How We Should (Not) Respond to Stock Market Losses

As we experience the pain of stock market losses, making it even worse, behavioral economists tell us we will sell at the wrong time.

How a Behavioral Economist Explains a Frappuccino Problem

Since 1995, many of us have been consuming shamelessly decadent Frappuccinos. Just one Ultra Caramel Frappuccino with dark caramel coffee, layers of whipped cream (each topped with a dollop of caramel sauce), and white chocolate tops the 400 calorie threshold.…

What Soccer Can Teach Us About Investing

When measuring happiness around the world after a World Cup finals match, the pain of loss can exceed the pleasure of gain.

Why We Will Miss the Candy We Never Loved

Told that their least favorite candy might no longer exist, people are panic buying NECCO wafers and Sweethearts because the New England Confectionary Company could shut down.

Why the U.K. Wants a Latte Levy

Because the polyethylene in coffee cups prevents proper recycling, the British parliament is considering a latte levy to solve the problem.

How a Cash-Free Economy Affects Your Health

Far beyond the change in our spending, a cash free economy would have an impact on our bacterial immunities and our neurology.

Weekly Roundup: From Lost Jobs to Fewer Tips

Posts Roundup Sunday 10.11.15 Why we stick with a brand…more Monday 10.12.15 The many meanings of the minimum wage…more Tuesday 10.13.15 How a drone port solves road problems…more Wednesday 10.14.15 Development surprises from a new Nobel winner…more Thursday 10.15.15 Finding disappearing jobs…more…

Why Brand Loyalty is about More than Taste

Brand loyalty, preferring aspartame in Diet Pepsi and Coca-Cola’s original recipe can be explained by ideas from behavioral economics like status quo bias.

Weekly Roundup: From Slicing Bread to Saving Honeybees

Our everyday economics includes behavioral economics, commitment devices, environment, supply, regulation, free trade, gender issues and the minimum wage.

The Best and Worst Ways to Stop Smoking

Expensive for employers and society, smoking is a habit that requires cleverly designed commitment devices for successfully getting people to quit.