Econ Blog

your daily dose of economic commentary

Dems need to moderate and fight

4921. Dems need to moderate and fight

Noah Smith discusses the challenges Democrats face in appealing to voters by balancing moderation with a strong opposition to Trump’s policies.

Defending Apple’s DEI Program

4922. Defending Apple’s DEI Program

An argument that companies should decide on DEI programs based on consumer satisfaction and market dynamics, rather than external pressures or regulations.

Ben & Jerry's alleges its CEO was fired over its political activism. Here's the scoop

4923. Ben & Jerry's alleges its CEO was fired over its political activism. Here's the scoop

Rachel Treisman discusses Ben & Jerry's claim that its CEO was fired by Unilever due to the company's political activism.

Realtor.com Reports Active Inventory Up 28.5% YoY

4924. Realtor.com Reports Active Inventory Up 28.5% YoY

The post discusses the significant year-over-year increase in active housing inventory, new listings, and the stability of median list prices in the real estate market.

FT-Booth Macro Survey on GDP Growth vs. Nowcasts, and Recession Start-Dates

4925. FT-Booth Macro Survey on GDP Growth vs. Nowcasts, and Recession Start-Dates

A survey reveals declining GDP growth expectations and increasing likelihood of an earlier recession start, with significant downside risks noted by respondents.

The Emperor’s New Philosophy

4926. The Emperor’s New Philosophy

Paul Krugman critiques the misrepresentation of Trump's economic policies and argues they lack intellectual rigor, reflecting ignorance rather than a coherent philosophy.

NAR: Existing-Home Sales Increased to 4.26 million SAAR in February; Down 1.2% YoY

4927. NAR: Existing-Home Sales Increased to 4.26 million SAAR in February; Down 1.2% YoY

Bill McBride discusses the increase in existing-home sales in February, highlighting year-over-year trends and inventory changes according to the NAR report.

The Fed holds interest rates. And, judge denies request to block DOGE's USIP takeover

4928. The Fed holds interest rates. And, judge denies request to block DOGE's USIP takeover

The post discusses the Federal Reserve's decision on interest rates amid tariff concerns and a judge's ruling on DOGE's takeover of a peace institute.

My excellent Conversation with Ezra Klein

4929. My excellent Conversation with Ezra Klein

A discussion on the intersection of abundance, healthcare, political polarization, and AGI, exploring differing viewpoints on government policies and innovation.

For decades, LBJ's 1965 executive order helped working women. Then Trump revoked it

4930. For decades, LBJ's 1965 executive order helped working women. Then Trump revoked it

Andrea Hsu discusses concerns that Trump's rollback of DEI initiatives may hinder women's access to well-paying jobs.

The Federal Trade Commission keeps tabs on big business. Trump fired 2 of its members

4931. The Federal Trade Commission keeps tabs on big business. Trump fired 2 of its members

Leila Fadel discusses President Trump's dismissal of two FTC members, highlighting concerns about favoritism towards wealthy supporters.

What's this about a crypto reserve?

4932. What's this about a crypto reserve?

Paddy Hirsch discusses the U.S. government's plans for a Strategic Bitcoin Reserve and its implications for beneficiaries.

4933. Interview with Paul Krugman: Trade and Industrial Policy

Timothy Taylor discusses Paul Krugman's insights on trade, industrial policy, and the ineffectiveness of tariffs in addressing economic issues.

The Data is Right: Americans are Prospering Economically

4934. The Data is Right: Americans are Prospering Economically

Jeremy Horpedahl critiques Eugene Ludwig's claims about economic distress, arguing that data shows Americans are prospering, with improvements in labor markets and earnings.

Manuel Klausner, Joyous Libertarian

4935. Manuel Klausner, Joyous Libertarian

The post reflects on the life and influence of Manny Klausner, highlighting his contributions to libertarianism and the growth of Reason magazine.

Trump is taking a hammer to traditional pillars of soft power

4936. Trump is taking a hammer to traditional pillars of soft power

The post discusses the Trump administration's reduction of U.S. international aid and soft power initiatives, highlighting its implications for American foreign policy.

A Win-Win Proposal to Fix Social Security

4937. A Win-Win Proposal to Fix Social Security

A proposal suggests a voluntary buyout option for Social Security, allowing individuals to opt out in exchange for reduced payroll taxes, benefiting both participants and the program's sustainability.

LA Ports: February Inbound Traffic Up YoY, Outbound Down

4938. LA Ports: February Inbound Traffic Up YoY, Outbound Down

Bill McBride discusses the changes in inbound and outbound container traffic at LA ports, highlighting year-over-year increases and decreases in imports and exports.

The Fed holds interest rates steady as Trump's trade agenda sparks uncertainty

4939. The Fed holds interest rates steady as Trump's trade agenda sparks uncertainty

Scott Horsley discusses the Federal Reserve's decision to maintain interest rates and the potential impact of Trump's trade policies on inflation.

It's your last chance to claim pandemic-era stimulus checks, the IRS says. Here's how

4940. It's your last chance to claim pandemic-era stimulus checks, the IRS says. Here's how

The post informs readers about the deadline for claiming pandemic-era stimulus checks for those who haven't filed their 2021 tax returns.