Econ Blog

your daily dose of economic commentary

The U.S. added just 64,000 jobs in November -- a sign the labor market is slowing

1681. The U.S. added just 64,000 jobs in November -- a sign the labor market is slowing

Hiring has slowed, with only 64,000 jobs added in November and an increase in the unemployment rate to 4.6%.

November Employment Report: 64 thousand Jobs, 4.6% Unemployment Rate; October Lost 105 thousand Jobs

1682. November Employment Report: 64 thousand Jobs, 4.6% Unemployment Rate; October Lost 105 thousand Jobs

Bill McBride discusses the November employment report, highlighting job growth, unemployment rates, and revisions to previous months' data.

The Warner Bros. Curse

1683. The Warner Bros. Curse

An argument that Warner Bros. struggles with past mergers and acquisitions while facing competition from Netflix and Paramount for potential buyers.

Emergent Ventures India, 14th cohort

1684. Emergent Ventures India, 14th cohort

The post highlights grant recipients from the 14th cohort of Emergent Ventures India, showcasing innovative projects in various fields, including AI, healthcare, and sustainable technology.

Chain restaurants are hit by tariffs and inflation. How do they control costs?

1685. Chain restaurants are hit by tariffs and inflation. How do they control costs?

The post examines how chain restaurants manage to maintain low prices despite inflation and rising food costs.

Built to spill: The life of a crash test dummy

1686. Built to spill: The life of a crash test dummy

Camila Domonoske discusses the creation and purpose of automotive crash test dummies in improving vehicle safety.

Trump sues BBC for $10 billion, accusing it of defamation over  Jan. 6 speech edit

1687. Trump sues BBC for $10 billion, accusing it of defamation over Jan. 6 speech edit

The Associated Press discusses Trump's $10 billion defamation lawsuit against the BBC over an edited speech related to January 6.

1688. On Deepities and Dual-Level Aphorisms

The discussion centers on the concept of "deepities," exploring their dual meanings and how they can provide psychological insights despite their seemingly trivial nature.

1689. AI is Coming: Interview with Anton Korinek

The discussion focuses on AI's impact on economic research, labor, taxation, and the importance of educating future generations about AI technology.

Ford pulls the plug on the F-150 Lightning electric pickup truck

1690. Ford pulls the plug on the F-150 Lightning electric pickup truck

Camila Domonoske discusses Ford's decision to discontinue the F-150 Lightning electric pickup due to profitability issues, while retaining the Lightning name for a plug-in hybrid.

Ford pulls the plug on the all-electric F-150 Lightning pickup truck

1691. Ford pulls the plug on the all-electric F-150 Lightning pickup truck

The discontinuation of Ford's electric pickup is attributed to lack of profitability despite positive reception, with plans to continue the Lightning as a plug-in hybrid.

Roomba maker files for bankruptcy, weighed down by debt and tariffs

1692. Roomba maker files for bankruptcy, weighed down by debt and tariffs

Alina Selyukh discusses iRobot's bankruptcy due to debt and tariffs, leading to its takeover by a China-based supplier while assuring customers about device functionality.

Part 1: Current State of the Housing Market; Overview for mid-December 2025

1693. Part 1: Current State of the Housing Market; Overview for mid-December 2025

An overview of the housing market in mid-December 2025 highlights increased inventory, depressed sales, and stable home prices despite economic challenges.

MAGA, the Broligarchs and the Media

1694. MAGA, the Broligarchs and the Media

Paul Krugman discusses the implications of corporate mergers on democracy, highlighting the role of MAGA-aligned billionaires in undermining democratic institutions in the U.S.

Hawks, Doves, and ARC Raiders

1695. Hawks, Doves, and ARC Raiders

The post explores player behavior in the game ARC Raiders, analyzing why it fosters a chill atmosphere despite its competitive nature using game theory concepts.

My thoughts on AI safety

1696. My thoughts on AI safety

Noah Smith shares his thoughts on AI safety, discussing the potential risks of superintelligent AI and advocating for technological advancement despite existential fears.

NAHB: Builder Confidence Increased Slightly in December, Negative territory for 20 consecutive months

1697. NAHB: Builder Confidence Increased Slightly in December, Negative territory for 20 consecutive months

Bill McBride discusses the slight increase in builder confidence in December, noting ongoing challenges in the housing market as indicated by the NAHB report.

Housing December 15th Weekly Update: Inventory Down 2.5% Week-over-week

1698. Housing December 15th Weekly Update: Inventory Down 2.5% Week-over-week

The post discusses a week-over-week decline in active single-family housing inventory, highlighting seasonal trends and comparisons to previous years' data.

Affordability, Part III

1699. Affordability, Part III

Paul Krugman discusses Americans' economic anxiety over affordability, highlighting the role of policy in addressing these concerns amidst political denial from Republicans.

The Trump presidency is still alive and kicking

1700. The Trump presidency is still alive and kicking

Noah Smith discusses the current state of the Trump presidency, highlighting setbacks and electoral challenges while cautioning against prematurely labeling him a lame duck.