The Rest Is Money cover image

The Rest Is Money

59. Tim Harford, the Undercover Economist: Are we too ideological about privatisation?

May 19, 2024
Business and economic expert Tim Harford discusses the limitations of GDP as a measure of economic success, challenges in the housing market, and the impact of privatization on utility sectors. The conversation also explores financial structures, modern monetary theory, and the implications of economic choices on global security.
50:46

Episode guests

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • GDP may not accurately reflect economic health due to its exclusion of unpaid work and limited policy relevance.
  • Modern Monetary Theory's use for economic stimulus raises concerns about potential risks during stable economic periods.

Deep dives

The Complexity of GDP and Its Relationship with Economic Policies

Gross Domestic Product (GDP), a measure of everything produced in the economy, is discussed with questions raised on its significance and connection to policy targets. The podcast explores how GDP calculation includes various economic activities, including paid work but often overlooks unpaid work like caregiving. The debate contemplates whether GDP growth is a true reflection of a nation's economic health, highlighting the nuances and limitations of using GDP as a sole policy indicator.

Get the Snipd
podcast app

Unlock the knowledge in podcasts with the podcast player of the future.
App store bannerPlay store banner

AI-powered
podcast player

Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features

Discover
highlights

Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode

Save any
moment

Hear something you like? Tap your headphones to save it with AI-generated key takeaways

Share
& Export

Send highlights to Twitter, WhatsApp or export them to Notion, Readwise & more

AI-powered
podcast player

Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features

Discover
highlights

Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode