Econ Blog

your daily dose of economic commentary

Does Poverty Cause Homelessness?

3821. Does Poverty Cause Homelessness?

Scott Sumner argues that poverty is not the primary cause of homelessness, citing data that shows Mississippi, the poorest state, has the lowest homelessness rate.

Light Vehicles Sales Decrease to 15.65 million SAAR in May

3822. Light Vehicles Sales Decrease to 15.65 million SAAR in May

Bill McBride discusses the decline in U.S. light vehicle sales in May, attributing it to inventory depletion and reduced consumer demand following a surge due to tariff concerns.

Trump asks Congress to wipe out funding for public broadcasting

3823. Trump asks Congress to wipe out funding for public broadcasting

A request is made to Congress to eliminate federal funding for public broadcasting and reduce foreign aid.

TACO vs. the Game-Theoretic Art of the Deal

3824. TACO vs. the Game-Theoretic Art of the Deal

Pierre Lemieux analyzes Trump's negotiation strategy using game theory, particularly the Chicken game, to discuss the dynamics of trade negotiations and threats.

Tuesday's Assorted Links

3825. Tuesday's Assorted Links

The post highlights various stories related to economic principles, including student loans, housing market trends, tariffs, and their implications on consumer behavior and education.

Wrapping up Fewer Rules, Better People

3826. Wrapping up Fewer Rules, Better People

The discussion centers on the balance between discretion and rules in decision-making, emphasizing the importance of context and predictability in governance and economic policy.

One company forecasting a better year ahead? Dollar General

3827. One company forecasting a better year ahead? Dollar General

Alina Selyukh discusses how Dollar General is benefiting from increased consumer spending as shoppers opt for cheaper alternatives.

We Are No Longer a Serious Country

3828. We Are No Longer a Serious Country

Paul Krugman discusses the declining confidence in the U.S. economy and political decision-making under Trump, questioning the nation's seriousness in honoring its debts.

BLS: Job Openings Increased to 7.4 million in April

3829. BLS: Job Openings Increased to 7.4 million in April

Job openings rose to 7.4 million in April, with little change in hires and separations, indicating a stable labor market despite year-over-year declines in quits and openings.

How Chinese drones could defeat America

3830. How Chinese drones could defeat America

Noah Smith discusses the implications of technological advancements in warfare, comparing historical military strategies to modern drone capabilities that could challenge American military dominance.

Can bringing back manufacturing help the heartland catch up with 'superstar' cities?

3831. Can bringing back manufacturing help the heartland catch up with 'superstar' cities?

Greg Rosalsky discusses the potential of reshoring manufacturing to address economic disparities between superstar cities and the heartland.

The fate of the EV tax credits depends on the GOP's megabill

3832. The fate of the EV tax credits depends on the GOP's megabill

Camila Domonoske discusses how the GOP's tax bill could impact electric vehicle tax credits and subsequently influence automaker investments and EV sales.

Who should get mom's ring?

3833. Who should get mom's ring?

Sally Herships discusses the complexities of estate planning and inheritance, highlighting the challenges in ensuring wealth is passed down as intended.

The Market Isn’t a Tool

3834. The Market Isn’t a Tool

An argument that markets operate independently of political agendas and cannot be manipulated to achieve desired outcomes, emphasizing the laws of economics over political influence.

SBSQ #21: Why young men don't like Democrats

3835. SBSQ #21: Why young men don't like Democrats

Nate Silver discusses the disconnect between young men and the Democratic Party, attributing it to perceptions of elitism and a preference for risk-taking associated with the Republican Party.

June ICE Mortgage Monitor: Home Prices Continue to Cool

3836. June ICE Mortgage Monitor: Home Prices Continue to Cool

Home price growth is slowing, with inventory levels increasing and annual growth rates declining, indicating a cooling real estate market.

Tariffs Are Costly Options

3837. Tariffs Are Costly Options

An argument that tariffs generate record revenue but lead to reduced imports and increased costs for consumers and businesses, highlighting opportunity costs and economic inefficiencies.

Hating New York

3838. Hating New York

Paul Krugman discusses the misconceptions about New York City, contrasting its quality of life and safety with Florida's policies and living conditions.

Construction Spending Decreased 0.4% in April

3839. Construction Spending Decreased 0.4% in April

Bill McBride discusses a decrease in construction spending in April 2025, highlighting trends in private and public construction investments.

3840. ISM® Manufacturing index Decreased to 48.5% in May

Bill McBride discusses the decline of the ISM manufacturing index in May, indicating ongoing contraction in the manufacturing sector and its implications for the economy.