your daily dose of economic commentary
Mortgage applications fell slightly, with refinance applications decreasing due to rising rates, while purchase applications showed a year-over-year increase amid more inventory and cooling prices.
The Associated Press discusses President Trump's executive order imposing tariffs on India, impacting $48.2 billion in exports due to its Russian oil purchases.
Protests at a Microsoft office involve employees opposing the company's collaboration with Israel's military amid concerns over its use of technology in attacks on Palestinians.
Timothy Taylor discusses the decline in productivity in the US construction sector and its implications for housing affordability and economic growth.
An argument that collectivism undermines individual rights, highlighting the role of judges in maintaining a free society based on abstract rules rather than political interests.
Menzie Chinn analyzes recent trends in consumer confidence and sentiment, noting their fluctuations and implications for economic expectations.
Menzie Chinn discusses a map illustrating quarterly nonfarm payroll growth projections through July 2025 based on data and calculations.
The author discusses various stories related to economic principles and their implications for education and productivity.
An argument that house prices exhibit a seasonal pattern, influenced by distressed sales during the housing bust and recent changes in market dynamics.
An argument that lower Federal Reserve rates may not reduce government borrowing costs due to market dynamics and increasing supply of Treasuries.
An argument that Trump's attempt to fire a Federal Reserve governor undermines institutional independence and reflects a broader authoritarian trend in governance.
Bill McBride discusses the latest Case-Shiller Home Price Indices, highlighting a 1.9% year-over-year increase in national home prices and notable regional variations.
An argument that fungi and plants demonstrate resource trading and cooperation, offering insights into human economic systems and global trade dynamics.
A judge mandates Kari Lake to provide sworn testimony regarding her intentions for Voice of America, indicating potential contempt issues.
Jon Hartley discusses Liz Truss's background, her political journey, economic policies, and the current state of the UK amidst global challenges.
Menzie Chinn discusses the implications of Trump's policies on the Federal Reserve's independence and the potential economic consequences of political actions.
An argument that discretionary spending trends do not indicate an impending recession, contrasting past observations with current data.
Timothy Taylor discusses Gary Hoover's journey in economics, emphasizing the importance of teaching with purpose and the need for engaging students in meaningful questions.
The post discusses alternative measures of economic weakness, focusing on geographic employment growth and the Chicago Fed National Activity Index's recent trends.
The post discusses President Trump's intention to dismiss Federal Reserve governor Lisa Cook amid allegations of false statements regarding mortgage applications.