Debunking Economics - the podcast

Step into the fictional island of Cornucopia, where gold coins are the only currency and banks are banned from lending. Discover how traditional economic theories struggle in this cash-only realm while bringing to light the challenges of inflation and resource depletion. Delve into the idea that money is more about trust than gold, and learn how investment can spark growth even in constrained environments. Plus, explore personal finance tips to tackle unwanted subscriptions, showing that even in a simplistic economy, complexity abounds.

Elon Musk has been moaning that he pays too much tax. He wants to keep more of the $14 billion or so that he earns each year. But has he got a point? Do we need to the opportunity to become incredibly wealthy to drive innovation. If we had more equal levels of income, would we actually suffer from lower growth, so everyone would end up worse off.? Phi puts the question to Steve Keen on this Christmas edition of the Debunking Economics podcast.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

When central banks declare a new interest rate, how does that magic into existence? Steve explains how they trade in bonds, to drive yields close to their target rate. If they are buying up bonds held by pension funds and the like, are they also adding to the money supply? Could that have more impact on the health of the economy than playing with interest rates? But the problem is, the money created is circulating in the financial sector. If the central bank really wanted to boost the economy, it should find ways of pushing new money to those less well off. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

There’s a common myth around banks. That banks are the intermediaries who collect deposits from customers, keep a bit in reserve, then lend out the rest at a higher interest rate. That argument then extends to a multiplier effect, where the money loaned out is deposited in banks, freeing up more money for further loans. The multiplier is how textbooks argue that banks create new money for the economy. This week Steve argues that the multiplier doesn’t exist. Not in that way anyway. And banks create money, not by lending out deposits, but by creating new money to lend out, which appears as deposits in the bank’s balance sheet. This week Phil brings the textbook arguments to the table for Steve to shout them down. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Does government debt expand the supply of money? According to Modern Monetary theory, yes it does. It’s all down to simple double-entry book-keeping and an understanding of the role of financial equity.   As Steve explains, in this step-by-step guide, for the private sector to experience positive equity, the government sector has to have negative equity. In other words, without the government sector spending more than it’s earning, there’s no new money being added to the private sector. As Stephanie Kelton puts it, their red ink is our black ink. This is one episode to share with your friends. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The discussion centers around Mario Draghi's call for increased investment in Europe to combat economic stagnation. It highlights the need for innovation, particularly in AI and renewable energy, as paths to reclaiming competitiveness. The challenges posed by Europe's parliamentary system and regulatory constraints are examined, alongside the potential advantages of a more unified approach. The conversation also touches on how U.S. spending cuts could create opportunities for Europe, emphasizing the importance of collaboration and strategic investment in technology.

The discussion kicks off with the implications of tariffs and their potential to boost domestic manufacturing while risking inflation. Analysts dive into Trump’s proposed tariff plan, particularly its effects on trade with China and Mexico. They explore the complexities of relocating manufacturing to the U.S. amid a skills gap and wage differences. The talk shifts to navigating economic challenges, including the workforce's adaptation to new realities. Finally, they touch on the broader ramifications for global investment trends and predictions about future economic policies.

The discussion kicks off with the implications of a new inheritance tax on family farms in the UK. Concerns about land as a familial legacy collide with issues of wealth inequality. The hosts critique existing economic theories and highlight pressures on younger generations. They advocate for a more equitable approach to inheritance tax, contrasting it with systems in countries like Australia. The potential imposition of land taxes on farming practices is explored, questioning how taxes influence property speculation and agricultural productivity.

The podcast dives into the clash between capitalism and individual freedom, questioning Milton Friedman’s views on self-interest. It highlights tragic consequences of economic irresponsibility, like a man losing power due to his inability to pay bills. The discussion shifts to humanity's future beyond Earth and the challenges it poses. It also critiques wealth dynamics, arguing for a redefined freedom that aligns personal rights with community well-being. Overall, there’s a strong call for systemic change to support society's most vulnerable.

The podcast dives into Britain’s capital expenditure crisis, revealing how underinvestment is fueling potholes and train breakdowns. It contrasts the UK’s 6% of GDP in capex with much higher rates in the US and China. The hosts discuss the shortage of engineers and the pressing need for STEM education. They suggest freeing capex funds from budget constraints to prioritize long-term infrastructure projects. Additionally, the conversation critiques traditional cost-benefit analyses and explores the transformative potential of strategic public-private partnerships.