Econ Blog

your daily dose of economic commentary

The Administration Campaign to Push Down the Fed Funds Rate: “Computer Says ‘No'”

1441. The Administration Campaign to Push Down the Fed Funds Rate: “Computer Says ‘No'”

Menzie Chinn discusses the administration's efforts to influence the Federal Reserve's interest rate decisions and the challenges faced in this endeavor.

Off Today

1442. Off Today

Paul Krugman discusses the challenges of U.S. military involvement in the Iran conflict and the impact on oil prices amid political turmoil.

AI has the worst sales pitch I've ever seen

1443. AI has the worst sales pitch I've ever seen

Noah Smith critiques the alarming sales pitch of AI labs regarding the potential extinction risks posed by their technologies and questions their motivations.

The Year (and 2 months) of Living Dangerously

1444. The Year (and 2 months) of Living Dangerously

Menzie Chinn discusses the impact of economic and geopolitical uncertainties on markets and policies since January 2025.

*The Marginal Revolution: Rise and Decline, and the Pending AI Revolution*

1445. *The Marginal Revolution: Rise and Decline, and the Pending AI Revolution*

Tyler Cowen explores the evolution of economic thought, focusing on the Marginal Revolution and its implications for the future of economics amid the AI revolution.

Trump's attacks on offshore wind could hurt infrastructure spending across the economy

1446. Trump's attacks on offshore wind could hurt infrastructure spending across the economy

Michael Copley discusses how Trump's opposition to offshore wind may negatively impact business confidence and infrastructure spending in the U.S. economy.

It's Equal Pay Day. Women have lost ground for the second year in a row

1447. It's Equal Pay Day. Women have lost ground for the second year in a row

The post highlights the ongoing wage gap between men and women, noting that women have lost ground in pay equity for the second consecutive year.

War with Iran disrupts fertilizer exports as U.S. farmers prepare for planting season

1448. War with Iran disrupts fertilizer exports as U.S. farmers prepare for planting season

The post discusses how the war with Iran has caused a significant increase in fertilizer prices, impacting U.S. farmers during the planting season.

Random Question: How Many People Won as the US/Europeans in this Game?

1449. Random Question: How Many People Won as the US/Europeans in this Game?

The discussion revolves around the complexities of seizing oil facilities in Iran and the risks involved for US forces in such operations.

How popular is the Iran War?

1450. How popular is the Iran War?

An argument that public support for the Iran War remains low, with ongoing polling tracking changes in approval and opposition since the conflict began.

The Growth of Big Business: 1900-2020

1451. The Growth of Big Business: 1900-2020

Timothy Taylor discusses the increasing concentration of sales and capital in large firms globally, highlighting its implications for competition and economic efficiency.

The economic consequences of the Iran war

1452. The economic consequences of the Iran war

Noah Smith discusses the economic impact of the Iran War, particularly the disruption of oil supply and rising global energy prices.

Jury finds Meta and Google negligent in social media harms trial

1453. Jury finds Meta and Google negligent in social media harms trial

Bobby Allyn discusses a jury's verdict holding Meta and Google accountable for a young woman's mental health issues, potentially impacting numerous other lawsuits.

The War on Wind Continues

1454. The War on Wind Continues

Paul Krugman discusses the Trump administration's efforts to undermine renewable energy, particularly wind power, amidst a global fossil fuel crisis and rising energy prices.

“The ECB and Its Watchers XXVI”

1455. “The ECB and Its Watchers XXVI”

Menzie Chinn discusses a conference at Goethe University focusing on monetary policy, global spillovers, and European integration with notable speakers and debates.

Explainer of Ludwig, Mullainathan and Rambachan's 2026 Econometrics of LLM Paper

1456. Explainer of Ludwig, Mullainathan and Rambachan's 2026 Econometrics of LLM Paper

An exploration of a forthcoming econometrics paper on using large language models for automating text classification in economics research, addressing measurement error and regression inference issues.

They gave her business a lifeline, then froze all her money

1457. They gave her business a lifeline, then froze all her money

The post discusses the rapid growth of alternative funding sources for small businesses in Connecticut and the potential changes to regulations affecting these lenders.

Judge says government's Anthropic ban looks like punishment

1458. Judge says government's Anthropic ban looks like punishment

A lawsuit is discussed where Anthropic challenges the government's classification of it as a "supply chain risk," suggesting potential punitive motives behind the decision.

1459. Interview with Erika McEntarfer: Firings and Federal Statistics

The discussion centers on Erika McEntarfer's firing, the challenges facing federal economic statistics, and the potential impact of AI on data collection.

Higher gas prices put the squeeze on the people who deliver your food

1460. Higher gas prices put the squeeze on the people who deliver your food

Higher gas prices are impacting food delivery drivers, who face increased costs and competition, prompting companies like DoorDash to offer some assistance.