Economists Mark Zandi and Cris deRitis discuss the surprising resilience of the US economy in 2023, with fading recession risks but slow growth. They delve into topics such as inflation, commercial real estate collapse, geopolitical risks, corporate interest expense, social unrest, and the potential for a cyber attack on the payment system.

Michael Strain, resident scholar and the director of economic policy studies at the American Enterprise Institute (AEI) returns to the podcast to discuss the Fed’s big pivot towards rate cuts early next year and the resulting monster rally in stocks and bonds. The discussion then turns to what ails the collective psyche. Think rents and the price of ramen. For mor information on Michael Strain click hereFollow Mark Zandi @MarkZandi, Cris deRitis @MiddleWayEcon, and Marisa DiNatale on LinkedIn for additional insight.

Mark Donovan founder of the Denver Basic Income Project joins Inside Economics to discuss some early results from a guaranteed income program that provides direct cash assistance to unhoused individuals without conditions. Mark responds to a range of criticisms often levied around such efforts. And you don’t want to miss how Tesla is connected to the start of the project’s funding.  Follow Mark Zandi @MarkZandi, Cris deRitis @MiddleWayEcon, and Marisa DiNatale on LinkedIn for additional insight.

The podcast discusses the December jobs report and its implications for the labor market. They analyze the recent labor market indicators, labor supply, and productivity growth. The hosts express their excitement about a reveal, discuss the positive employment report for November, and speculate on a mysterious economic release. They also explore consumer credit growth, decline in retail trade jobs, labor force participation rate, and full employment. Overall, they provide insightful analysis and predictions for the economy.

Chris Mayer, Professor of Real Estate Economics at Columbia University and CEO of Longbridge Financial, joins Mark, Marisa, and Cris to discuss reverse mortgages and the state of the residential real estate market. While the single-family market may tread water, multifamily may be in for a serious correction. Mark wonders if we can avoid the fallout from this economic meteor. For more about Christopher Mayer, click hereFollow Mark Zandi @MarkZandi, Cris deRitis @MiddleWayEcon, and Marisa DiNatale on LinkedIn for additional insight.

Inside Economics considers the economy’s performance and prospects through the prism of the electric utility industry with the Chief Economist of American Electric Power, Dan White.  It was great to catch up with Dan, a former colleague, and get his insight on how American households and businesses are doing. He also ponders the transition to green energy. Follow Mark Zandi @MarkZandi, Cris deRitis @MiddleWayEcon, and Marisa DiNatale on LinkedIn for additional insight.

Fred Hochberg, Fmr. Chairman & President of the Export–Import Bank of the United States and author of Trade Is Not a Four-Letter Word: How Six Everyday Products Make the Case for Trade, joins the Inside Economics team to discuss all things related to global trade. The discussion takes up the U.S.-China relationship, the future of globalization, and how trade policy may change after the 2024 election. Marisa’s visit to Disneyland is a (largely irrelevant but entertaining) theme throughout. For more information on Fred Hochberg and his book click hereFollow Mark Zandi @MarkZandi, Cris deRitis @MiddleWayEcon, and Marisa DiNatale on LinkedIn for additional insight. 

Teresa Bazemore, CEO of the San Francisco Federal Home Loan Bank, joins the podcast to discuss the nation's reeling housing market, and the role of the FHLB system. There's a lot to talk about as Teresa weighs recent criticism of the FHLBs in the wake of the banking crisis earlier this year, and the recent report from the FHLBs' regulator, the Federal Housing Finance Agency, proposing reforms to the system.For more information about Teresa Bazemore click hereMoody's Papers discussed in this episode click here and hereFollow Mark Zandi @MarkZandi, Cris deRitis @MiddleWayEcon, and Marisa DiNatale on LinkedIn for additional insight.

Dante joins the podcast to break down the October employment report. With job growth moderating and the unemployment rate edging higher, the Fed’s fight against inflation should get a little bit easier. The team also takes a few listener questions about the definition of the unemployment rate and what impact softening rents will have on single-family housing.  Follow Mark Zandi @MarkZandi, Cris deRitis @MiddleWayEcon, and Marisa DiNatale on LinkedIn for additional insight.

Discussion on gangbuster GDP growth in the third quarter. Analysis of consumer spending and speculation about Taylor Swift's influence. Trends in consumer spending and private investment. Factors affecting GDP growth. Strength of new home sales and shift towards lower price points. Resilient GDP report and nervousness about the economy.