The Economics Show
Financial Times
The Economics Show with Soumaya Keynes is a new weekly podcast from the Financial Times packed full of smart, digestible analysis and incisive conversation. Soumaya Keynes digs deep into the hottest topics in economics along with a cast of FT colleagues and special guests. Come for the big ideas, stay for the nerdery.Soumaya Keynes is an economics columnist for the Financial Times. Prior to joining the FT she worked at The Economist for eight years as a staff writer, where as well as covering trade, the US economy and the UK economy she co-hosted the Money Talks podcast. She also co-founded the Trade Talks podcast. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Episodes
Mentioned books
64 snips
Jan 14, 2026 • 35min
How the Fed fights back, with Don Kohn
Don Kohn, a former vice-chair of the Federal Reserve and now a senior fellow at the Brookings Institution, discusses the alarming criminal probe into current Fed chair Jay Powell, calling it an unprecedented attack on Fed independence. Kohn examines Powell's strong response and the potential political fallout. He explores the dynamics of new Fed leadership, warning against politicization. Kohn also talks about the implications of AI on productivity and inflation, emphasizing the need for data-driven leadership to preserve the integrity of the Fed.
15 snips
Jan 9, 2026 • 32min
How bad is America’s affordability crisis? With Mechele Dickerson
Mechele Dickerson, a law professor at the University of Texas and author of The Middle Class New Deal, dives into America’s affordability crisis. She rates it a nine, arguing that the middle-class dream is slipping away, rooted in trends dating back to the 1980s. Dickerson contrasts today's struggles with the easier paths of previous generations, revealing how stagnant wages push families into hidden debt. She advocates for a New Middle Class New Deal, emphasizing education reforms and local housing policies to revitalize economic security for all.
18 snips
Jan 2, 2026 • 27min
Behind The Money: How First Brands Group collapsed
Robert Smith, Corporate finance editor at the Financial Times, and Ortenca Aliaj, Banking editor at the Financial Times, dive into the shocking collapse of First Brands Group, a car parts supplier drowning in hidden debt. They discuss the dubious tactics of founder Patrick James and highlight Jefferies' role in the financing debacle. The duo raises alarms about the private credit market's vulnerabilities and the ramifications for financial institutions. With discussions on due diligence failures and regulatory concerns, the conversation uncovers the intricate web of risk in modern lending.
20 snips
Dec 24, 2025 • 25min
Martin Wolf speaks to Christine Lagarde: Europe’s ‘existential crisis’
In a compelling discussion, Christine Lagarde, President of the European Central Bank and former IMF head, emphasizes the urgent need for dismantling internal trade barriers in Europe. She shares insights on how these barriers stifle innovation and productivity. Lagarde also highlights the importance of mobilizing excess savings through capital markets and advocates for a unified fiscal policy to boost investment and support defense. Additionally, she addresses the risks of stablecoins for monetary sovereignty and backs the development of a digital euro.
13 snips
Dec 17, 2025 • 43min
The Wolf-Krugman Exchange: Power, plutocracy and political economy
Join Nobel laureate economist Paul Krugman, who writes on inequality and public policy, as he teams up with Martin Wolf to untangle complex economic issues. They dive into critiques of globalization and rising plutocracy, exploring how institutions have altered inequality. The duo discusses the intricate relationship between wealth concentration and political power, the impact of healthcare costs on politics, and potential upheavals in China's economy. With sharp insights, they address the future of finance, defense spending in Europe, and AI's disruptive role in India.
46 snips
Dec 10, 2025 • 42min
The Wolf-Krugman Exchange: America vs the world
Paul Krugman, a Nobel laureate economist and Substack writer, joins FT's Martin Wolf to dissect the implications of the recent U.S. national security strategy. They discuss how the U.S. criticized Europe while downplaying threats from Russia, pushing 'patriotic' far-right politics. Krugman questions whether the U.S. truly prioritizes Latin America and explores whether Europe can achieve military and industrial independence. They also tackle the competitive landscape with China and how the U.S. inadvertently strengthens its rival.
33 snips
Dec 3, 2025 • 38min
The Wolf-Krugman Exchange: Maga man and Mamdani
This conversation features Paul Krugman, a Nobel Prize-winning economist renowned for his insights on macroeconomics. He teams up with Martin Wolf to dissect the plight of American men in the workforce, addressing the decline linked to educational divides. They critique MAGA's promises of job restoration while evaluating the pragmatic policy approach of newly elected mayor Zohran Mamdani. The duo discusses innovative solutions for housing affordability and regional support, ending with a cautious optimism for progressive reform amidst reactionary politics.
58 snips
Nov 26, 2025 • 41min
The Wolf-Krugman Exchange: Trump’s ‘vibecession’
In this engaging discussion, Nobel Prize-winning economist Paul Krugman shares insights on the future of the U.S. economy and democracy alongside Martin Wolf. They explore the impact of Trump's tariffs on consumers and the potential reasons behind the stagnant labor market. Krugman introduces the concept of a 'vibecession' affecting consumer sentiment and highlights how big tech and AI hype contribute to public distrust. Despite concerns, Krugman expresses a more optimistic outlook on the resilience of democracy amidst these challenges.
8 snips
Nov 24, 2025 • 2min
Coming soon: The Wolf-Krugman Exchange: One year of Trump
Join Paul Krugman, a Nobel laureate and economics guru from CUNY, as he teams up with Martin Wolf, chief economics commentator at the FT. They dissect the economic ramifications of Trump's second term, exploring how his policies have boosted China's image while undermining US global leadership. Krugman intriguingly suggests that US chaos might inadvertently yield benefits in the geopolitical landscape. With a fresh perspective and renewed energy, this conversation promises to deliver sharp insights on the current state of our economy and democracy.
35 snips
Nov 21, 2025 • 33min
Did globalisation kill neoliberalism? With Branko Milanović
Branko Milanović, a senior scholar specializing in socioeconomic inequality, dives into the complexities of today's global economy. He discusses how neoliberalism is in retreat and explores the implications of rising powers like China. Milanović explains the 'elephant chart' and its significance during the rise of populism. He also addresses the shifting economic divide and the emergence of new elites, alongside the potential backlash against them, while pondering the future of domestic policies in response to global changes.
