
Peter St Onge Podcast
Peter St Onge, Ph.D economist explains news on the economy in plain English and why it matters.
Latest episodes

5 snips
Jun 30, 2025 • 20min
Ep 127 Weekly Roundup: 500k more Home Sellers than Buyers
This week dives into the stark reality of the housing market, with a notable surplus of sellers outpacing buyers. It also reveals a troubling snapshot of China's electric vehicle industry facing significant struggles. Exploring economic shifts, the discussion highlights how government policies and migration trends are impacting blue-collar wages. The episode critiques the heavy burden of U.S. military spending and the varying perspectives from allies on defense commitments. Each topic unveils surprising insights into the current economic landscape.

6 snips
Jun 23, 2025 • 20min
Ep 126 Weekly Roundup: Zero Inflation from Tariffs
The discussion kicks off with the surprising phenomenon of zero inflation amidst trade tensions. A massive $1.1 trillion payout to bankers by the Fed raises eyebrows. The podcast needs to tackle the reality of rising oil prices driven by geopolitical strains. It dives into the intricate relationship between inflation, banking practices, and potential government spending shifts. Lastly, there’s a thought-provoking debate on navigating inflation through alternative currencies like gold and Bitcoin, questioning the future of monetary policy.

5 snips
Jun 16, 2025 • 20min
Ep 125 Weekly Roundup: Trump "Demands" Fed Rate Cuts
This week, the discussion dives into Trump’s push for a 1% Fed rate cut, stirring debates on economic policy. Argentina's impressive 8% growth showcases how reforms can foster revival. California faces funding threats amidst social unrest, highlighting tension between state and federal governments. Meanwhile, Canada grapples with recession and rising costs for the middle class under current policies. Plus, there's a thought-provoking challenge to the narrative around immigration’s impact on labor shortages, advocating for better job creation and education for Americans.

5 snips
Jun 9, 2025 • 20min
Ep 124 Weekly Roundup: Inflation Plunges, Wages Soar
This week, the podcast dives into positive economic shifts with inflation dropping and wages rising. Attention turns to Europe's failing welfare state and its struggles with migrant support amidst stagnant growth. A looming financial crisis is explored, paralleling challenges in both Europe and the U.S., exacerbated by soaring federal deficits. Experts issue warnings about a potential bond market crisis tied to high debt levels. The discussion also critiques inefficiencies in UN bureaucracy and calls for substantial budget reforms.

10 snips
Jun 2, 2025 • 19min
Ep 123 Weekly Roundup: $3 Trillion Deficits Forever
The podcast dives into the staggering prospect of $3 trillion annual budget deficits and their potential effects on national debt. It highlights a surprising $100 billion trade loophole with China while discussing the rare decrease in federal spending post-COVID. The hosts critically assess whether optimistic growth projections are realistic amid rising debt. The conversation also touches on the 'iPhone moment' for robots and how automation could reshape jobs, urging the need for policies to harness technological innovation for sustainable economic growth.

6 snips
May 26, 2025 • 20min
Ep 122 Weekly Roundup: Big Beautiful Budget in Trouble
The podcast delves into the Republican party's budget battles, highlighting the divide between fiscal conservatives and those advocating for increased spending. It discusses Moody's recent credit downgrade and its potential ramifications on the national debt. There’s a stark examination of soaring student loan delinquencies, revealing financial strains on younger families. The troubling collapse of Japan's bond market is also explored, comparing it to Greece's crisis and signaling dire implications for global economic stability.

12 snips
May 19, 2025 • 21min
Ep 121 Weekly Roundup: Japan Threatens Economic War
Japan's finance minister threatens economic war by considering the sale of U.S. treasuries, raising concerns about financial stability. Meanwhile, a major push for re-industrialization in the U.S. could lead to a $5 trillion investment in manufacturing. The discussion also dives into the recent healthcare reforms aimed at slashing pharmaceutical prices, highlighting stark disparities in costs compared to other countries. Lastly, the issue of declining American savings and the poverty trap presents significant challenges for the economy.

12 snips
May 12, 2025 • 20min
Ep 120 Weekly Roundup: Jobs are Booming -- and They're Real
Discover the booming job market and its shift from government to private sector growth, especially in manufacturing. Dive into the rise of the Populist Reform Party in Britain and its implications for traditional politics. Explore the complexities of proposed government budget cuts and the challenges of reforming entitlement programs. Lastly, unpack the emotional struggles faced by young Americans, with alarming statistics showing that many feel financially insecure and are delaying major life milestones.

5 snips
May 5, 2025 • 21min
Ep 119 Weekly Roundup: GDP Goes Negative. And it's Glorious.
This week, a deep dive into the fragile housing market reveals a 16-year low in home buying and Congress's inability to act. Political shifts in Canada spark discussions on new economic policies under Prime Minister Mark Carney. Meanwhile, economic turbulence grips the manufacturing sectors in China and Canada. In contrast, America's reindustrialization is gaining momentum with $5 trillion in foreign investments, promising job creation and a surprising silver lining in GDP figures.

8 snips
Apr 28, 2025 • 21min
Ep 118 Weekly Roundup: Will Trump fire Jerome Powell?
Speculation swirls around whether Trump will fire Jerome Powell as tensions rise over the Fed's inflation strategies. Gold prices are surging, driven by economic instability and historical central bank behaviors. Meanwhile, China's economy faces hurdles due to tariffs, causing a reevaluation of federal funding for universities with hefty endowments. A startling survey reveals that 81% of Americans view their government as corrupt, prompting discussions about the need for accountability and the potential for transformative change in our democratic system.