your daily dose of economic commentary
An argument that the Confederacy's financial struggles during the Civil War stemmed from ineffective taxation, borrowing challenges, and the detrimental effects of printing money.
Scott Cunningham discusses Jessica Brown's journey as a labor economist and her experiences studying under Alan Krueger, highlighting her contributions to the field.
Alex Tabarrok discusses the perceived decline in clothing quality, arguing it is driven by consumer demand for fast fashion rather than solely by imports or manufacturing practices.
Noah Smith explores Sinofuturism, discussing China's technological advancements, economic shifts, and urban transformation amid its recent economic challenges and political context.
The post discusses the increase in the U.S. trade deficit in March, highlighting changes in exports and imports, particularly in relation to tariffs and trade with China.
Two American farmers share their experiences and feelings regarding the trade war affecting the soybean industry and its primary market, China.
The post discusses Korea's exceptionally low fertility rate and its implications for the economy, including labor supply and the influence of housing costs and education on family planning.
The post discusses the decline in confidence in U.S. Treasury bills, rising gold purchases by central banks, and critiques of the Affordable Care Act.
Former employees criticize the company's collaboration with the Trump administration, claiming it contradicts its foundational values.
A proposal for imposing tariffs on foreign movies raises questions about its implementation and potential beneficiaries amidst Hollywood's production struggles.
The post discusses the announcement of the 2025 Pulitzer Prize for fiction, awarded to a novel that reimagines a classic American work.
The post discusses economic indicators suggesting a potential recession, emphasizing trade policy and housing data while noting resilience in the U.S. economy.
Bill McBride discusses the cooling trend in home prices, highlighting changes in the ICE Home Price Index and market dynamics affecting homeowners.
An argument that collective action problems hinder cooperation among large groups, making it unlikely for 100 humans to successfully coordinate against a gorilla despite their numbers.
The author reflects on the quality of life in the Netherlands compared to the U.S., highlighting social well-being, urban design, and political stability.
Bill McBride discusses the increase in the ISM® Services Index to 51.6% in April, indicating ongoing economic expansion in the services sector.
Noah Smith discusses the struggles of the Tech Right, particularly the disconnect between their objectives and the broader political landscape, highlighting Elon Musk's declining influence.
Active single-family housing inventory has increased significantly both week-over-week and year-over-year, indicating a larger-than-normal seasonal pickup in 2025.
Robert Vienneau discusses the obsolescence of Carl Menger's consumer demand theory in light of modern economic theories like revealed preference and utility theory.
Tyler Cowen discusses various entrepreneurs and projects in India supported by Emergent Ventures, focusing on innovation and social impact across multiple sectors.