Econ Blog

your daily dose of economic commentary

NAHB: "Builder Confidence Plateaus at Relatively Low Level"'; "Negative territory for 16 consecutive months"

2881. NAHB: "Builder Confidence Plateaus at Relatively Low Level"'; "Negative territory for 16 consecutive months"

Bill McBride discusses the NAHB's report on declining builder confidence in the housing market, highlighting ongoing challenges like affordability and regulatory issues.

The U.S.-China competition is on pause

2882. The U.S.-China competition is on pause

An argument that the U.S. and China have paused their rivalry to address domestic issues, influenced by political shifts and economic challenges in both nations.

2883. Nonsense In Mankiw's Introductory Textbook

Robert Vienneau critiques N. Gregory Mankiw's textbook for its incoherence and confusion regarding capital and economic theories, highlighting significant flaws in mainstream economics.

Housing August 18th Weekly Update: Inventory Up 0.1% Week-over-week; Down 9.9% from 2019 Levels

2884. Housing August 18th Weekly Update: Inventory Up 0.1% Week-over-week; Down 9.9% from 2019 Levels

Bill McBride discusses the slight week-over-week increase in housing inventory and its comparison to previous years, highlighting trends and data analysis.

Three innovations pushing the medical field forward

2885. Three innovations pushing the medical field forward

Innovations in medical technology, including a cancer vaccine and Alzheimer’s blood test, are highlighted as key drivers of economic growth in healthcare.

PPI => CPI?

2886. PPI => CPI?

An argument that the relationship between Producer Price Index and Consumer Price Index is complex, with mixed evidence on predictive power and implications for inflation forecasting.

2887. What’s the Defense for Antoni’s Nomination?

An argument that critiques the nomination of Antoni as BLS Commissioner, highlighting his lack of academic credentials and statistical experience while defending his conservative perspective.

My Weekly Reading and Viewing for August 17, 2025

2888. My Weekly Reading and Viewing for August 17, 2025

The post discusses various topics including healthcare policy, immigration processing delays, and judicial failures related to mass incarceration, highlighting the need for reforms in these areas.

Air Canada suspends restart plans after union defies return to work order

2889. Air Canada suspends restart plans after union defies return to work order

The Associated Press reports on Air Canada's decision to suspend flight restart plans due to a union's defiance of a return-to-work order.

Day 3, last leg of the drive to Boston

2890. Day 3, last leg of the drive to Boston

The author reflects on sleep issues related to a mattress, shares experiences with family, and discusses a conversation about the father's programming career and its context in business.

Washington's hydropower has created a data center boom. Some are concerned about its future.

2891. Washington's hydropower has created a data center boom. Some are concerned about its future.

Hydropower in Washington has spurred job creation and infrastructure development, but concerns about sustainability and resource limits are emerging.

Toward a Shallower Future

2892. Toward a Shallower Future

Noah Smith discusses the controversy surrounding embryo screening and societal attitudes towards genetic disorders, linking it to broader themes of human suffering and technological progress.

Not in my back pocket (NIMBP)

2893. Not in my back pocket (NIMBP)

An argument that despite widespread unpopularity of taxes, democratic governments successfully impose high tax rates by aligning them with perceived benefits for voters.

Sergio’s, and day 2 of driving to Boston

2894. Sergio’s, and day 2 of driving to Boston

Scott Cunningham reflects on his experiences with Sergio’s burrito truck, discussing personal connections, economic concepts, and the impact of local business dynamics in Waco.

Talking With Jeff Asher

2895. Talking With Jeff Asher

Paul Krugman discusses urban crime trends with Jeff Asher, emphasizing data analysis and the implications of crime statistics amid political narratives surrounding crime in Washington, D.C.

Government forces Air Canada flight attendants back to work, into arbitration

2896. Government forces Air Canada flight attendants back to work, into arbitration

Over 10,000 Air Canada flight attendants went on strike, disrupting travel plans for many during the busy summer season.

Schedule for Week of August 17, 2025

2897. Schedule for Week of August 17, 2025

The post outlines key economic reports and events scheduled for the week, focusing on housing data and a speech by the Federal Reserve Chair.

Opinion: Remembering Ted Clark, great colleague — better friend

2898. Opinion: Remembering Ted Clark, great colleague — better friend

Scott Simon reflects on the life and friendship of his former NPR colleague Ted Clark, honoring his memory and contributions.

Private equity and crypto could be heading for your 401(k). Here's what to know

2899. Private equity and crypto could be heading for your 401(k). Here's what to know

Laurel Wamsley discusses the potential inclusion of private equity and cryptocurrency in 401(k) retirement accounts following a recent executive order.

Electricity prices are climbing more than twice as fast as inflation

2900. Electricity prices are climbing more than twice as fast as inflation

Scott Horsley discusses the rapid increase in electricity prices compared to inflation and the factors contributing to this rise.