Moody's Talks - Inside Economics Going Bananas over Affordability
Nov 15, 2025
Matt Collier, a savvy economist from Moody's Analytics, joins the discussion on the aftermath of the government shutdown and its surprisingly mild impact on the economy. The conversation shifts to the Trump administration's actions aimed at improving affordability, including the rollback of tariffs on everyday items like pasta and bananas. The hosts also unveil a new segment addressing listener questions, touching on everything from job market implications to potential housing finance reforms. Tune in for some insightful economic analysis!
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Long Flight, Broken Plug, Two Movies
- Mark Zandi described a long transatlantic flight with a broken seat plug and only a few hours of work time.
- He watched two movies, including 28 Weeks Later, to pass the time.
Shutdown Hit Is Modest And Largely Reversible
- The 42-day federal shutdown trimmed Q4 GDP by several tenths of a percent but mostly reverses once pay is restored.
- Lost activity like canceled flights and vacations creates a small permanent drag, with recovery into Q1–Q2 next year.
Treat October Data As Unreliable
- Expect gaps in official data because the BLS and Census missed key in-person collection windows during the shutdown.
- Rely on private payroll sources for September and be cautious interpreting October household and CPI readings.