Invaluable Web Shortcuts and Account Follows
In the realm of economics and trade, staying informed is essential. Here's a roundup of some of the most valuable resources for understanding various aspects of these subjects.
The International Trade Administration's metro export series offers detailed data for metro-level export analysis, providing insights into the trade patterns of different regions. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, on the other hand, is a comprehensive source for employment and unemployment data at state, county, and metro levels. For national data, including GDP, consumer spending, and state and metro performance, the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis is a key resource.
For those interested in trade issues, Clyde Prestowitz, a former Reagan administration trade negotiator, is a prominent commentator. The Tax Policy Center, an independent, objective outfit set up by the Brookings Institution and the Urban Institute, offers insights into tax policies and their impact on the economy. The TradeStats Express, a site by the Commerce Department, provides data on state exports by year, country, and industry sector.
The OECD, World Bank, and IMF cover issues and gold-standard data that affect communities on a global scale. The Oil Drum is a valuable resource for understanding the reality of higher energy costs, harder-to-find oil, and debunking the drill-baby-drill propaganda. The International Energy Agency is another widely used resource for data and reports, especially on oil.
In the realm of climate change and climate economics, Climate Central and Real Climate are worth following for understanding the economic costs associated with climate change. The best blogs and resources by journalists focusing on these topics include the German podcast "Mission Klima" by Correctiv, the journalistic platform klimareporter°, and the scientific commentary and explanations by Harald Lesch on ZDFheute. For deeper scientific insights, RealClimate offers expert discussions by climate scientists.
The U.S. Energy Information Administration provides a wide array of coverage, including on topics like coal and alternative energy. For a reliable source of authoritative graphics, the FRED site of the St. Louis Fed is a go-to resource. The Census Bureau offers an interactive look at business on a state and county level, as well as quick facts for comparing cities, counties, and states.
The Federal Reserve Board site is the most useful site of the regulators, offering insights into monetary policy and the economy. The Office of the Comptroller of the Currency and the FDIC have email lists that are helpful when regulators close a bank in town, and the FDIC has data on local bank health.
In the world of economics journalism, Heidi N. Moore of the Guardian is one of the smartest journalists writing today and a ubiquitous presence on Twitter. Mark Thoma, economics professor at the University of Oregon, writes the Economist's View blog, a great compendium of econ news and views, wide ranging, and reliable. Simon Johnson and James Kwak write the best blog on major banking issues. Period.
Lastly, ProPublica, even though it covers much more than business, its investigative focus is a model of what all of us should be doing. David M. Wessel of the Wall Street Journal remains at the top of his game covering the national economy.
These resources offer a wealth of information for anyone seeking to understand the complexities of economics and trade. Whether you're a student, a business owner, or a curious citizen, these resources provide a solid foundation for staying informed and engaged in these critical issues.
