Lael Brainard, Director of the White House's National Economic Council, discusses the state of the US economy and what further can be done to address the high cost of living. Topics include the current state of the economy, efforts to lower prices in various sectors, addressing 'Excuseflation' and unfair pricing practices, housing affordability, and the challenges faced by the Biden administration.
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Quick takeaways
Despite overall optimism about a soft landing for the economy, public frustration towards the economy remains high, highlighting the need for further measures to address the high cost of living.
The labor market has shown remarkable strength with low unemployment rates and wage growth exceeding inflation, indicating continued economic stability.
Deep dives
State of the Economy: Assessing the Soft Landing
Despite conflicting signals and a constant stream of online opinions, there is growing optimism about a soft landing for the economy. The labor market remains strong, with unemployment below 4% for two years and the creation of 2.7 million jobs in the past year alone. Wage growth has exceeded inflation, providing households with extra spending power. However, consumer sentiment and concerns about the quality of jobs and housing affordability still persist. As the economy continues to evolve, it is clear that the journey towards a soft landing will require ongoing monitoring and adjustments.
The Strength of the Labor Market and Wage Growth
The labor market has shown remarkable strength, with unemployment remaining below 4% for an extended period. This has been accompanied by wage growth that exceeds inflation, giving households more purchasing power. Record union contracts and increased job opportunities have contributed to the overall robustness of the labor market. While there may be signs of slowing growth, the positive momentum in wages and employment ratios bode well for continued economic stability.
Challenges with Supply Chain Disruptions and Inflation
Supply chain disruptions have led to inflationary pressures, causing corporations to raise prices. However, the administration is committed to ensuring that the cost savings resulting from declining input prices are passed on to consumers, and is working to address deceptive pricing practices. Efforts to combat price gouging include increased transparency, enforcement against unfair fees, and legislative initiatives to lower drug costs and address healthcare affordability. While progress has been made, there is still room for improvement in reducing costs for Americans.
Balancing Clean Energy Transition with Fossil Fuels
The administration's focus on transitioning to a clean energy future is driving investments and manufacturing growth in clean energy technologies. Simultaneously, efforts have been made to reduce gas prices at the pump, providing relief for American consumers. The administration highlights the importance of both clean energy investments and stable oil prices, acknowledging the role of domestic production in the transition. The emphasis on achieving a resilient and dynamic clean energy future reflects a commitment to both economic and environmental objectives.
The mood about the US economy feels very different right now than it did a year ago. At the start of 2023, almost everyone seemed to be predicting recession. Right now, there is a high degree of optimism about the prospects of a soft landing. On this special episode of Odd Lots, we speak with Lael Brainard, the director of the White House's National Economic Council. We talk about the state of the recovery, why public frustration towards the economy remains high, and what further can be done by the Biden administration to address the high cost of living.