Econ Blog

your daily dose of economic commentary

Fewer Rules, Better People: Lam on Law Enforcement

4181. Fewer Rules, Better People: Lam on Law Enforcement

Kevin Corcoran discusses Barry Lam's exploration of discretion in law enforcement, emphasizing its importance through real-world examples and the impact on communities.

Tariffs and Poverty Around the World

4182. Tariffs and Poverty Around the World

An argument that tariffs harm both the U.S. and poorer countries, particularly Bangladesh, which relies on exports for economic progress and faces potential setbacks due to trade policies.

1st Look at Local Housing Markets in April

4183. 1st Look at Local Housing Markets in April

Bill McBride analyzes early April data from over 40 local housing markets in the US, noting trends in sales and mortgage rates.

A data-driven Fed need not be a behind-the-curve Fed

4184. A data-driven Fed need not be a behind-the-curve Fed

The discussion emphasizes the importance of soft data for the Fed to effectively navigate inflation and employment amidst tariff-induced economic changes.

Recurrence Of Truncation Without Reswitching

4185. Recurrence Of Truncation Without Reswitching

An argument that explores the recurrence of truncation in economic models, focusing on techniques for machine usage in production across two industries.

MBA: Mortgage Applications Increase in Latest MBA Weekly Survey

4186. MBA: Mortgage Applications Increase in Latest MBA Weekly Survey

Bill McBride discusses an increase in mortgage applications, highlighting data from the MBA and insights from Chief Economist Mike Fratantoni regarding economic conditions and interest rates.

Kari Lake says OAN's far-right coverage will fuel Voice of America

4187. Kari Lake says OAN's far-right coverage will fuel Voice of America

David Folkenflik discusses Kari Lake's assertion that Voice of America will depend on far-right coverage from OAN, which supports President Trump.

The Fed holds interest rates steady as Trump's tariffs spark uncertainty

4188. The Fed holds interest rates steady as Trump's tariffs spark uncertainty

Scott Horsley discusses the Federal Reserve's likely decision to maintain interest rates amid economic uncertainty caused by President Trump's tariffs.

Basic Fun! CEO warns tariffs could double toy prices, threaten Christmas sales

4189. Basic Fun! CEO warns tariffs could double toy prices, threaten Christmas sales

Michel Martin discusses how tariffs could significantly increase toy prices, impacting sales during the Christmas season, according to Jay Foreman, CEO of Basic Fun!.

U.S. and Chinese officials will meet in Geneva in first sign of thaw in trade war

4190. U.S. and Chinese officials will meet in Geneva in first sign of thaw in trade war

Sherisse Pham discusses the upcoming meeting between U.S. and Chinese officials in Geneva, indicating a possible easing of tensions in their trade relations.

Why do shrimpers like tariffs?

4191. Why do shrimpers like tariffs?

Stephan Bisaha discusses why shrimpers support tariffs and explores economists' views on their impact on the American economy.

The fantasy vs. reality of Trump's "smokestack nostalgia"

4192. The fantasy vs. reality of Trump's "smokestack nostalgia"

Brittany Luse explores the cultural and economic implications of Trump's tariffs and the desire to revive American manufacturing jobs.

WeightWatchers files for bankruptcy protection to eliminate debt burden

4193. WeightWatchers files for bankruptcy protection to eliminate debt burden

The Associated Press reports that WeightWatchers is filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy to eliminate $1.15 billion in debt and shift towards telehealth services.

Why Is the US Economy Surging Ahead of the UK?

4194. Why Is the US Economy Surging Ahead of the UK?

Timothy Taylor discusses the reasons behind the faster post-pandemic economic growth in the US compared to the UK, focusing on productivity and investment differences.

What is happening at Newark Airport? This and other questions answered

4195. What is happening at Newark Airport? This and other questions answered

Jaclyn Diaz discusses recent flight delays and cancellations at Newark Airport and the implications for air traffic control improvements.

We're tracking more data on Trump's popularity

4196. We're tracking more data on Trump's popularity

Nate Silver discusses new features in tracking Trump's approval ratings, focusing on economic issues and their impact on his popularity during his presidency.

Who runs trade surpluses?

4197. Who runs trade surpluses?

Scott Sumner discusses the relationship between wages and trade surpluses, arguing that high wages are linked to productivity and economic advancement, not trade deficits.

Why oil prices are falling, and what it means for the economy

4198. Why oil prices are falling, and what it means for the economy

Falling oil prices benefit consumers while negatively impacting oil companies, influenced by global tariffs and increased OPEC production.

The Marxist Owner of the American Store?

4199. The Marxist Owner of the American Store?

Pierre Lemieux critiques Donald Trump's statement about owning the American market, linking it to Marxist ideas of collective ownership and the implications for individual property rights.

Tuesday's Assorted Links

4200. Tuesday's Assorted Links

Unknown discusses various stories that illustrate economic principles and their implications for education and policy.