Econ Blog

your daily dose of economic commentary

New issue of Econ Journal Watch

4741. New issue of Econ Journal Watch

The post discusses various critiques and analyses of economic theories and historical events, highlighting debates on stock price bubbles, political upheaval in Ukraine, and liberalism in Argentina.

What $10 billion in data centers actually gets you

4742. What $10 billion in data centers actually gets you

Stephan Bisaha discusses the economic impact of data centers, highlighting their limited job creation and the potential benefits for communities.

Fast fashion vs. Trump: why women may pay more in the tariff wars

4743. Fast fashion vs. Trump: why women may pay more in the tariff wars

The discussion explores the impact of tariffs on fast fashion and how it may influence consumer behavior towards underconsumption.

Further Inversion of the Treasury Yield Curve

4744. Further Inversion of the Treasury Yield Curve

Menzie Chinn discusses the current state and implications of the Treasury yield curve and term spreads.

Elasticity and Tax Burdens

4745. Elasticity and Tax Burdens

Scott Sumner discusses the economic implications of a proposed tax on Chinese ships, highlighting its potential impact on US farmers and agricultural costs.

Negative GDP Growth in Q1?

4746. Negative GDP Growth in Q1?

Menzie Chinn discusses GDP forecasts for Q1 and their implications for recession predictions, highlighting the role of GDP in economic analysis.

The Ocean-Related Economy

4747. The Ocean-Related Economy

An argument that the ocean economy is significant, highlighting its growth, employment, and the balance between economic development and environmental protection.

Trump is betting the economy on his tariff theory

4748. Trump is betting the economy on his tariff theory

The discussion centers on Trump's use of tariffs as a multifaceted tool for negotiation, revenue generation, and job protection, while questioning the underlying economic strategy.

Vehicles Sales "Surge" to 17.8 million SAAR in March

4749. Vehicles Sales "Surge" to 17.8 million SAAR in March

The post discusses a significant increase in U.S. light vehicle sales in March, driven by consumer anticipation of tariff-related price hikes and automaker strategies.

Episode 49. Monetary Policy And The Indian Economy With Raghuram Rajan (Former Governor Of Reserve Bank Of India)

4750. Episode 49. Monetary Policy And The Indian Economy With Raghuram Rajan (Former Governor Of Reserve Bank Of India)

Jon Hartley discusses Raghuram Rajan's insights on monetary policy, economic growth, and his experiences as Governor of the Reserve Bank of India.

China's Global Electric Vehicle Boom

4751. China's Global Electric Vehicle Boom

The post discusses the rapid growth of electric vehicle sales globally, highlighting China's BYD as a leading manufacturer and its expansion efforts in emerging markets like Brazil.

Why gold prices are surging to record highs

4752. Why gold prices are surging to record highs

Maria Aspan discusses the factors driving gold prices to record highs, particularly the impact of tariffs on stock markets.

The Joy of Freedom in the Digital Age

4753. The Joy of Freedom in the Digital Age

The post discusses how the Digital Age has empowered indie artists by eliminating traditional studio constraints, fostering creativity, and expanding access to diverse artistic expressions.

Tuesday's Assorted Links

4754. Tuesday's Assorted Links

The author discusses various economic stories, including trade impacts, consumer confidence, tariffs, and educational resources related to economics.

The Free Press

4755. The Free Press

An argument that the author's transition to a new media platform emphasizes the importance of charisma, personality, and adaptability in journalism amidst technological changes.

Economic Tailwinds and Headwinds

4756. Economic Tailwinds and Headwinds

The post discusses the shifting economic conditions under Trump's administration, highlighting both tailwinds and headwinds affecting growth, particularly in housing and international relations.

AI Discovers New Uses for Old Drugs

4757. AI Discovers New Uses for Old Drugs

Alex Tabarrok discusses how AI is uncovering new applications for existing drugs, highlighting advantages and challenges in drug repurposing and FDA regulations.

A Note on Trade Deficits and Manufacturing

4758. A Note on Trade Deficits and Manufacturing

Paul Krugman discusses the limited role of trade deficits in U.S. deindustrialization, emphasizing that other factors are more significant in the decline of manufacturing.

Construction Spending Increased 0.7% in February

4759. Construction Spending Increased 0.7% in February

Construction spending increased in February 2025, with both private and public sectors showing growth compared to previous months and year-over-year figures.

Last week’s spending cuts were not the fault of the OBR or a medium term golden fiscal rule

4760. Last week’s spending cuts were not the fault of the OBR or a medium term golden fiscal rule

An argument that misconceptions about the Office for Budget Responsibility's role in fiscal policy overlook its independence and the broader context of economic decision-making since 2010.