Econ Blog

your daily dose of economic commentary

Kilowatt Madness

2821. Kilowatt Madness

An argument that rising electricity prices, driven by demand from AI and crypto, will exacerbate inflation and hinder economic growth, while political figures misattribute the causes.

2822. Fed Chair Powell: "The shifting balance of risks may warrant adjusting our policy stance"

Bill McBride discusses Fed Chair Powell's insights on monetary policy adjustments in response to evolving economic conditions, including inflation and labor market dynamics.

Another Example With A Cost-Minimizing Technique With Intensive And Extensive Rent

2823. Another Example With A Cost-Minimizing Technique With Intensive And Extensive Rent

The discussion focuses on a model combining intensive and extensive rent in agricultural production, analyzing how different techniques affect land use and profit levels.

She's cared for America's elderly for decades. Trump wants her gone by Sept. 8

2824. She's cared for America's elderly for decades. Trump wants her gone by Sept. 8

The post discusses the impact of ending temporary protected status on health care workers caring for the elderly, highlighting the potential consequences for America's aging population.

Home sales are ticking up — and more are coming to market

2825. Home sales are ticking up — and more are coming to market

Recent data indicates a potential recovery in the real estate market after a period of stagnation due to high mortgage rates.

2826. Some Economics of Leasing Antiquities

The discussion centers on the economic complexities of antiquities ownership, highlighting leasing as a potential solution to incentivize preservation and legal compliance.

Chatbots, Companionship, and Mental Healthcare: A Call for Taking a Harm Reduction Approach

2827. Chatbots, Companionship, and Mental Healthcare: A Call for Taking a Harm Reduction Approach

The discussion revolves around the use of chatbots in mental healthcare, highlighting issues of self-selection, empathy paradox, and the challenges of causal inference in evaluating their effectiveness.

With Fed under pressure, Jerome Powell prepares for a high-stakes speech

2828. With Fed under pressure, Jerome Powell prepares for a high-stakes speech

The Fed chair's upcoming speech is crucial as the central bank faces pressure from the White House to reduce interest rates.

Make Drug Approval Easier

2829. Make Drug Approval Easier

David Henderson discusses the challenges of drug approval in the U.S. and advocates for easier processes to encourage innovation and access to new treatments.

Walmart says tariff costs are rising 'each week' and will continue

2830. Walmart says tariff costs are rising 'each week' and will continue

Alina Selyukh discusses Walmart's ongoing challenges with rising tariff costs and their impact on pricing strategies.

Crime and Self-Promotion

2831. Crime and Self-Promotion

Paul Krugman discusses the disconnect between crime statistics and public perception, criticizing political narratives surrounding crime during the Trump administration.

NAR: Existing-Home Sales Increased to 4.01 million SAAR in July

2832. NAR: Existing-Home Sales Increased to 4.01 million SAAR in July

Bill McBride discusses the National Association of REALTORS® report showing a 2.0% increase in existing-home sales in July, highlighting regional variations and inventory changes.

Far fewer Canadians are visiting the U.S. this year, new numbers show

2833. Far fewer Canadians are visiting the U.S. this year, new numbers show

Joe Hernandez discusses a significant decline in Canadian visits to the U.S. in July, with a nearly 37% drop compared to the previous year.

My Conversation with David Brooks

2834. My Conversation with David Brooks

A discussion on American culture's sociological issues, generational challenges, and the evolution of political beliefs, highlighting the interplay between personal experiences and broader societal trends.

Guest Contribution: “Monthly Household Income Estimates at the White House”

2835. Guest Contribution: “Monthly Household Income Estimates at the White House”

The post examines the presentation of monthly household income data at the White House, comparing estimates from different sources and discussing their implications for economic understanding.

Is the Sensitivity of Muni Bond Rates to 10 Year Treasury 0.04?

2836. Is the Sensitivity of Muni Bond Rates to 10 Year Treasury 0.04?

Menzie Chinn critiques EJ Antoni's analysis of municipal bond rates and their sensitivity to the 10-year Treasury yield, highlighting potential issues in the methodology.

Real talk on models, moderation, and the misuse of academic authority

2837. Real talk on models, moderation, and the misuse of academic authority

Nate Silver discusses the debate over moderate candidates' electoral performance and critiques the methodology of opposing political scientists regarding this issue.

Meanwhile, in Mexico

2838. Meanwhile, in Mexico

The post discusses Mexico's political changes under López Obrador, emphasizing the consolidation of executive power and its implications for democracy and governance globally.

Moderation is good for its own sake

2839. Moderation is good for its own sake

Noah Smith discusses the resurgence of blogging debates, focusing on the electability of moderate candidates versus ideological ones in political elections.

2840. In Praise of Editors

Timothy Taylor reflects on the vital role of editors in the writing process, emphasizing their importance and often overlooked contributions compared to writers.