Econ Blog

your daily dose of economic commentary

Graphs from “Changes in International Economics:  Do We Need to Alter Our Approach?”

4041. Graphs from “Changes in International Economics:  Do We Need to Alter Our Approach?”

Menzie Chinn discusses the need for new approaches in international economics, highlighting the impact of tariffs on trade dynamics.

The most important decision of the Trump administration?

4042. The most important decision of the Trump administration?

An argument that AI training deals with Saudi Arabia and UAE could significantly impact global power dynamics, particularly regarding US-China relations and technological leadership.

Brain-controlled iPhones, a Japanese asset buy-a-thon, and Trump tax cut debt

4043. Brain-controlled iPhones, a Japanese asset buy-a-thon, and Trump tax cut debt

The post discusses Japanese asset purchases, brain-controlled iPhones, and the financial implications of Trump tax cuts.

Business Cycle Indicators as of Mid-May; Manufacturing Contracts in “Liberation” Month

4044. Business Cycle Indicators as of Mid-May; Manufacturing Contracts in “Liberation” Month

Menzie Chinn analyzes recent economic indicators, highlighting a contraction in manufacturing and industrial production as of mid-May.

More Fronts in the War on Prices

4045. More Fronts in the War on Prices

An argument that government interventions in housing and immigration policies distort market signals, leading to unintended consequences and higher prices rather than effective solutions.

Did the media blow it on Biden?

4046. Did the media blow it on Biden?

Nate Silver critiques media coverage of Biden's fitness for office, highlighting concerns over his age and decision-making abilities amidst significant national and global crises.

Dick's Sporting Goods is buying Foot Locker for $2.4 billion

4047. Dick's Sporting Goods is buying Foot Locker for $2.4 billion

The post discusses the acquisition of Foot Locker by Dick's Sporting Goods and the challenges posed by tariffs and competition in the retail market.

The Importance of Theory: Trade, Jobs, and Wages

4048. The Importance of Theory: Trade, Jobs, and Wages

Jon Murphy emphasizes the significance of trade theory in understanding economic patterns, particularly how trade affects jobs and wages in different sectors.

4049. Prepping for the Next Pandemic

An argument that emphasizes the importance of preparedness for future pandemics through strategic policy measures, including improved surveillance and vaccine development.

Max will once again be HBO Max. Yes, it's aware of the irony

4050. Max will once again be HBO Max. Yes, it's aware of the irony

Rachel Treisman discusses Warner Bros. Discovery's decision to revert the streaming platform Max back to its original name, HBO Max, due to branding issues.

4051. Mind Your Own Damn Business!

The discussion centers on government overreach in health care decisions, particularly regarding fluoride supplements, advocating for individual autonomy and limited government intervention.

AvKare recalls over-the-counter eye drops after FDA audit

4052. AvKare recalls over-the-counter eye drops after FDA audit

Alana Wise reports on AvKare's recall of over-the-counter eye drops following an FDA audit due to safety concerns.

Manufacturing Went South

4053. Manufacturing Went South

An argument that the decline of the Rust Belt in manufacturing is due to better policies and conditions in the South, including right-to-work laws and affordable housing.

Lessons From the Newark Debacle

4054. Lessons From the Newark Debacle

The post examines the air traffic control crisis at Newark, attributing it to staffing shortages and government mismanagement, while critiquing anti-government rhetoric and privatization efforts.

NAHB: "Soft Spring Selling Season Takes a Toll on Builder Confidence" in May

4055. NAHB: "Soft Spring Selling Season Takes a Toll on Builder Confidence" in May

Builder confidence has declined due to high interest rates, tariff uncertainties, and material costs, impacting the housing market's performance in the spring selling season.

Walmart says higher prices from tariffs coming as soon as this month

4056. Walmart says higher prices from tariffs coming as soon as this month

Higher tariffs on imports, especially from China, will lead to increased prices for consumers, as Walmart cannot absorb all the costs.

Industrial Production Unchanged in April

4057. Industrial Production Unchanged in April

Bill McBride discusses the unchanged industrial production in April, highlighting declines in manufacturing and mining offset by growth in utilities output and capacity utilization rates.

Retail Sales Increased 0.1% in April

4058. Retail Sales Increased 0.1% in April

Bill McBride discusses the April retail sales data, highlighting a 0.1% monthly increase and a 5.2% annual rise in sales figures.

Under attack, public media makes its case to Congress and the courts

4059. Under attack, public media makes its case to Congress and the courts

David Folkenflik discusses public media officials advocating for continued funding in Congress amid threats from the Trump administration.

The Tax Collector

4060. The Tax Collector

Rund Abdelfatah discusses the transformation of the IRS into a powerful government tool through the pursuit of Al Capone.