Publications

Colombians vote this Sunday in the first round of their 2026 presidential election, choosing a successor to leftist President Gustavo Petro. Frontrunner Senator Iván Cepeda faces right-wing rivals Abelardo de la Espriella and Paloma Valencia in what is widely seen as a referendum on Colombia’s first-ever left-wing presidency. Read on for a full breakdown of the candidates, key issues, and election concerns — with live updates from CEPR observers on the ground.

April consumption data point to slowing consumer demand, declining fast-food spending, weaker tourism, and continued increases in drug spending despite Trump’s claims about lower pharmaceutical prices.

Sanctions and frozen funds hang in the balance as US-Iran peace talks continue, while Cuba runs out of fuel amid tightening sanctions and growing threats of military action.

The low employment rate for Black men cannot be explained by  a lack of hard skills or soft skills. Anti-Black discrimination is the most likely explanation for this disparity.

Mostly Economics Episode 36: Ed Zitron, CEO of national Media Relations and Public Relations company EZPR and leading AI skeptic, joins Dean Baker to break down why the AI investment boom looks more like a bubble than a revolution.

Citizens United ignores broader forms of political influence wielded through billionaire spending, media ownership, and social media control.

A new CEPR report finds that Colombia experienced major social gains under President Gustavo Petro — including sharp reductions in poverty and unemployment — driven by rising real wages, expanded social spending, and increased investment in historically neglected regions. The report also examines how restrictive monetary policy and fiscal constraints weighed on private investment and shaped the country’s broader economic trajectory.

JD Vance is reviving racially charged fraud narratives to support Trump’s political agenda while ignoring larger sources of corporate fraud and unpaid taxes.

Narratives around AI, deficits, media consolidation, and social media ownership create confusion and misinformation that shape public opinion and strengthen right-wing political influence.

One possible way to deflate the AI bubble: The Fed could assign some economists to assess the state of the stock market.