Relevant and even prescient commentary on news, politics and the economy.

Eastern Economic Association Conference

Eastern Economic Association Conference So, I returned late last night from Boston where I presented three papers at the 44th Eastern Economic Association conference.  Only about 70% of those preregistered made it due to weather, with airport and train station both closed on Friday, first full day of conference. One of those who did not […]

Saudi Crown Prince Tortures Fellow Princes

Saudi Crown Prince Tortures Fellow Princes A new report by Hugh Miles at Middle East Monitor, Is the “Saudi Elite Cannibalizing Itself?” by Juan Cole, reports the recent purge of supposedly corrupt princes and high officials was (and continues to be) much more horrendous than previously reported, which I fear does not surprise me. Apparently […]

Climate Change and Environmental Frames: The Consensus-Action Disconnect

(Dan here…I am always looking for new writers that might make a good fit for AB.  Cactusman  is in the field of behavioral economics in the private sector.  I know that the topic of climate change is a hot one here, but remember this is his first here…) by Cactusman Climate Change and Environmental Frames: The […]

Is the secular economic season beginning to change (Part 2)

Is the secular economic season beginning to change (Part 2) – by New Deal democratThe selloff of a month ago may well be the harbinger of a fundamental change in the relationship between bond yields and stock prices, one that is likely to persist for the next 10 years or so, as  part of a very […]

Great news on job security, but on income line workers can hold back on breaking out the champagne

Great news on job security, but on income line workers can hold back on breaking out the champagne Some really good news this morning, but a note to hold your horses on the celebration of at least one aspect of that news. Initial jobless claims, which I’ve called the single most positive data point in […]

Begun the Trade War Has

Begun the Trade War Has Master Yoda at the end of the second of the Star Wars prequels: Begun the clone war has Exactly the right sentiment with this news: President Donald Trump is expected to announce new tariffs on imports of steel and aluminum as soon as Thursday, a move that could trigger significant economic repercussions. […]

China, not automation, is by far the biggest factor in the decline of prime age labor force participation

China, not automation, is by far the biggest factor in the decline of prime age labor force participation Perhaps the biggest mystery in economic analysis in the last few years has been trying to find an explanation for the big decline in labor force participation since 1999.  A recent NBER working paper by Abraham and Kearney has […]