Econ Blog

your daily dose of economic commentary

Student loan borrowers in default may soon see their wages garnished

1601. Student loan borrowers in default may soon see their wages garnished

An argument that millions of borrowers in default may soon face wage garnishment after a pandemic-related pause ends.

Three that Made a Revolution

1602. Three that Made a Revolution

Alex Tabarrok discusses the transformative impact of three key figures in India's 1991 economic reforms that significantly reduced poverty and reshaped the country's economy.

A New K in America

1603. A New K in America

Paul Krugman discusses the K-shaped economy in America, highlighting the disparity in wage growth between low-income and high-income workers during different administrations.

Final Look at Housing Markets in November and a Look Ahead to December Sales

1604. Final Look at Housing Markets in November and a Look Ahead to December Sales

The post analyzes November housing market trends, noting declines in sales and prices, while forecasting potential future price declines in 2026.

Silver and Gold

1605. Silver and Gold

Art Carden discusses the properties of silver and gold, their economic implications, and how market dynamics influence material choices in technology and decoration.

The U.S. economy grew robustly as Americans continued to spend

1606. The U.S. economy grew robustly as Americans continued to spend

Alina Selyukh discusses the robust growth of the U.S. economy and ongoing consumer spending trends amidst political implications for voters and the Trump administration.

Industrial Production Increased 0.2% in November; Declined 0.1% in October

1607. Industrial Production Increased 0.2% in November; Declined 0.1% in October

The post discusses recent changes in industrial production and capacity utilization, highlighting monthly increases and comparisons to historical averages.

Muscat, Oman travel notes

1608. Muscat, Oman travel notes

Tyler Cowen describes Muscat, Oman as a relaxed, safe destination with rich history, cultural nuances, and a unique blend of modern and traditional elements.

Federal student loans are changing. Here's what to expect in 2026

1609. Federal student loans are changing. Here's what to expect in 2026

Cory Turner discusses upcoming changes to federal student loan repayment options with the ending of the SAVE Plan in 2026.

Fed Governor/CEA Chair (on leave) Miran: “Fed Risks Recession Without More Interest Rate Cuts”

1610. Fed Governor/CEA Chair (on leave) Miran: “Fed Risks Recession Without More Interest Rate Cuts”

An argument that the Federal Reserve risks recession without further interest rate cuts, despite not anticipating an immediate economic downturn.

On the Eve of the GDP Release: Forecasts, Nowcasts, Tracking

1611. On the Eve of the GDP Release: Forecasts, Nowcasts, Tracking

The post discusses GDP forecasts and nowcasts, highlighting discrepancies in growth predictions and trends in domestic aggregate demand.

America has to feel fair

1612. America has to feel fair

An argument that discrimination against White men has increased in various sectors, despite legal protections, highlighting challenges in addressing racial bias in hiring practices.

Chief Economist and Now Actg Director, Ctr Data Analysis, Heritage; & Chief Economist, Truflation

1613. Chief Economist and Now Actg Director, Ctr Data Analysis, Heritage; & Chief Economist, Truflation

Menzie Chinn critiques EJ Antoni's qualifications and work, highlighting the lack of peer-reviewed research and errors in his economic analysis.

Nearly 2 dozen states sue the Trump administration over funding for CFPB

1614. Nearly 2 dozen states sue the Trump administration over funding for CFPB

An argument that multiple states are suing the Trump administration over its refusal to accept funding for the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, potentially harming consumers.

Do People Still Get Holiday Bonuses?

1615. Do People Still Get Holiday Bonuses?

Jadrian Wooten explores the prevalence and economic rationale behind holiday bonuses, highlighting their differences from performance-based bonuses and their impact on employee morale.

The Trump administration pauses wind projects off New England, New York and Virginia

1616. The Trump administration pauses wind projects off New England, New York and Virginia

The Associated Press discusses the Trump administration's decision to pause offshore wind projects in New England, New York, and Virginia, citing national security concerns.

MAGA’s Manly Manufacturing Misfire

1617. MAGA’s Manly Manufacturing Misfire

An argument that Trump's economic policies have failed to deliver promised job creation and lower prices, highlighting the shortcomings of his manufacturing and tariff strategies.

Housing December 22nd Weekly Update: Inventory Down 2.3% Week-over-week

1618. Housing December 22nd Weekly Update: Inventory Down 2.3% Week-over-week

Bill McBride discusses a 2.3% week-over-week decline in active single-family housing inventory, noting seasonal trends and comparisons to previous years.

Can Americans learn to love tiny, cheap kei cars?

1619. Can Americans learn to love tiny, cheap kei cars?

The post discusses the potential for kei cars, popular in Asia, to gain acceptance in the U.S. market amid mixed reactions from enthusiasts.

How Trump's 'crony capitalism' has shaken up U.S. business

1620. How Trump's 'crony capitalism' has shaken up U.S. business

Maria Aspan discusses how President Trump's policies in 2025 influence capitalism by intertwining business and government roles.