Soft Landings Are Hard: How Has the US Economy Achieved the Impossible?
Dec 27, 2023
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Discussion on the achievement of a soft landing in the American economy, without higher unemployment or a recession. Exploring the challenges faced during the soft landing, including the bankruptcy of Orange County. Theories on the US economy's inflation spike and the risks to the economy. Challenges of predicting human behavior and the complexity of economic modeling.
The US achieved a soft landing by allowing the market to resolve supply chain disruptions and oil price fluctuations without significant intervention from the Federal Reserve.
The Fed's communication and management of market expectations played a crucial role in bringing down inflation without resorting to extremely high interest rates.
Deep dives
Theory 1: Long Transitory
One theory suggests that the inflation spike experienced was due to supply chain disruptions and a rapid rise in oil prices, which eventually resolved themselves in 2023. According to this theory, the market fixed the problem, and the Federal Reserve didn't need to take significant action.
Theory 2: Business Cycles
Another theory argues that the inflation spike was a result of excessive monetary stimulus and government stimulus, leading to inflated demand. This theory suggests that the Fed may have made a mistake in their response to COVID, but a major recession was avoided due to the positive demand shock.
Theory 3: Policy Choice
A hybrid theory combines both supply and demand shocks, suggesting that policymakers intentionally chose to navigate through this episode with higher inflation rather than a severe economic downturn. The theory highlights the timing and sequencing of events, including the fiscal stimulus, supply chain disruptions, and subsequent return to normalcy.
Theory 4: Magic of Managing Expectations
This theory emphasizes the role of the Fed's communication and managing market expectations. By signaling a strong commitment to combat high inflation, the Fed influenced consumer and business behavior, helping to bring down inflation without the need for extremely high interest rates.
Despite all the predictions of doom, the American economy has achieved a macro miracle. Inflation has been tamed without the insidious side-effects of higher unemployment or a recession.
But how has the Fed pulled off a soft landing, and can we hope for the same in the UK?
And in today’s Dumb Question of the Week: Why do economists always get it wrong?
This podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes and is not financial advice. We do not provide recommendations or endorse any decision to buy, sell or hold any security. We cannot be held responsible for any actions listeners may take and investors are encouraged to seek independent financial advice.
Copyright 2023 Many Happy Returns
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