4001. Is the U.S. in a "high-level equilibrium trap"?
Noah Smith discusses America's potential complacency and stagnation, drawing parallels to historical China, and emphasizes the need for progress and innovation.
4002. "Mortgage Rates Briefly Over 7%"
Mortgage rates briefly exceeded 7% due to a credit rating downgrade, but improved later in the day as the market adjusted.
4003. The Middle Income Trap
Scott Sumner discusses the implications of high marginal tax rates on income and the economic challenges faced by the UK and US, particularly regarding social benefits and Brexit.
4004. President of CBS News resigns as Trump lawsuit hovers over network
The resignation of CBS News President Wendy McMahon is linked to disagreements over the company's direction amid a lawsuit involving President Trump.
4005. LA Ports: April Inbound Traffic Up YoY, Outbound Down
Bill McBride discusses the changes in inbound and outbound container traffic at LA ports, highlighting the impact of tariffs on trade volumes.
4006. There Can Only Be One Pickle... Or Can There?
Jadrian Wooten discusses the trademark dispute between the Portland Pickles and Disney, exploring the economic implications of trademark protections on competition and innovation.
4007. Attack of the Sadistic Zombies
Paul Krugman critiques Republican budget proposals that favor the wealthy while harming low-income Americans, highlighting the regressive nature and harmful implications of such policies.
4008. Housing May 19th Weekly Update: Inventory up 1.5% Week-over-week, Up 32.7% Year-over-year
Bill McBride discusses the increase in single-family housing inventory, highlighting significant week-over-week and year-over-year changes in the market.
4009. How President Trump is sparking a crypto revolution in America
The post discusses how Trump's policies are transforming the cryptocurrency landscape in America, highlighting Coinbase's upcoming inclusion in the S&P 500.
4010. A pickled pepper maker knows exactly how hard it is to switch to natural food dyes
The challenges manufacturers face in eliminating synthetic dyes from foods may lead to increased prices, despite the appeal of natural alternatives.
4011. Verizon ends DEI policies to get FCC's blessing for its $20 billion Frontier deal
Maria Aspan discusses Verizon's decision to abandon DEI policies to secure FCC approval for its Frontier deal.
4012. 5 years since Brexit, Britain and the EU announce fresh ties
Lauren Frayer discusses the evolving relationship between Britain and the EU five years after Brexit, highlighting the need for cooperation amid global challenges.
4013. The Art of the deal ft. Beyoncé
Darian Woods discusses negotiation strategies from Daryl Fairweather's book, highlighting lessons applicable to various aspects of life, including work and personal relationships.
4014. Downgrades and CDS
Menzie Chinn discusses Moody's downgrade of US fiscal performance and its implications for government debt and market indicators.
4015. Thoughts on Soft vs. Hard Data
An argument that soft data can provide timely economic insights, contrasting with hard data that often lags behind significant economic events and policy changes.
4016. How I learned to love the New York Knicks
The author shares a personal journey of becoming a Knicks fan, reflecting on the team's struggles and recent success, and the unique bond it creates among New Yorkers.
4017. Two More Examples of the Nationalist’s Dilemma
The post explores the contradictions of nationalism through examples from Romania and the U.S., highlighting the dilemmas faced by nationalist leaders in aligning with ethnic groups or authoritarian regimes.
4018. Contradictions Can Be Revealing: A Current Example
The post examines contradictions in Trump's stance on foreign gifts and tariffs, arguing for the benefits of free trade despite government subsidies.
4019. My Weekly Reading for May 18, 2025
David Henderson discusses various readings, including topics on free speech, job reallocation due to trade, and the impact of standout firms on national productivity.
4020. Deindustrialization: Causes and Consequences
Paul Krugman discusses the unrealistic nostalgia for past manufacturing jobs and critiques the narrative linking deindustrialization to trade deficits and outsourcing.