In this enlightening conversation, George Selgin, an economist and Senior Fellow at the Cato Institute, unravels the labyrinth of money and banking. He traces the evolution of money from barter to modern financial systems, critiquing common misconceptions about money creation. Selgin examines the historical significance of gold and the Federal Reserve's role in inflation management. Listeners learn why understanding money is essential to navigate political promises and economic realities. Dive into a world where money impacts communities and behaviors!

George Selgin, a senior fellow at the Cato Institute, dives into the controversial terrain of strategic Bitcoin reserves and their potential implications for U.S. monetary policy. He critiques government involvement in Bitcoin, exploring its evolving status as an alternative to traditional currencies. Selgin also addresses the rising issues of debanking, linking them to macroeconomic factors, and advocates for a reformed regulatory environment. Additionally, he discusses the Fed's framework review and the potential benefits of adopting nominal GDP targeting for more effective economic stability.

Join George Selgin, a monetary economics expert and former Director at the Cato Institute, as he delves into the complexities of bitcoin’s role in today’s economy. He shares his journey from marine biology to economics, defines money’s shifting landscape, and argues why bitcoin may not qualify as money. Selgin critically assesses the idea of a national bitcoin reserve, discussing its potential risks and costs to the U.S. dollar and highlighting the tension between bitcoin as an investment versus a viable currency.

Evan Koenig, a former senior advisor at the Dallas Fed, delves into the fundamentals of nominal GDP targeting, including its PCE version. George Selgin responds to Chair Powell’s concerns, emphasizing how this framework can effectively manage supply shocks. They discuss the implications of NGDP targeting for economic stability, accountability in central banking, and highlight the importance of adapting monetary policy to real-time market expectations. This insightful conversation showcases diverse perspectives on the future of economic policy.

Economist Saifedean Ammous and George Selgin, director of the Center for Monetary and Financial Alternatives at the Cato Institute, debate whether Bitcoin can replace government-issued money. They discuss the challenges Bitcoin faces, such as competing with an incumbent currency and the safety of transacting with Bitcoin. They also explore the vulnerabilities and challenges of Bitcoin, including hacking and value volatility, and compare Bitcoin's transaction costs to traditional methods. Additionally, they discuss the potential impact of the gold standard and the distinction between medium of exchange and means of payment.

In this engaging conversation, George Selgin, a prominent expert on banking and monetary policy, unpacks the secretive methods banks use to create money. He challenges conventional views on bank operations, exploring how banks fund loans and manage risks. Selgin also discusses the evolution of electronic money and the complexities of the Federal Reserve’s interest rate policies. The talk touches on the implications of innovations like FedNow versus private payment systems, culminating in a humorous reflection on future economic debates.

Donald Trump, a former President and current candidate, alongside RFK Jr., a political figure, and Senator Cynthia Lummis, a Bitcoin advocate, explore the idea of a U.S. Bitcoin reserve. George Selgin from the Cato Institute critiques their differing proposals, highlighting the symbolic nature of Trump's plan. The discussion dives into the risks of government Bitcoin investments and the implications for taxpayers. They compare Bitcoin's volatility to gold's stability, raising questions about prudent use of taxpayer funds in crypto ventures.

George Selgin, a senior fellow at the Cato Institute, dives into the controversial proposals of Donald Trump, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., and Senator Cynthia Lummis regarding a U.S. Bitcoin reserve. He explores the symbolic nature of Trump's ideas and the strategic implications of Lummis and RFK's plans. The conversation raises ethical questions about government investment in cryptocurrencies, weighing risks for taxpayers against potential benefits, while also reflecting on the growing political support for Bitcoin in a shifting legislative landscape.

George Selgin, Senior Fellow at Cato Institute, and Professor Emeritus, delves into Fed's post-crisis changes, abundant reserves policy impact, inflation management post-covid, and recommendations on old books in monetary economics.

George Selgin, Senior fellow at the Cato Institute, discusses recent Fed master account updates, Fed's balance sheet concerns, risks to central bank independence under a second Trump term, and other monetary policy issues.