Everyday Economics

Why High Interest Rates Are Putting Commercial Real Estate Under Pressure

Higher interest rates are creating a growing challenge for commercial real estate as loans mature and property values fall. On this episode of Everyday Economics, Chris K

Americans Are Still Spending— But They’re Trading Down

Americans are still spending — but they’re changing where and how they spend. Consumer spending is up 4.5% from a year ago, but households are increasingly trading down

Mortgage Rates Hit 7.2%— But Luxury Home Prices Are Still Surging

Mortgage rates are around 7.2% — and the housing market is increasingly splitting into two very different experiences. PhD economist Orphe Divounguy explains why higher

The Fed Just Raised Rates — And America’s “Two-Speed Economy” Is Getting Worse

The Federal Reserve just raised interest rates for the first time since 2023, bringing the target range to 3.75%–4%. But what does the rate hike actually mean for America

The Fed May Raise Rates— But Can the Economy Take It?

The Federal Reserve faces a major decision this week: raise interest rates or hold them steady as energy prices push inflation higher. Markets are pricing in a strong cha

Trump Promised Lower Prices — What Can a President Actually Control?

President Trump made promises to lower prices on everything from gas and groceries to electricity, mortgages, prescription drugs and childcare. But how much control does

America Is Spending Billions on AI... Where’s the Productivity Payoff?

America is pouring money into artificial intelligence — but the productivity gains have yet to fully show up in the economy. Employers added 162,000 jobs in August and u

The AI Boom Has a $40 Trillion Problem

The U.S. economy is making a massive bet on artificial intelligence, pouring capital into data centers, chips and power infrastructure — much of it financed with debt. Bu

Home Builders Are Cutting Prices — But Buyers Still Can’t Afford Homes

Home builders are cutting prices and offering incentives, but buyers are still struggling to get into the housing market. New home sales fell to a 607,000 annual pace in

The Fed Says the Economy Is Strong but the Data Tell a Different Story.

The economy may look strong on the surface, but a closer look at the numbers reveals a much narrower and weaker expansion. In his first Jackson Hole speech, Fed Chair Kev

Waiting to Buy a Home Could Cost You Hundreds More Each Month

Mortgage rates could remain elevated as the bond market does the Federal Reserve’s work for it, keeping borrowing costs higher for consumers and businesses. Economist Orp

Inflation Is Squeezing American Households and Savings Are Taking the Hit

American households are feeling the squeeze as inflation continues to push up the cost of everyday life. New personal consumption expenditures data shows income is finall

Only AI and Healthcare Are Creating Jobs Right Now

Job growth has slowed to roughly 34,000 jobs added per month — less than a fifth of the typical expansion-era pace of about 186,000 per month. Ph.D. economist Orphe Divou

Government Spending Is Costing You: The 3 Ways Washington’s Debt Comes Home

Government borrowing is never free — and taxpayers ultimately pay the bill. The Center Square publisher Chris Krug and PhD economist Orphe Divounguy break down the three

The Job Market Is Stuck: Why 23,000 Jobs Were Lost in July

The U.S. job market isn't collapsing — it's stuck. July payrolls fell by 23,000, while unemployment held at 4.1%. But deeper revisions to May and June erased more than 10

Illinois Lawmaker Faces House Investigation After Federal Fraud Charges | The States

Illinois Democratic State Rep. Carol Ammons is facing a bipartisan Illinois House investigation after being federally charged with wire fraud and making false statements,

Fed Holds Rates: Why Homes Keep Getting Less Affordable

The Federal Reserve kept interest rates unchanged—but that doesn't mean borrowing is getting any easier. In this episode of Everyday Economics, Greg Bishop sits down with

Fed Shocks Markets Why Interest Rate Hikes May Be Back on the Table

The Federal Reserve kept interest rates unchanged for a fifth straight meeting—but the real story wasn't the decision itself. It was the message. In this episode of Every

Will the Fed Raise Interest Rates Again? Inflation, Jobs & the Economy Explained

Inflation remains one of the biggest financial challenges facing American families, and the Federal Reserve may not be done fighting rising prices. In this episode of Eve

Gas Prices Are Hiding Inflation... But It Won't Last

Gas prices posted their biggest monthly decline since 2020, giving Americans temporary relief at the pump—but is it enough to keep inflation under control?   In this ep