting nothing

2183. It's supposed to be payday for many federal workers. Instead, they're getting nothing

Jenny Abamu discusses how approximately 1.4 million federal workers are affected by the government shutdown, receiving no pay despite many being deemed essential.

Imagine No IEEPA Tariffs

2184. Imagine No IEEPA Tariffs

The discussion centers on the potential economic impacts of the Supreme Court's decision regarding IEEPA tariffs and their implications for tariff revenue and trade.

Everybody loves “outsider” candidates. Until they find their Reddit posts.

2185. Everybody loves “outsider” candidates. Until they find their Reddit posts.

Nate Silver discusses the rise and fall of outsider political candidate Graham Platner, highlighting how social media revelations can impact voter perception and electability.

Hotels: Occupancy Rate Decreased 2.4% Year-over-year

2186. Hotels: Occupancy Rate Decreased 2.4% Year-over-year

Bill McBride discusses the decline in hotel occupancy rates due to weak international tourism and uncertainty affecting the industry.

Don’t Mistake a Miracle for Its Cause

2187. Don’t Mistake a Miracle for Its Cause

Max Molden discusses the importance of focusing on the economic system rather than specific industries for sustainable prosperity, using Germany's past economic success as a case study.

Argentina and Rural America’s Awakening

2188. Argentina and Rural America’s Awakening

An argument that rural Americans' political choices contradict their economic interests, highlighting the disconnect between their dependence on government aid and support for Republican policies.

NAR: Existing-Home Sales Increased to 4.06 million SAAR in September

2189. NAR: Existing-Home Sales Increased to 4.06 million SAAR in September

Existing-home sales rose 1.5% in September, with inventory increasing and median prices up, reflecting trends in the housing market.

Starter homes are scarce. But homebuyers can improve their odds

2190. Starter homes are scarce. But homebuyers can improve their odds

Scott Neuman discusses the scarcity of starter homes and offers strategies for homebuyers to improve their chances of finding affordable options.

Sports ticket prices are getting more expensive — and pricing out many fans

2191. Sports ticket prices are getting more expensive — and pricing out many fans

Rafael Nam discusses the rising costs of sports tickets and how they are excluding many dedicated fans from attending games.

What If? An Equity Market Correction Like 2001

2192. What If? An Equity Market Correction Like 2001

An analysis of potential impacts on US household wealth from an equity market correction similar to the 2001 dotcom bust, including consumption effects.

2193. SBSQ #25: Why "No Kings" is a W for Democrats when the shutdown isn't

The discussion centers on the implications of government shutdowns for political dynamics, particularly how polling data influences perceptions of accountability among Democrats and Republicans.

AIA: "Softness persists at architecture firms" in September

2194. AIA: "Softness persists at architecture firms" in September

The post discusses declining architecture firm conditions, indicated by a low Architecture Billings Index, suggesting ongoing softness in the sector and potential future impacts on commercial real estate investment.

Marijuana Policy in a Fragmented Legal Structure

2195. Marijuana Policy in a Fragmented Legal Structure

The discussion highlights the inconsistencies in marijuana policy across states and the implications for public health and safety due to federal classification.

Profits are Social Authentication

2196. Profits are Social Authentication

An argument that profits serve as a form of social authentication, reflecting consumer preferences and enabling market efficiency through individual choices and collective voices.

The U.S. Economy is in Worse Shape Than it Looks

2197. The U.S. Economy is in Worse Shape Than it Looks

Paul Krugman discusses the disconnect between perceived economic stability and underlying issues, highlighting political uncertainty and inequality affecting the U.S. economy.

Should we worry about AI's circular deals?

2198. Should we worry about AI's circular deals?

An argument that circular financial arrangements among AI companies may signal potential instability and inflation of perceived value, reminiscent of the dot-com bubble.

MBA:Mortgage Applications Decrease in Latest Weekly Survey

2199. MBA:Mortgage Applications Decrease in Latest Weekly Survey

Mortgage applications fell slightly, while refinancing activity increased due to lower rates, indicating mixed trends in the housing market compared to previous years.

A Few Photos from Patagonia

2200. A Few Photos from Patagonia

The post shares personal experiences and photos from a trip to Patagonia, highlighting its natural beauty and significant landmarks.