Econ Blog

your daily dose of economic commentary

U.S. stocks soar in an incredible rally after Trump pauses many of his tariffs

4601. U.S. stocks soar in an incredible rally after Trump pauses many of his tariffs

Rafael Nam discusses the modest gains in U.S. stocks amid escalating tariff tensions between the U.S., China, and the EU.

The Cost of Chaos: This is Getting Scary

4602. The Cost of Chaos: This is Getting Scary

Paul Krugman discusses the potential economic crisis resulting from Donald Trump's unpredictable tariff policies and their implications for business investment and inflation expectations.

*Micro* becomes *Macro* and Macro-Financial Interactions

4603. *Micro* becomes *Macro* and Macro-Financial Interactions

Menzie Chinn discusses the macroeconomic implications of tariffs, financial disruptions, and rising recession odds, highlighting the interplay between micro and macro factors.

MBA: Mortgage Applications Increase in Latest MBA Weekly Survey

4604. MBA: Mortgage Applications Increase in Latest MBA Weekly Survey

Mortgage applications surged 20% due to lower rates, with significant increases in both purchase and refinance applications, reflecting economic uncertainty's impact on the housing market.

Word of the Week: Trump calls tariffs 'the most beautiful word.' Here's its history

4605. Word of the Week: Trump calls tariffs 'the most beautiful word.' Here's its history

Rachel Treisman explores the origin of the word "tariff" and its significance in contemporary discussions, particularly in the context of President Trump's remarks.

Why not inquire together more?

4606. Why not inquire together more?

Tyler Cowen discusses the challenges and benefits of collaborative inquiry, emphasizing the importance of structured dialogue and shared experiences in enhancing understanding.

A new vacuum can alert you to incoming text messages. Why?

4607. A new vacuum can alert you to incoming text messages. Why?

James Doubek discusses how home appliance companies are integrating AI into products to gather data and foster long-term customer relationships.

How the powerful are using lawsuit threats to silence media and 'Murder the Truth'

4608. How the powerful are using lawsuit threats to silence media and 'Murder the Truth'

Michel Martin discusses how influential figures are leveraging lawsuit threats to suppress media coverage and undermine the truth.

What happens when an economist becomes prime minister?

4609. What happens when an economist becomes prime minister?

The post explores the implications of an economist transitioning to a political role, focusing on how economic expertise influences political decision-making.

Asian shares deepen losses, with Nikkei down 5%, as latest US tariffs take effect

4610. Asian shares deepen losses, with Nikkei down 5%, as latest US tariffs take effect

Asian markets, particularly Japan's Nikkei 225, fell sharply due to the implementation of new U.S. tariffs on Chinese imports.

China retaliates with new 84% tariffs as global markets fall

4611. China retaliates with new 84% tariffs as global markets fall

Sherisse Pham discusses the decline of Asian markets following Trump's tariffs and China's potential response to protect its economy.

The Yield Curve: Steepening *and* Inverting

4612. The Yield Curve: Steepening *and* Inverting

An argument that the yield curve's behavior, including steepening and inverting, signals economic conditions and potential recession indicators based on recent data trends.

4613. A Lack of Government Capability at the State and Local Level

Timothy Taylor discusses the limitations of state and local governments in managing public services and the impact of federal funding and administrative laws on their effectiveness.

Fact-check: Who's right in the Musk-Navarro feud over Tesla?

4614. Fact-check: Who's right in the Musk-Navarro feud over Tesla?

Camila Domonoske discusses the dispute between Peter Navarro and Elon Musk regarding Tesla's reliance on imported parts, highlighting Musk's factual accuracy.

Judge orders White House to allow AP access to news events

4615. Judge orders White House to allow AP access to news events

A judge mandates the White House to grant the Associated Press access to news events, rejecting restrictions based on terminology preferences.

Silicon Valley's gamble on Trump isn't paying off

4616. Silicon Valley's gamble on Trump isn't paying off

Nate Silver discusses Silicon Valley's initial support for Trump and the subsequent disillusionment as economic expectations fail to materialize.

Republican lawmaker on why he is challenging Trump's authority on tariffs

4617. Republican lawmaker on why he is challenging Trump's authority on tariffs

A Republican lawmaker is advocating for Congressional approval on tariffs, directly challenging the authority of the President.

Big Tech Antitrust: Postelection Edition

4618. Big Tech Antitrust: Postelection Edition

Giorgio Castiglia discusses the potential changes in US antitrust enforcement for big tech firms under the new administration and its implications for innovation and market dynamics.

Tuesday's Assorted Links

4619. Tuesday's Assorted Links

The author discusses various economic stories and principles, including tariffs, housing assistance, and market trends, while also offering teaching resources.

By Request: Public and Private Sector Payroll Jobs During Presidential Terms

4620. By Request: Public and Private Sector Payroll Jobs During Presidential Terms

The post analyzes changes in public and private sector payroll jobs during various presidential terms, highlighting employment trends and economic impacts associated with each administration.