George Selgin

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.

In this engaging discussion, George Selgin, an expert in monetary policy and former director at the Cato Institute, reveals the complex truths behind FDR's New Deal and its impact on the Great Depression. He argues that many New Deal policies prolonged economic hardship rather than alleviating it. Selgin also examines the roles of fiscal vs. monetary policy in recovery, challenges conventional narratives about WWII's role in ending the Depression, and stresses the importance of learning from historical economic crises for future resilience.

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.

George Selgin, a senior fellow at the Cato Institute and author of *False Dawn*, delves into the intricate history of the Great Depression and its monetary implications today. He questions common beliefs about the New Deal, revealing its limited effectiveness in economic recovery. Selgin also discusses the gold standard's restrictive role during the Depression and critiques the Reconstruction Finance Corporation and the National Recovery Administration's mixed impact on revitalization. His insights highlight valuable lessons that resonate with current macroeconomic challenges.

In this engaging conversation, George Selgin, a senior fellow at the Cato Institute and a professor emeritus at the University of Georgia, dives deep into the myths surrounding the New Deal. He argues that its policies may have prolonged the Great Depression rather than alleviating it. Selgin also highlights the roles of fiscal versus monetary policy and reveals the often-overlooked factors that contributed to economic recovery. His insights challenge conventional narratives and stress the importance of learning from history to shape future economic strategies.

George Selgin, a leading economist at the Cato Institute and author of "False Dawn," delves into the complexities of the New Deal. He challenges the binary views of Roosevelt as either savior or villain, arguing that misconceptions cloud its economic impact. The discussion highlights the New Deal's non-Keynesian nature and its lagging recovery effects due to hostility toward private industry. Selgin also connects historical monetary theories to modern concepts like Bitcoin, exploring alternatives to traditional banking systems.

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.