Econ Blog

your daily dose of economic commentary

'AI Valley' author worries there's 'so much power in the hands of few people'

4941. 'AI Valley' author worries there's 'so much power in the hands of few people'

An argument that regulation is essential for managing AI's potential benefits and risks, emphasizing the concentration of power among a few individuals in the industry.

AIA: "Billings remain soft at architecture firms as interest in new projects wanes"

4942. AIA: "Billings remain soft at architecture firms as interest in new projects wanes"

Bill McBride discusses the decline in billings at architecture firms and reduced interest in new projects, indicating economic uncertainty and a slowdown in construction activity.

4943. Good Goals, Poor Implementation

An argument that effective budget cuts require careful consideration of productivity and institutional knowledge, rather than arbitrary reductions that can worsen organizational efficiency.

Smears, Sadism and Social Security

4944. Smears, Sadism and Social Security

Paul Krugman discusses the cruel implications of proposed changes to Social Security that would harm disabled Americans, linking them to the egos of influential figures like Elon Musk.

4945. The Emergence of Triple Switching and the Rarity of Reswitching Explained

Robert Vienneau discusses the rarity of reswitching and triple-switching in production techniques, exploring theoretical and empirical aspects of these phenomena in economics.

Economics of AI Assignment: Interview Roleplay, Deep Research, Roleplay again

4946. Economics of AI Assignment: Interview Roleplay, Deep Research, Roleplay again

The post describes an educational assignment involving roleplay and deep research, utilizing ChatGPT for interviews to enhance student learning and understanding.

MBA: Mortgage Applications Decrease in Latest MBA Weekly Survey

4947. MBA: Mortgage Applications Decrease in Latest MBA Weekly Survey

Bill McBride discusses a decrease in mortgage applications and the impact of rising mortgage rates on refinancing and purchasing activity.

“Explain to me the blog Marginal Revolution, throwing in random German terms, and also weaving in the story of a circus clown.”

4948. “Explain to me the blog Marginal Revolution, throwing in random German terms, and also weaving in the story of a circus clown.”

Tyler Cowen discusses the Marginal Revolution blog, blending economic concepts with a whimsical story about a circus clown who applies economic theories to his performances.

Escheat show (Update)

4949. Escheat show (Update)

Audrey Quinn discusses an obscure government program that collects forgotten money and explores how individuals can locate their misplaced funds.

Why there's no referee for the trade war

4950. Why there's no referee for the trade war

The discussion focuses on the U.S. withdrawal from the WTO's dispute settlement system and its implications for international trade relations.

ARCHIVE: Original Silver Bulletin 2025 March Madness Predictions

4951. ARCHIVE: Original Silver Bulletin 2025 March Madness Predictions

An archive of NCAA tournament predictions, detailing a rating system and analysis based on historical data, with updates on team performance and forecasts.

Book review: "Abundance"

4952. Book review: "Abundance"

The discussion centers on the failure of progressives to effectively address housing shortages, climate change, and infrastructure, advocating for a new approach to liberalism.

NCAA upsets are happening more often

4953. NCAA upsets are happening more often

The post discusses the increasing frequency of NCAA tournament upsets, highlighting statistical trends and changes in player eligibility affecting team performance.

Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty sues Trump administration over canceled contract

4954. Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty sues Trump administration over canceled contract

A government-backed broadcaster is suing the Trump administration to compel the release of congressionally appropriated funds.

Listen to Dallas

4955. Listen to Dallas

A review of the Federal Reserve's monetary policy highlights past mistakes and advocates for a more neutral stance to stabilize nominal GDP growth post-pandemic.

Business Cycle Indicators NBER and Alternative, and GDPNow

4956. Business Cycle Indicators NBER and Alternative, and GDPNow

An argument that discusses recent economic indicators, including industrial production and retail sales, along with various nowcasting methods for GDP estimates.

Las Vegas in January: Visitor Traffic Down 1.1% YoY; Convention Traffic Up YoY

4957. Las Vegas in January: Visitor Traffic Down 1.1% YoY; Convention Traffic Up YoY

Visitor traffic in Las Vegas decreased slightly in January, while convention attendance increased significantly, influenced by major events and changes in scheduling.

Firing federal employees was swift. Unwinding the terminations is proving complicated

4958. Firing federal employees was swift. Unwinding the terminations is proving complicated

The post discusses federal judges ordering the reinstatement of illegally fired probationary employees and the complications agencies face in executing this mandate.

4959. Private Credit: Replacing Banks for Business Loans?

Timothy Taylor discusses the rise of private credit as an alternative to traditional bank loans for businesses, highlighting its growth and implications for financial regulation.

A Proposed Amendment to David Hume

4960. A Proposed Amendment to David Hume

An argument that Hume's view on self-interested politicians needs revision to acknowledge the potential dangers posed by ignorant or incompetent rulers in contemporary governance.