Econ Blog

your daily dose of economic commentary

1541. Keynes: Free Trade and the Nationalist Impulse

An argument that Keynes reflects on the evolution of his views on free trade amidst rising nationalism and the historical context of economic relations between nations.

Tuesday's Assorted Links

1542. Tuesday's Assorted Links

Jadrian Wooten shares five stories highlighting economic principles and educational resources, along with reflections on his recent radio segment about holiday bonuses.

Judge orders Trump administration to continue to seek funding for the CFPB

1543. Judge orders Trump administration to continue to seek funding for the CFPB

Stephan Bisaha discusses a judge's ruling requiring the Trump administration to pursue funding for the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau amid ongoing legal challenges.

1544. FOMC Minutes: Further Cuts "Likely" Appropriate if Inflation Declines as Expected

Bill McBride discusses the Federal Open Market Committee's considerations on monetary policy, emphasizing potential rate cuts if inflation declines as anticipated.

The Heritage Foundation Shows How MAGA Will Die

1545. The Heritage Foundation Shows How MAGA Will Die

Paul Krugman discusses the decline of the Heritage Foundation and its implications for the future of the MAGA political movement.

Cutsinger’s Solution: Inflation and Healthcare

1546. Cutsinger’s Solution: Inflation and Healthcare

Bryan Cutsinger discusses the relationship between inflation, healthcare prices, and the importance of analyzing supply and demand to understand price changes.

The Weeb Economy

1547. The Weeb Economy

Noah Smith discusses Japan's economic stagnation and proposes ideas to revitalize its economy, reflecting on the country's technological advancements and cultural significance.

Case-Shiller: National House Price Index Up 1.4% year-over-year in October

1548. Case-Shiller: National House Price Index Up 1.4% year-over-year in October

The post discusses the October home price indices, highlighting a 1.4% annual increase and regional disparities in housing market performance amid high mortgage rates.

What is the greatest artwork of the century so far?

1549. What is the greatest artwork of the century so far?

Tyler Cowen shares his personal list of significant artworks across various mediums from the past quarter-century, emphasizing their cultural impact and quality.

The PRC’s Intimidation Campaign

1550. The PRC’s Intimidation Campaign

Menzie Chinn discusses China's military exercises around Taiwan and the implications for U.S. involvement and economic stability, particularly regarding semiconductor supply chains.

US Growth: From Hours Worked or Productivity Gains?

1551. US Growth: From Hours Worked or Productivity Gains?

Economic growth in the US increasingly relies on productivity gains rather than hours worked, influenced by changes in labor practices post-pandemic, particularly in the restaurant industry.

Question #5 for 2026: What will the YoY core inflation rate be in December 2026?

1552. Question #5 for 2026: What will the YoY core inflation rate be in December 2026?

The post discusses predictions for core inflation rates in December 2026, analyzing current trends and forecasts from various economic indicators.

FIFA president defends World Cup ticket prices, saying demand is hitting records

1553. FIFA president defends World Cup ticket prices, saying demand is hitting records

Rafael Nam discusses FIFA President's defense of World Cup ticket prices, highlighting record demand and the intended use of proceeds to support global soccer.

Top Posts of 2025

1554. Top Posts of 2025

Alex Tabarrok highlights the most popular blog posts of 2025, discussing themes in economics, politics, and cultural commentary.

A Few of My Favorite Things This Year

1555. A Few of My Favorite Things This Year

The author reflects on the past year, sharing favorite posts, books, and expressing gratitude for reader engagement while highlighting economic topics discussed in the newsletter.

MAGA’s Betrayal of Small Business

1556. MAGA’s Betrayal of Small Business

Paul Krugman discusses how the MAGA movement has negatively impacted small business owners, despite their initial support for Trump, due to increased government burdens.

Housing December 29th Weekly Update: Inventory Down 2.9% Week-over-week

1557. Housing December 29th Weekly Update: Inventory Down 2.9% Week-over-week

Bill McBride discusses a 2.9% week-over-week decline in active single-family housing inventory and its seasonal trends compared to previous years.

1558. John Stuart Mill Explains Profits As The Result Of The Exploitation Of Labor

An argument that profits arise from labor producing more than necessary for its support, linking this idea to Marx and Ricardo's theories without delving into ethical implications.

Back in Boston, presents, classes, Luka videos, random stuff and Diehard

1559. Back in Boston, presents, classes, Luka videos, random stuff and Diehard

Scott Cunningham shares his experiences returning to Boston, family gifts, gaming, and a discussion about the film "Die Hard" with his family.

Electric vehicles had a bumpy road in 2025 — and one pleasant surprise

1560. Electric vehicles had a bumpy road in 2025 — and one pleasant surprise

Camila Domonoske discusses the challenges faced by electric vehicles in 2025, including policy reversals and declining sales, despite steady consumer interest.