Econ Blog

your daily dose of economic commentary

Wisconsin under Trump Trade War 2.0

2901. Wisconsin under Trump Trade War 2.0

The post discusses declines in manufacturing employment and exports in Wisconsin, highlighting recent employment data from the Department of Workforce Development.

A Man Who Believes We’ve Been in Recession since 2022 Is Still Odds on Favorite for BLS Commissioner

2902. A Man Who Believes We’ve Been in Recession since 2022 Is Still Odds on Favorite for BLS Commissioner

Menzie Chinn discusses Dr. Antoni's controversial views on the economy and his candidacy for BLS Commissioner, highlighting his skepticism towards economic data and policies.

Class-action suit claims Otter AI secretly records private work conversations

2903. Class-action suit claims Otter AI secretly records private work conversations

Bobby Allyn discusses a class-action lawsuit against Otter AI for allegedly recording private work conversations without user consent.

Using Royalty Payments to Track Technological Leadership

2904. Using Royalty Payments to Track Technological Leadership

Timothy Taylor discusses how international royalty payments can measure China's shift from a technological follower to an innovator in the global economy.

Business Cycle Indicators – Industrial Production, Retail Sales

2905. Business Cycle Indicators – Industrial Production, Retail Sales

The discussion focuses on recent economic indicators, highlighting declines in industrial production and retail sales compared to previous peaks, while noting the rising coincident index.

After a freeze, Trump administration reluctantly agrees to fund EV chargers

2906. After a freeze, Trump administration reluctantly agrees to fund EV chargers

The post discusses the Trump administration's decision to release funds for EV chargers despite initial opposition to federal subsidies.

When our inflation infeelings don’t match the CPI

2907. When our inflation infeelings don’t match the CPI

Kenny Malone discusses the disconnect between personal feelings of inflation and official economic data, exploring how perceptions of rising prices affect people's emotions.

Fascinating Interview of Anne Krueger

2908. Fascinating Interview of Anne Krueger

The post highlights Anne Krueger's insights on trade, corruption, and economic development from an interview, emphasizing her contributions to economics and the concept of rent seeking.

We Have Never Been Woke Part 6: Consequences of Awokenings

2909. We Have Never Been Woke Part 6: Consequences of Awokenings

Kevin Corcoran discusses the long-term consequences of Awokenings, arguing they have not improved conditions for marginalized groups and may have even hindered progress.

CFPB staff layoffs can proceed, appeals court rules

2910. CFPB staff layoffs can proceed, appeals court rules

A court ruling allows layoffs affecting a significant number of staff at the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau to move forward.

Part 2: Current State of the Housing Market; Overview for mid-August 2025

2911. Part 2: Current State of the Housing Market; Overview for mid-August 2025

An overview of the housing market highlights increased inventory, flat sales, and pressure on prices, with insights on house prices, mortgage rates, and rents.

Day 1, and thinking of my dad

2912. Day 1, and thinking of my dad

Scott Cunningham reflects on his father's declining health and the emotional challenges faced by his family during this difficult time.

Stagflation: Shooting the Messengers

2913. Stagflation: Shooting the Messengers

An argument that Trump's attacks on economists reflect his insecurity about economic performance, particularly regarding tariffs and their impact on inflation and growth.

America has only one real city

2914. America has only one real city

An argument that New York City stands alone in America for its density, transit efficiency, and urban design, contrasting it with other U.S. cities' car-centric development.

Industrial Production Decreased 0.1% in July

2915. Industrial Production Decreased 0.1% in July

The post discusses a slight decrease in industrial production and capacity utilization in July, highlighting trends and comparisons to previous years.

Retail Sales Increased 0.5% in July

2916. Retail Sales Increased 0.5% in July

Bill McBride discusses the increase in retail sales for July, highlighting the monthly and yearly changes based on Census Bureau data.

Optimal Tariffs with Geopolitical Alignment

2917. Optimal Tariffs with Geopolitical Alignment

An argument that optimal tariffs are influenced by geopolitical factors, balancing economic welfare with political alignment, particularly in unipolar and bipolar global contexts.

The nepo baby premium, frothing markets, and Apple vs. Apples

2918. The nepo baby premium, frothing markets, and Apple vs. Apples

The discussion centers on economic indicators, intergenerational earnings, and a legal dispute involving Apple, highlighting trends in inflation and employment.

SBSQ #23: Does the media really have a liberal bias?

2919. SBSQ #23: Does the media really have a liberal bias?

Nate Silver analyzes the question of media bias, particularly whether mainstream media leans left, considering factors like audience demand and the influence of major news outlets.

Evaluating the US-Japan Trade Deal on Mercantilist Terms

2920. Evaluating the US-Japan Trade Deal on Mercantilist Terms

Jon Murphy critiques the US-Japan trade deal, arguing it worsens the trade deficit and fails to protect jobs, even by mercantilist standards.