Econ Blog

your daily dose of economic commentary

AI, Technology, and Work

1121. AI, Technology, and Work

Jon Murphy discusses the impact of AI on jobs, exploring historical perspectives and economic implications of automation on work and wages.

My excellent Conversation with Joe Studwell

1122. My excellent Conversation with Joe Studwell

The discussion centers on Africa's development prospects, manufacturing potential, and comparisons with Asian economies, addressing challenges like population density and colonial legacies.

U.K.'s ex-Prince Andrew is released after his arrest over Epstein revelations

1123. U.K.'s ex-Prince Andrew is released after his arrest over Epstein revelations

An argument that Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor's arrest relates to his alleged misconduct linked to his connections with Jeffrey Epstein.

How do Olympians like Eileen Gu earn $23 million? Here are all the ways

1124. How do Olympians like Eileen Gu earn $23 million? Here are all the ways

Rafael Nam discusses how athletes like Eileen Gu earn substantial income through various avenues.

Business Cycle Indicators: Output Surges ahead of Employment

1125. Business Cycle Indicators: Output Surges ahead of Employment

An argument that output indicators, particularly in industrial and manufacturing sectors, are rising significantly ahead of employment metrics, suggesting a divergence in economic recovery trends.

Zuckerberg grilled about Meta's strategy to target 'teens' and 'tweens'

1126. Zuckerberg grilled about Meta's strategy to target 'teens' and 'tweens'

Bobby Allyn discusses Mark Zuckerberg's testimony regarding Meta's strategy to engage younger users amid a significant social media addiction trial.

Output Gaps, Again

1127. Output Gaps, Again

An argument that discusses various measures of the output gap, their implications for economic performance, and the influence of fiscal policy on growth projections.

FDA reverses course on Moderna flu shot

1128. FDA reverses course on Moderna flu shot

The FDA recently changed its decision regarding Moderna's application for a new influenza vaccine after initially rejecting it.

The Cassidy Report on the FDA

1129. The Cassidy Report on the FDA

Alex Tabarrok discusses Senator Cassidy's report on FDA modernization, highlighting challenges in the review process and suggesting improvements for innovation and patient access to therapies.

Billionaires Gone Wild

1130. Billionaires Gone Wild

Paul Krugman discusses the influence of billionaires on American politics and media, highlighting the consequences of wealth concentration and the Citizens United ruling.

A simple test of how immigration really is going

1131. A simple test of how immigration really is going

Tyler Cowen discusses using real estate prices as an indicator of the impact of immigration on cities, highlighting trends in Detroit as a case study.

Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg to face jury in landmark social media addiction trial

1132. Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg to face jury in landmark social media addiction trial

Bobby Allyn discusses the upcoming trial where Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg will face jury scrutiny regarding social media's impact on youth mental health.

China is killing the fish

1133. China is killing the fish

An argument that environmental harm varies in impact, with local pollution manageable through regulation, while global harm and natural world degradation require altruism and technological solutions.

Tuesday's Assorted Links

1134. Tuesday's Assorted Links

Jadrian Wooten shares five stories highlighting economic principles and their applications, including consumer behavior, optimism, and Puerto Rico's economy.

How the Kakistocracy Became a Quackistocracy

1135. How the Kakistocracy Became a Quackistocracy

An argument that the resurgence of infectious diseases is linked to anti-vaccine movements and right-wing policies, highlighting the economic and public health consequences of these actions.

Learning the Bitter Lesson in 2026

1136. Learning the Bitter Lesson in 2026

Joy Buchanan discusses Richard Sutton's insights on AI advancements, emphasizing the importance of scaling computation over human expertise and its economic implications.

The record-breaking cocaine boom — and its deadly fallout

1137. The record-breaking cocaine boom — and its deadly fallout

A resurgence of cocaine use is causing significant negative consequences in the U.S. and globally.

Claude Code 20: Faculty Adoption of AI, Decks and Folders, and Non-Trivial Security Risks

1138. Claude Code 20: Faculty Adoption of AI, Decks and Folders, and Non-Trivial Security Risks

Scott Cunningham discusses faculty adoption of AI, the challenges of understanding its value, and the moral repugnance some feel towards AI technologies.

TV antennas and Super Bowl rehearsals: How prediction market traders seek an edge

1139. TV antennas and Super Bowl rehearsals: How prediction market traders seek an edge

Bobby Allyn discusses how prediction market traders seek advantages through unique strategies and information to maximize their profits.

SP500 CAPE at 40

1140. SP500 CAPE at 40

An argument that the current SP500 CAPE ratio indicates significant market valuation concerns, particularly in relation to historical trends and concentration among leading companies.