Everyday Economics

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

Why Housing Is Still Unaffordable for Millions of Americans

America remains 4.7 million homes short, leaving millions of families struggling to find affordable housing while home prices remain elevated. In this episode of Everyday

Government Spending Could Keep Your Loans Expensive

The Federal Reserve may not cut interest rates in 2026 after all—and that could have major consequences for taxpayers, homeowners, businesses and anyone carrying debt. In

Why the Housing Market Is Still Frozen in 2026 | Mortgage Rates, Home Sales & Inventory Explained

The housing market has stabilized—but that doesn't mean it's healthy. In this episode of Everyday Economics, Chris Krug and economist Orphe Divounguy explain why home sa

Why the Falling Unemployment Rate Is Misleading | Weak Jobs Report, Fed Strategy & Economy Explained

June's unemployment rate fell to 4.2%, but does that really mean the U.S. economy is improving? In this episode of Everyday Economics, Chris Krug and economist Orphe Divo

Record 4th of July Cookout Costs Explained | What's Driving Food Inflation?

The average 4th of July cookout now costs a record $73.82 for 10 people, according to the American Farm Bureau Federation. In this episode of Everyday Economics, Chris Kr

$1 Million Starter Homes? Why Buying a House Is Becoming Impossible in America

Starter homes now cost $1 million or more in 242 U.S. cities. In this episode of Everyday Economics, Chris Krug and economist Orphe Divounguy explain why home prices have

New Fed Chair Kevin Warsh Shakes Up Interest Rate Strategy

Is the Federal Reserve preparing to raise interest rates? In this episode of Everyday Economics, Chris Krug and economist Orphe Divounguy break down new Fed Chair Kevin W

Energy Shock, Inflation & the Squeeze on American Households

In this episode of Everyday Economics, we examine the growing squeeze on the American household as inflation pressures, rising energy prices, and higher interest rates al

Is the Housing Market Broken — or Finally Returning to Normal

In this episode of Everyday Economics, we break down the growing standoff in the U.S. housing market. Inventory is rising in some cities. Prices are softening. Mortgage r