Professor Richard Wolff discusses the alarming rise in auto loan defaults, the impact on the working class and the rising prices of cars. It explores the implications of unsustainable debt, the relationship between wages and raw materials, and the concentration of wealth. The podcast also touches on the rise of BRIC countries in the global economy, limitations on Chinese land ownership, and growing anti-Chinese sentiment.
The alarming rise in defaults on auto loans reveals the unsustainability of debt in capitalist economies and the urgent need for a new system and society.
The American capitalist economy is showing underlying weaknesses as subsidies are withdrawn, unemployment assistance and business subsidies are cut, and rising car prices price out the middle and lower classes.
Deep dives
Defaults on Auto Loans as an Indicator of Growing Economic Crisis
Defaults on auto loans are rising at an alarming pace, indicating a growing economic crisis. Hundreds of thousands of consumers are facing mounting bills due to surging new car prices. This trend reveals the unsustainability of debt in capitalist economies. To address this crisis, a new system and society are urgently needed.
Withdrawal of Government Subsidies and the Weakening American Economy
The pandemic prompted the government to provide subsidies to businesses and individuals, stabilizing the economy temporarily. However, as these subsidies are gradually withdrawn, the underlying weaknesses of the American capitalist economy are resurfacing. Cuts in unemployment assistance and business subsidies, along with rising interest rates, are increasing demands on people's income without a corresponding increase in their wages. As a result, many are resorting to credit cards and defaulting on auto loans, highlighting a serious weakness in the American economy.
Rising Car Prices, Global Market Dynamics, and Wealth Distribution
Car prices continue to rise, while the distribution of wealth and income in the United States has shifted dramatically over the past 30 years. Global automobile companies, considering market conditions and profitability, keep raising prices, catering to the top 5-10% of income earners. The American middle and lower classes are being priced out of the market. The rise of BRICS countries (Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa) further reinforces this shift in economic power. With the BRICS accounting for a larger share of global output than the G7, the balance of forces in the world economy has shifted significantly. This transformation reflects a longstanding change in the distribution of wealth and income, as well as the relative decline of the United States in the global economy.
On today's episode Brian Becker and Prof. Richard Wolff discuss the alarming pace of rising defaults on auto loans as hundreds of thousands of consumers face mounting bills amid surging new car prices.
Professor Richard Wolff is an author & co-founder of the organization Democracy at Work. You can find his work at rdwolff.com.
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