Steve Van Meter

In this engaging conversation, guest Steve Van Meter, a savvy commentator on economic trends, examines alarming signs in the labor market and rising stress among small businesses. They discuss how dropping car insurance claims reveal deeper affordability issues, not fewer accidents. Consumers resort to cutting insurance to avoid devastating losses. Additionally, record declines in holiday spending signal a troubling economic outlook, as middle-income workers and small firms bear the brunt of the downturn's impact.

Steve Van Meter, a macro commentator and market analyst, dives into the ongoing cash squeeze affecting money markets. He predicts the Federal Reserve will likely cut rates due to labor weaknesses, while discussing the implications of potentially ending Quantitative Tightening (QT). The conversation highlights stresses in credit markets, elevated SOFR rates, and the subtle balancing act the Fed must perform to avoid spooking equity markets. The duo also explores how declining consumer sentiment impacts spending amid rising recession risks.

Join Steve Van Meter, a macro commentator known for his sharp insights into monetary markets, as he delves deep into Europe's economic landscape. Discover why the ECB's decision to hold rates at 2% could be masking troubling underlying issues. The conversation explores how stagnant GDP affects consumer spending, revealing how companies like Chipotle are feeling the pinch. They also discuss the challenges of rate cuts and their limited impact on low-income households amid broader structural issues in the economy.