Econ Blog

your daily dose of economic commentary

AAR: Rail Traffic in June: Intermodal "Stumbles", Carload Growth Continues

3441. AAR: Rail Traffic in June: Intermodal "Stumbles", Carload Growth Continues

The post discusses recent trends in U.S. rail traffic, highlighting a decline in intermodal shipments and continued growth in carload volumes amid economic uncertainty.

3442. The Weird and Lovely Surge of US Productivity Growth

An argument that recent productivity growth in the U.S. may be temporary, driven by factors like remote work, labor reallocation, and technology, particularly AI.

Transaction Costs and the Law

3443. Transaction Costs and the Law

Jon Murphy discusses how transaction costs affect property rights and legal outcomes, emphasizing the role of mediation in resolving disputes efficiently.

Trade Deficit increased to $71.5 Billion in May

3444. Trade Deficit increased to $71.5 Billion in May

Bill McBride discusses the increase in the U.S. trade deficit to $71.5 billion in May, highlighting changes in exports and imports.

How ICE crackdowns are affecting the workforce

3445. How ICE crackdowns are affecting the workforce

The impact of immigration crackdowns on industries reliant on immigrant labor and workforce participation is examined.

Trump’s Big Beautiful Debt Bomb

3446. Trump’s Big Beautiful Debt Bomb

The post critiques current U.S. debt levels and the political motivations behind recent fiscal policies, contrasting them with past economic conditions and governance.

The U.S. labor market remains solid, with employers adding 147,000 jobs last month

3447. The U.S. labor market remains solid, with employers adding 147,000 jobs last month

Job growth in June shows a solid labor market, with significant gains in health care and government sectors, while the unemployment rate falls to 4.1%.

Comments on June Employment Report

3448. Comments on June Employment Report

Bill McBride analyzes the June employment report, highlighting job growth, participation rates, and wage trends while noting seasonal fluctuations in education employment.

June Employment Report: 147 thousand Jobs, 4.1% Unemployment Rate

3449. June Employment Report: 147 thousand Jobs, 4.1% Unemployment Rate

Bill McBride discusses the June employment report, highlighting job gains, unemployment rates, and revisions to previous employment data.

Big Beautiful Bill critiques

3450. Big Beautiful Bill critiques

Tyler Cowen critiques the criticisms of the Big Beautiful Bill, emphasizing the need for comparative analysis in economic policy discussions.

An Alabama food bank braces for big increase in demand if SNAP cuts take effect

3451. An Alabama food bank braces for big increase in demand if SNAP cuts take effect

A food bank in Alabama anticipates increased demand due to potential cuts in SNAP benefits from proposed legislation.

ADP Below Consensus – What Does It Mean?

3452. ADP Below Consensus – What Does It Mean?

Menzie Chinn analyzes the recent ADP employment data, comparing it to Bloomberg consensus and discussing its implications for the upcoming BLS report.

Stagflation Summer

3453. Stagflation Summer

Claudia Sahm discusses the implications of economic data on the Fed's policies amid stagflation and the impact of immigration on labor supply.

Cash Transfers: Cutsinger’s Solution

3454. Cash Transfers: Cutsinger’s Solution

Bryan Cutsinger argues that the assumption against cash transfers, based on concerns about spending on objectionable goods, is flawed and contradictory.

A thought experiment on how to fix the national debt problem

3455. A thought experiment on how to fix the national debt problem

An argument that new government spending could potentially stimulate economic growth sufficient to manage the national debt, explored through discussions with economists.

CBS is the latest news giant to bend to Trump's power

3456. CBS is the latest news giant to bend to Trump's power

A significant payment by CBS to settle a lawsuit highlights the media's submission to Trump's influence and power in the current political landscape.

3457. June Employment Preview

The post analyzes upcoming employment data, forecasts job growth, and discusses factors influencing the labor market, including strikes and seasonal trends.

The Marriage of Jeff Bezos in Venice

3458. The Marriage of Jeff Bezos in Venice

The post discusses local opposition to Jeff Bezos's wedding in Venice, highlighting issues of property rights, tourism, and the implications for economic and political philosophy.

A Mid-Year Update from Monday Morning Economist

3459. A Mid-Year Update from Monday Morning Economist

A mid-year update highlights community support, popular articles, and growth in subscriptions, while encouraging readers to share the newsletter and engage with educational resources.

Massive Rent-Seeking in India’s Government Job Examination System

3460. Massive Rent-Seeking in India’s Government Job Examination System

Alex Tabarrok discusses the economic inefficiencies and societal costs of India's government job examination system, highlighting the extensive rent-seeking behavior it generates.