Econ Blog

your daily dose of economic commentary

On Leaving Switzerland; Getting Robbed on a Train; Getting to Nerja, Spain

3421. On Leaving Switzerland; Getting Robbed on a Train; Getting to Nerja, Spain

The author recounts experiences in Switzerland, including teaching econometrics, a suitcase theft on a train, and traveling to meet family in Spain.

How to take our country back

3422. How to take our country back

Noah Smith reflects on the changing values in America, expressing concern over rising anger and a longing for a more tolerant society.

Trade Policy Uncertainty before July 9

3423. Trade Policy Uncertainty before July 9

An argument that recent increases in trade policy uncertainty are linked to various political events and initiatives, highlighting their impact on economic conditions.

Manufacturing Employment, Hours Down

3424. Manufacturing Employment, Hours Down

Menzie Chinn discusses the decline in manufacturing employment and hours, highlighting economic indicators and the potential impact of trade deals on recovery.

DOGE Was Always Doomed

3425. DOGE Was Always Doomed

Kevin Corcoran argues that DOGE's failure stems from unrealistic expectations and the inability to address significant federal spending issues, particularly in mandatory programs.

Even More On Recurrence Of Truncation Without Reswitching

3426. Even More On Recurrence Of Truncation Without Reswitching

An argument that explores the recurrence of truncation in production techniques and the implications of parameter variations in a four-dimensional space.

Health Care: Jonathan Gruber

3427. Health Care: Jonathan Gruber

Paul Krugman discusses Jonathan Gruber's role in the Affordable Care Act and the political challenges facing health care in America today.

'Buy now, pay later' purchases can now affect your credit score. Here's what that means

3428. 'Buy now, pay later' purchases can now affect your credit score. Here's what that means

The impact of 'buy now, pay later' services on credit scores and their implications for consumers, particularly younger and lower-income individuals, is discussed.

What I’ve been reading

3429. What I’ve been reading

Tyler Cowen reviews various books, highlighting their themes and insights across diverse topics, including history, science, and culture.

The simple math of the big bill

3430. The simple math of the big bill

An argument that the economic implications of a major tax and spending bill involve significant borrowing and cuts, raising questions about the resulting deficit's impact on everyday life.

Bryan Caplan on Antitrust

3431. Bryan Caplan on Antitrust

Scott Sumner discusses Bryan Caplan's views on antitrust, critiquing the implications of antitrust laws on philanthropy and economic efficiency.

The Elite Overproduction Hypothesis

3432. The Elite Overproduction Hypothesis

Noah Smith discusses how overproduction of educated individuals, particularly in humanities and STEM fields, contributes to social unrest and political frustration in America.

Why is the dollar off to a weak start this year?

3433. Why is the dollar off to a weak start this year?

The post discusses the U.S. dollar's poor performance this year, attributing its decline to actions by President Trump, according to an economics professor.

A consumption basket approach to measuring AI progress

3434. A consumption basket approach to measuring AI progress

Tyler Cowen discusses a new method for evaluating AI progress by focusing on practical usage rather than traditional hard problem metrics.

One of the cheapest ways to save a life is going away (EXTENDED VERSION)

3435. One of the cheapest ways to save a life is going away (EXTENDED VERSION)

The discussion focuses on U.S. foreign aid's impact on HIV treatment in Eswatini and Lesotho, and the potential consequences of the Trump administration's policy changes.

Q2 GDP Tracking: Moving on Down

3436. Q2 GDP Tracking: Moving on Down

The post discusses updates on Q2 GDP tracking estimates, highlighting adjustments in growth forecasts and contributions from various economic sectors.

Jeff Hummel on the American Revolution

3437. Jeff Hummel on the American Revolution

An argument that the American Revolution provided significant long-term benefits, countering misconceptions about its costs and effects on liberty and governance.

Business Cycle Indicators – June Employment Release and May Monthly GDP

3438. Business Cycle Indicators – June Employment Release and May Monthly GDP

Menzie Chinn analyzes June employment data and May GDP, highlighting employment trends and economic indicators relevant to the NBER Business Cycle Dating Committee.

Congress passed no tax on tips in Trump's 'big, beautiful bill.' Here's how it works

3439. Congress passed no tax on tips in Trump's 'big, beautiful bill.' Here's how it works

The post explains new tax exemptions for tipped workers included in a recent tax cut and spending bill passed by Congress.

China Works to Dominate in AI and EV

3440. China Works to Dominate in AI and EV

Emily Feng discusses China's ambitions in artificial intelligence and electric vehicles, highlighting data control and competitive pricing as key factors in these sectors.