Wrap Up for July 2021

What shifts in labour demand since the pandemic, are most likely to last?

"In a saner world, it would be advocates of government intervention who would insist upon a proper and regular assessment of its works."

El Salvador provides a teaching example for different monetary roles.

"the age-earnings profile is getting both higher and later in life."

For Scott Sumner, productivity losses are one of the most important economic stories.

The Agricultural Revolution was overshadowed by the Industrial Revolution.

Which economic patterns will return to normal?

A book review: Colonial Ecology, Atlantic Economy

A Texas example for sustainable towns  

Some concerns regarding digital currencies. 

"Market observers said they have already begun to see diminishing demand for units in older buildings in the areas that are typically occupied by lower-income tenants and retirees" 

Lowering carbon emissions would require lifestyle changes which nations have yet to address. 

What kind of utilitarianism is most reasonable?

"Eventually some structures and activities will retreat from the coast because they are not economic. Maintenance and insurance costs will increasingly be factored into decisions about where people choose to live, work and invest."

The condo collapse in Surfside, was an extreme example of the kind of infighting HOAs often face.

Some explorations of long-run growth.

Solar and wind have become competitive to the point of no longer needing subsidies.

Low interest rates are not a policy, but an outcome of both monetary and non monetary factors.

Why is Cuba in such dire straits?

What will happen to the High Streets after the pandemic?

Is inflation always a monetary phenomenon?

Climate change is affecting the productivity levels of U.S. wheat crops.

Who is journalism actually for?

Inflation levels face the challenges of demographics, globalization, and E-Commerce.

What would Milton Friedman think of today's monetary policy?

"Our economy doesn't create meaningful high-paying work for people, and that's the problem."

Are our daily lives too comfortable and convenient?

The move from a gold standard to one of fiat money, wasn't easy.

When does technology have broader purpose?

Brian Potter looks at sixty years of homebuilding.

Homebuilders are finding it difficult to build homes that are affordable for first time homebuyers.

The "leakage problem" adds extensive and often unnecessary infrastructure costs.

What is inflation, and why does it matter?

An astonishing survey re confidence in institutions.

Interesting addition to books which seek to "mend a broken society".

The authors of this study found a pronounced rise in cognitive distortions since the turn of the century.

Some jobs won't come back.

Limited supply made the housing market "too hot" during the spring.

In Britain, "Neo-Nazis make up 20% of the current prison terrorist population"

Even though utility is difficult to measure, so are other policy goals. Should policy makers embrace utility?

Why are high administrative costs for healthcare in the U.S. so difficult to reduce?