Via Noah Smith. We have the following post on the Pinker vs Wieseltier debate on science and humanities (if you have a chance I would suggest reading the debates themselves as well). The era in which an essayist can get away with ex cathedra pronouncements on factual questions in social science is coming to an […]
Excellent post and picture by the Economist. First the picture: Then the post:
Good post on the Productivity Commission blog, Prod Blog. When it comes to labour productivity, or productivity more generally many people in society assume that an economist saying “productivity is low” is the same as saying “people are lazy”. But this is far from the case. Lisa Meehan clears that up for us: Poor labour […]
Graeme Wheeler has written an op-ed on “Why Loan-to-Value Ratios were introduced“. Good, communication is an important part of what a central bank needs to do – especially when introducing new things! I’ll leave the comments on this to someone else, I’ll just note: If you want my view on some of the things noted […]
Today’s quote of the day stems from me starting to reread “Economic Analysis, Moral Philosophy, and Public Policy“. Last time I went through this book it annoyed me, as it didn’t seem to be attacking a “fair” version of an economist – rather a caricature. However, I have noticed this time, in the first chapter, […]
I’m not commenting of course, but both LVR restrictions will limit lending to SME’s and on house building. As is stated by: Bernard Hickey, Labour. (Via Kiwiblog) This was known before the LVR restrictions were put in place, hence why it is seen as an indirect tool. Mortgages are used as a cheaper finance option […]