Econ Blog

your daily dose of economic commentary

How Much Will AI Increase Productivity?

3401. How Much Will AI Increase Productivity?

The discussion centers on AI's potential to enhance productivity, presenting estimates of its economic impact and factors influencing its adoption and effectiveness across various sectors.

Business Fixed Investment ex-IIP and Policy Uncertainty

3402. Business Fixed Investment ex-IIP and Policy Uncertainty

An argument that policy uncertainty impacts business fixed investment, with a focus on historical data and trends related to economic performance.

Can Elon's America Party succeed where others have failed?

3403. Can Elon's America Party succeed where others have failed?

An argument that the America Party, potentially linked to Elon Musk, may face challenges similar to past third-party movements in U.S. politics.

At least five interesting things: It Isn't That Bad edition (#66)

3404. At least five interesting things: It Isn't That Bad edition (#66)

The post discusses wage growth in America, the relationship between women's education and fertility, and the implications of AI on jobs and the economy.

Update: Lumber Prices Up 26% YoY

3405. Update: Lumber Prices Up 26% YoY

Bill McBride discusses the recent increase in lumber prices and the impact of contract changes on price comparisons.

Continuous diff in diff, regressions and the 2x2

3406. Continuous diff in diff, regressions and the 2x2

Scott Cunningham reflects on his experiences with diff-in-diff methodology, its implications in economics, and the narratives that shape his understanding of empirical research.

Trump Accounts are a Big Deal

3407. Trump Accounts are a Big Deal

The post discusses a new initiative providing investment accounts for newborns, highlighting its potential impact on social welfare and future economic security.

July ICE Mortgage Monitor: Home Prices Continue to Cool, Early Signs of Homeowner Risk Emerge

3408. July ICE Mortgage Monitor: Home Prices Continue to Cool, Early Signs of Homeowner Risk Emerge

Home price growth is slowing, with early signs of homeowner risk emerging due to high mortgage rates and increasing inventory.

What Amazon Prime Day Can Teach Us About Economics

3409. What Amazon Prime Day Can Teach Us About Economics

The post explores how Amazon Prime Day exemplifies price discrimination, highlighting its economic implications and strategies for maximizing profits through consumer behavior.

Real Men Burn Stuff

3410. Real Men Burn Stuff

The post critiques the political resistance to renewable energy advancements, emphasizing the economic benefits of renewables and the detrimental impact of current policies on progress.

Housing July 7th Weekly Update: Inventory up 2.7% Week-over-week, Only Down 10% from 2019 Levels

3411. Housing July 7th Weekly Update: Inventory up 2.7% Week-over-week, Only Down 10% from 2019 Levels

Bill McBride discusses the increase in active single-family housing inventory and its comparison to previous years, highlighting trends and data from Altos Research.

Why some see the dollar's drop as a sign America is losing its financial might

3412. Why some see the dollar's drop as a sign America is losing its financial might

A discussion on the implications of the dollar's decline for America's financial dominance and investor concerns regarding its future stability.

Defunct oil wells are a national problem. Finding them is the first step

3413. Defunct oil wells are a national problem. Finding them is the first step

Camila Domonoske discusses the issue of orphan oil and gas wells in the U.S. and the environmental risks they pose.

With his tariff letters, Trump takes a radical approach to trade

3414. With his tariff letters, Trump takes a radical approach to trade

Danielle Kurtzleben discusses the administration's changing plans regarding trade negotiations and the upcoming announcement of new tariff rates.

Why can't we insure trees?

3415. Why can't we insure trees?

Ellie Katz discusses the reasons trees aren't insured like other crops and the implications of rising extreme weather events on insurance availability.

Real Time Civilian Employment past Peak?

3416. Real Time Civilian Employment past Peak?

Menzie Chinn analyzes the relationship between civilian and nonfarm payroll employment, suggesting concerns if civilian employment peaks before nonfarm payrolls.

The Age of Angst? Macro Implications

3417. The Age of Angst? Macro Implications

Menzie Chinn discusses the economic implications of policy changes affecting deficits, spending, and the impact on lower-income households' anxiety and consumption.

My Weekly Reading and Viewing for July 6, 2025

3418. My Weekly Reading and Viewing for July 6, 2025

David Henderson discusses immigration, economic growth, and cultural integration in Cincinnati, highlighting historical and contemporary perspectives on these issues.

Inequality, Part VI: Wealth and Power

3419. Inequality, Part VI: Wealth and Power

An argument that market economies create inequality, which governments can mitigate through redistribution, yet political power remains disproportionately held by the wealthy in the U.S.

Trends in Educational Attainment in the U.S. Labor Force

3420. Trends in Educational Attainment in the U.S. Labor Force

Bill McBride discusses the relationship between educational attainment and unemployment rates in the U.S. labor force, highlighting trends and implications for the future.