Econ Blog

your daily dose of economic commentary

A New Order of Things

901. A New Order of Things

The post discusses the challenges and successes of institutional reform in Cambodia's water supply system, emphasizing the importance of leadership and accountability in overcoming corruption.

Costs and Benefits from the New Energy Crisis

902. Costs and Benefits from the New Energy Crisis

Paul Krugman discusses the economic impacts of the U.S.-Israeli bombing campaign on global energy markets and the resulting price shocks for consumers and producers.

Sunday links

903. Sunday links

Scott Cunningham shares various links related to AI, Claude Code, and recent academic discussions, blending technology insights with personal reflections and recommendations.

The future isn't what it used to be

904. The future isn't what it used to be

The post discusses uncertainty about the future for children due to rapid technological changes and political chaos, contrasting past expectations with current realities.

Pre-War/Conflict/”Excursion” GDP, Core GDP, and Nowcasts

905. Pre-War/Conflict/”Excursion” GDP, Core GDP, and Nowcasts

Menzie Chinn analyzes GDP forecasts and economic impacts related to recent conflicts and their implications for growth rates.

Pentagon tightens controls over Stars and Stripes after calling it "woke"

906. Pentagon tightens controls over Stars and Stripes after calling it "woke"

New restrictions imposed by the Defense Department aim to control the independent military newspaper, reflecting broader concerns about media coverage within the agency.

Closing tabs: Saturday morning edition

907. Closing tabs: Saturday morning edition

The post discusses various topics including seasonal weather changes, legislative actions on hemp, personal reflections on relationships, and updates in technology and academia.

908. Phillips O'Brien on Iran

The discussion focuses on the miscalculations and lack of strategic planning by U.S. leadership in the ongoing conflict with Iran, drawing parallels to past military engagements.

Business Cycle Indicators: GDP Growth Downshifts, Consumption Slows, Downside Surprise

909. Business Cycle Indicators: GDP Growth Downshifts, Consumption Slows, Downside Surprise

The post discusses a significant slowdown in GDP growth and consumption, highlighting discrepancies with consensus forecasts and presenting various economic indicators.

Can you write off a pet dog? How to vet tax advice from social media

910. Can you write off a pet dog? How to vet tax advice from social media

Marielle Segarra discusses how to evaluate tax advice from social media to prevent scams.

Probability of 2 Qtr Negative Growth in 2026 at Post-Strike High

911. Probability of 2 Qtr Negative Growth in 2026 at Post-Strike High

Menzie Chinn discusses the relationship between the probability of the Strait of Hormuz reopening and recession betting odds, highlighting current market conditions.

Some simple spatial analytics of Cape Town

912. Some simple spatial analytics of Cape Town

The discussion highlights the spatial and economic challenges in Cape Town, particularly regarding unemployment, segregation, and the costs of commuting for low-income residents.

More Questions Than Answers: Thinking Through Recession Risks

913. More Questions Than Answers: Thinking Through Recession Risks

The post explores the uncertainty surrounding recession risks due to geopolitical tensions and rising oil prices, emphasizing the need for careful economic scenario planning.

Judge blocks DOJ's criminal probe of Federal Reserve, blasting it as political

914. Judge blocks DOJ's criminal probe of Federal Reserve, blasting it as political

Scott Horsley reports on a federal judge halting a criminal investigation into the Federal Reserve, criticizing it as a politically motivated action by the Trump administration.

915. StatGPT: The Dangers of Asking AI about Statistics

An argument that using AI for statistical queries can lead to inaccuracies, emphasizing the need for careful prompting and the establishment of reliable data sources.

Claude Code 32: A Modest Proposal for Editors

916. Claude Code 32: A Modest Proposal for Editors

Scott Cunningham discusses the implications of Claude Code on manuscript submissions and explores the relationship between sentencing policies and the U.S. incarceration rate.

Oil Prices Could Easily Go Much Higher

917. Oil Prices Could Easily Go Much Higher

An argument that the current oil prices may rise significantly due to supply constraints, despite the world economy's reduced dependence on oil compared to past crises.

Why Does the Division of Labor Matter?

918. Why Does the Division of Labor Matter?

Brianne Wolf discusses the significance of the division of labor in enhancing productivity, efficiency, and personal freedom in modern society.

Studying with Ludwig Lachmann

919. Studying with Ludwig Lachmann

The author reflects on studying with Ludwig Lachmann, discussing his teaching style, influence on economic thought, and the impact of South African economics on personal intellectual development.

Desperate for skilled workers, a furniture maker looks to apprenticeships for relief

920. Desperate for skilled workers, a furniture maker looks to apprenticeships for relief

The post discusses an Arkansas manufacturer implementing apprenticeships in response to Trump's advocacy for workforce development, questioning the effectiveness of government investments.