Economics Research
Articles tagged with Economics Research
When the Schuylkill swallowed the city: Lessons from Hurricane Ida’s historic flood
Ground-breaking study finds immigrants face a host of hurdles in the workforce
Space logistics on the right track
A team of researchers at Bielefeld University has developed a precise mathematical approach to plotting routes through space and time. The new method could help make space missions more efficient and also improve transportation systems on Earth.
Scrapped inheritance tax linked to stronger growth in private firms with heirs, Swedish study shows
Private firms with potential family successors in Sweden grew faster and invested more after the abolition of inheritance tax, which led to higher corporate taxes. The study suggests that rents from the tax abolition were shared with society through taxes and employee salaries.
Less food waste: Supermarkets can save money by giving surplus food away
A new study from the University of Copenhagen shows that Danish retailers can generate a net financial gain of €0.3-€0.8 per kilo by selling surplus food at discounted prices. Donating food to organizations that redistribute it to vulnerable people is often cheaper than disposal, with savings of €0.10-€0.20 per kilo.
Odometer inattention costs used car buyers
Research from the University of Texas at Austin finds that consumers pay up to $170 extra per vehicle when buying a used car with nearly identical mileage but one digit off, due to left-digit bias. This phenomenon can result in higher prices for cars just below round numbers like 20,000 or 50,000.
Can we trust the science shaping our lives?
A recent study by University of Ottawa professor Abel Brodeur found that 85 percent of social-science papers are computationally reproducible, suggesting improved norms for data sharing and code disclosure. This encouraging result aims to advance science and improve public trust in research.
U of A research finds improved weather forecasts could reduce heat deaths as climate warms
Researchers found that more accurate weather forecasts can significantly reduce heat-related deaths. The study suggests that technological advancements in forecasting can offset projected increases in heat-related fatalities due to climate change. In fact, the economic value of saving lives through improved forecasting is substantial a...
Income rank predicts well-being worldwide, but social capital can buffer its effects
A study published in Nature Communications finds that social capital can significantly reduce the psychological impact of lower income rank, suggesting policies strengthening social connection may be as important as those raising incomes for bolstering wellbeing. The research uses data from over 90,000 people across 109 countries.
Registrations open for São Paulo School of Advanced Science in Microplastics
The São Paulo School of Advanced Science in Microplastics is an intensive course designed to help students tackle plastic pollution. The program covers four frameworks: inside, on, around, and regulatory aspects of microplastics.
“Unleash the West of England to power up UK growth” - The Brunel Centre publishes Economic Audit
The West of England, a region with exceptional potential, is limited by structural constraints. Key findings include export strength, world-leading innovation clusters, and a strong but place-specific labour market.
New research outlines pathway to achieve high well-being and a safe climate without economic growth
A study by the Institute of Environmental Science and Technology of the Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona establishes the principles for modelling post-growth scenarios, pointing to the need for targeted demand-side measures and investments in low-carbon technologies. The research highlights the potential for post-growth to achieve pos...
Digital targeting creeps out customers
Researchers find that personalized digital marketing can evoke a powerful emotional response, leading consumers to feel uncomfortable and less likely to make purchases. To mitigate this 'creepiness,' brands can focus on prevention by designing personalization practices that minimize ambiguity and avoid signals of intrusive surveillance.
The Frontiers of Knowledge Award goes to Charles Manski for incorporating uncertainty into economic research and its application to public policy analysis
Charles F. Manski is recognized for his pioneering contributions to measuring uncertainty in economic research and its application to public policy analysis. His work has profoundly influenced empirical research across various fields, encouraging economists to rely on credible and transparent inference.
Early-career hiring remains active but increasingly selective, according to Drexel’s 2026 College Hiring Outlook
The 2026 College Hiring Outlook report from Drexel's LeBow College of Business revealed that internships and co-op experiences are integral to hiring practices. Employers surveyed across industries reported a cautious openness toward AI in career development, while prioritizing authenticity and demonstrable skills.
Businesses can either lead transformative change or risk extinction: IPBES
A new report by the Intergovernmental Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES) emphasizes the critical role of businesses in halting and reversing biodiversity loss. Businesses can either drive transformative change or risk extinction, as they rely on and impact nature. The report provides methods and 100+ actions for bu...
IPO pay gap hiding in plain sight: Study reveals hidden cost of ‘cheap stock’
A new study from the University of Notre Dame examines the prevalence, determinants and consequences of cheap stock options. The research found that firms granting more options, having larger public offerings and venture capital backing tend to have greater gaps between IPO prices and exercise prices.
Diabetes management in disadvantaged communities improves significantly with financial incentives, study finds
A new study found that providing financial vouchers to offset medication costs can significantly improve glycemic control among patients with uncontrolled Type 2 diabetes. After six months, participants receiving performance-based incentives saw a clinically substantial reduction in HbA1c levels.
Study shows how local business benefits from city services
A new study by University of Cincinnati economics professor David Brasington found that local business benefits from city services, particularly tax renewals, in Ohio. The research compared communities with renewed taxes and those with cut taxes, revealing a significant difference in commercial property redevelopment.
Landmark FAU/CSU study: More paid time off keeps US workers from quitting
A landmark study by FAU and CSU found that offering six to 10 paid days off significantly lowers resignations, especially for men. Providing 11 or more days reduces quitting rates substantially for both men and women, highlighting the importance of meaningful time away from work.
'Swiftynomics' explores how women power, redefine economy
The book sheds light on the often-ignored contributions of women in economics, highlighting their role as economic agents throughout history. Heggeness shares robust data and anecdotes about women who have thrived economically, from Taylor Swift to unsung heroes like Francis Perkins.
Leading Danish universities join forces to boost innovation capacity
A partnership between University of Copenhagen and Danish Technical University aims to improve Europe's resilience and competitiveness by boosting innovation. The initiative seeks to develop the innovation ecosystem, drive urban development, and attract talent, companies, and investors.
History offers warning on dollar and deficits
A new study warns that the U.S. government's fiscal capacity depends on the dominance of the U.S. dollar, and potential losses for bondholders could be significant if another currency replaces it. Historically, countries with a strong currency have experienced economic downturns when their dominance wanes.
Beyond the pandemic: how coworking spaces survive in rural areas
Coworking spaces in rural areas, such as Catalonia and Rhineland-Palatinate, have adapted to funding models that include private investment, public subsidies, and user contributions. These spaces often serve as pillars of the community, fostering social connections and local development.
Diabetes costs the global economy trillions
The study reveals that diabetes poses a significant challenge for healthcare systems and economies worldwide. The economic impact of diabetes is substantial, with an estimated global cost of up to $152 trillion, equivalent to 1.7% of GDP, when informal care is factored in.
A new Japanese study investigates how tariff policies influence long-run economic growth
A new Japanese study uses a two-country model to investigate the impact of tariff policies on economic growth outcomes across countries. The researchers found that similar trade policies can lead to very different growth outcomes across countries, depending on a country's existing industrial structure.
The suspension of the foreign corrupt practices act generated record gains for companies involved in overseas corruption cases
The suspension of the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act generated record gains for companies involved in overseas corruption cases. Companies that had been subject to investigations or sanctions under the FCPA collectively gained around $39 billion, with individual companies recording increases in market capitalization of billions of dollars.
Federal EITC has unexpected result, researchers say – it decreases domestic violence
Research found that the federal earned income tax credit decreases rates of intimate partner violence, particularly among low-educated and unmarried women. The study revealed a 9.73% decrease in physical and sexual violence and a 21% decline in counts of such violence.
Here’s what determines whether your income level rises or falls
A study by Norwegian researchers found that labor income is key to upward mobility, while capital income often coincides with downward mobility. Employment income typically increases over time, whereas capital income is more unevenly distributed and prone to decline.
Shinshu University finds no price drop in Fukushima flounder after treated-water discharge
Wholesale prices for Fukushima flounder remained stable despite the August 2023 ALPS-treated water discharge, with no significant price decline found in a comprehensive market modeling study. The research provides reassurance for fisheries stakeholders and informs future policy debates on nuclear-water disposal.
Sustainability-focused companies benefit more from audit transparency
Research shows that companies with strong environmental, social, and governance track records perform better after adopting rigorous auditing standards. Investors view ESG practices as a signal of corporate quality, amplifying the benefits of transparent auditing.
Taxing homes in an economic boom and subsidising them in a crash could prevent the next housing crisis
Researchers argue that taxing housing purchases during economic booms and providing temporary subsidies on housing during recessions could help prevent the next housing crisis. The study found that this approach can lift house prices exactly when the system is at greatest risk, preventing fire sales and severe price collapses.
Subnational income inequality revealed: Regional successes may hold key to addressing widening gap globally
A new study visualizes three decades of income inequality data, revealing worsening trends for half the world's population but also 'bright spots' where policy is closing the gap. Regional efforts in countries like India, China, and Brazil show promise in addressing disparities.
Night workers face inequalities in pay, health, safety and dignity
A major new study by UCL researchers reveals the challenges faced by London’s 1.3 million night workers, including pay inequality, health problems, transport difficulties, safety concerns, and a lack of workplace dignity. The study provides personal stories and policy recommendations to inform UK employment law reforms.
First comprehensive investigation shows large support for core ideas of ‘degrowth,’ but not the label
A comprehensive investigation reveals significant public support for degrowth's key ideas across the UK and US. The study challenges the notion that such policies lack popular backing. Majority support was found for the full proposal with or without labels, while the 'degrowth' label alone received lower support due to low awareness.
Home buyers are overpaying mortgage fees. Shopping around can help.
A new study by the University of Florida finds that most US home buyers are overpaying mortgage fees, with average costs ranging from 1-3% of the loan. Shopping around can help consumers save an average of $32 in fees and more than $1,000 in interest per loan.
Australia’s middle-aged are the engine room of the nation but many risk burnout: Report
Middle-aged Australians are experiencing mounting pressures as they balance work, family, and financial demands, leading to declining life satisfaction and increased stress. Women face sharper declines in wellbeing due to unpaid care and time stress, with one in ten caring for both children and ageing parents.
Experts find £90K “sweet spot” for crowdfunding success
A new study by University of East Anglia researchers identified key factors contributing to successful crowdfunding campaigns on Seedrs. Setting a £90K target, having around 19 team members, and using specific phrases in campaign pitches all helped attract investors.
Study: Arrival of boll weevils in U.S. South in early 20th century brought long-term benefits for Black sons born after the agricultural shock
A new study found that the arrival of boll weevils in the US South in the early 20th century led to improved economic outcomes for Black sons born after the agricultural shock. The researchers examined changes in earnings, occupations, and residences for Black males before and after the boll weevil's appearance.
Home advantage? How consumers misjudge the environmental impact of imported food
A survey by Göttingen University found that consumers overestimate the environmental benefits of locally sourced food, while underestimating the advantages of imported goods. This misjudgment can lead to environmentally unfriendly choices.
IU Kelley Futurecast: AI and energy infrastructure may buoy US economy in 2026
The US economy is expected to grow at 1.8% in 2026, with AI and energy infrastructure investments playing a key role. Despite this, job creation will not be strong enough to keep unemployment rates from rising to 4.8%, with the nation's economy facing uncertainty around trade policy.
With commercial wind comes rising community home values, UConn researcher finds
Research finds that commercial wind energy installations lead to a significant 3% increase in community home values after becoming operational. This effect is strongly correlated with the size of the energy project and positive impacts on school district revenues and per-pupil expenditures.
Households’ hunt for better savings rates can deepen recessions, finds new study
When economies falter, households become more vigilant in searching for high-interest savings accounts, which can exacerbate recessions. This collective behavior amplifies economic fluctuations by 14%, pulling more money out of the economy when it's already struggling.
Testosterone doesn’t affect men’s economic decisions, large study shows
A large-scale study examining the impact of testosterone on economic decision-making has found no significant effects. The study, which involved 1,000 men, used a double-blind trial to test the influence of testosterone on risk-taking, generosity, and competitiveness.
Shedding light on the impact of the Bank of Japan’s exchange-traded fund purchase program
A recent study by Waseda University researchers reveals that the Bank of Japan's large-scale ETF purchases have a significant impact on both the equity market and securities lending market, making short selling easier. This suggests that the stock market functions efficiently to some extent, mitigating distortions in stock prices.
New data analysis finds significant wage disparities for Latinas across California counties
A new analysis from UCLA researchers reveals significant wage disparities for Latinas across California counties, with a median earnings gap of 49 cents per dollar. In some wealthy counties, such as San Mateo and Santa Clara, Latinas earn just 38-37-34 cents per dollar, highlighting the need for statewide enforcement of pay equity laws.
Questionable lead reporting for drinking water virtually vanished after Flint water crisis, study reveals
A recent study found that after the Flint water crisis, US public water systems were less likely to report suspiciously rounded lead levels. The research employed new statistical tools to detect threshold manipulation and reported a significant decrease in such instances.
When Washington tried to starve industries of loans—and failed
A study found that Operation Choke Point, launched in 2013, failed to restrict credit for controversial industries. Targeted banks reduced lending to small businesses, but large companies continued to secure credit and even increased their borrowing. Firms responded by switching to non-targeted banks, rendering the operation ineffective.
How the fraud protection system is wrongly brandishing thousands of innocent banking customers
Expert research reveals hundreds of thousands of unknowing banking customers could be incorrectly labelled with fraud markers, causing significant stress and hardship. The book highlights the devastating toll of ordinary people being wrongly linked to fraud, often due to third-party errors or fake businesses.
Free food, not gym memberships, motivates frontline workers, USF study reveals
A new USF study reveals that frontline workers, such as cashiers and retail clerks, are more motivated by perks like free meals and social events than traditional wellness benefits. The research found that these programs helped employees feel valued and develop a sense of loyalty to their employers.
Why some U.S. cities thrive while others decline: New study uncovers law of economic coherence of cities
A new study reveals that US cities maintain a constant level of economic coherence despite technological revolutions, with larger cities being less coherent. Coherence combines variety, workforce balance, and industry diversity, constraining transformations and diversification.
Banks that identify fraudsters increase loyalty, retain more defrauded customers than others who never were compromised
According to a study by Vamsi Kanuri, banks that successfully identify fraudsters see increased customer loyalty and retention. Customers who are victimized by fraud lose trust if the bank can't identify the perpetrator, leading to a 40% increase in defection compared to those who were never defrauded. However, when the real culprit is...
Financial markets are more prone to sharp swings than traditional theory suggests
A new study from the University of Vaasa shows that traditional risk models often underestimate extreme events in financial markets. Power-law models offer a more accurate lens to understand financial markets' risk dynamics, revealing sharp rises and crashes are common across equities, commodities, FX markets, and cryptocurrencies.
As farm jobs decline, food industry work holds steady
A new Cornell University study finds that traditional farm jobs are declining as nations grow wealthier, while employment in the broader food industry remains steady, offering better wages. However, this shift reinforces gender pay inequality, with women often moving into lower-paid service-sector jobs.
Studies find nonprofits' use of flexible labor negatively affects operational outcomes, lacks long-term financial benefit, study finds
New research from the University of Kansas found that nonprofits' increasing reliance on flexible labor leads to negative operational outcomes, such as reduced attendance at events. While short-term financial benefits may be achieved, there is no long-term fiscal improvement for these organizations.
Research project on behaviorally informed organizations led by Rotman School professor is a finalist for an Impact Award from the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council
Dilip Soman's Behaviourally Informed Organizations (BI-Org) partnership examined how behavioural insights can improve organizational processes and stakeholder engagement. The project led to significant direct impacts, including increasing pension contributions in Mexico and redesigning Ontario's organ donation system.
Are men more selfish sponsors? Gender differences in workplace advocacy explained
Research from UC San Diego's Rady School of Management shows men view sponsorship as a career advancement tool, while women focus on their protégés' success. This approach raises important questions about which method is more effective and how to balance individual goals with protégé needs.
UW research shows Fresh Bucks program improves fruit and vegetable intake, food security
The Fresh Bucks program helps Seattle residents access healthy food by providing financial support for buying fruits and vegetables. Households participating in the program experience a 31% higher rate of food security and consume more fruits and vegetables than those on a waitlist.
Tariffs can improve U.S. economy, but global trade realities, retaliation, could offset gains
New research suggests that applying uniform tariffs on all trade partners could improve the US economy by reducing the trade deficit and boosting economic welfare. However, these gains would be short-lived as trade partners retaliate, and the policy's long-term sustainability is uncertain due to global supply chain linkages.