

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

10 snips
Jul 28, 2025 • 20min
Ep 131 Weekly Roundup: Inflation Finally Rises
This week's roundup highlights a surprising surge in inflation, driven by rising energy and housing costs. Renters are facing unprecedented highs as the housing market tightens. The discussion also features Trump’s America First trade deals and their economic implications. Attention shifts to New York, where radical proposals from a mayoral candidate stir concern amidst party divisions. Lastly, the impact of AI on jobs is explored, with predictions of a temporary increase in unemployment as traditional roles evolve into more specialized positions.

6 snips
Jul 21, 2025 • 21min
Ep 130 Weekly Roundup: Power Grid could "Collapse"
The power grid faces serious stability issues as reliance on green energy grows, causing voter concerns. Recent predictions show economists optimistic about job growth and inflation despite earlier fears of recession. Meanwhile, gold is gaining attention as a hedge against rising public debt. The relationship between tariffs and inflation is examined, emphasizing that while tariffs might not be the main inflation driver now, future government actions could complicate matters. Tune in for insights into how these trends are shaping our economic landscape!

6 snips
Jul 14, 2025 • 20min
Ep 129 Weekly Roundup: Deportations hit the Job Numbers
This week, the discussion dives into how deportations are impacting job numbers, revealing an intricate link between economic policies and employment. It also tackles a proposed Senate bill that could ban direct-to-consumer pharmaceutical ads, raising questions about healthcare and medication usage. The conversation shifts to Germany's pension crisis and economic decline, highlighting the country's financial strains due to immigration and energy policies. Finally, the complex relationship between political influence and central bank independence in the U.S. takes center stage.

10 snips
Jul 7, 2025 • 19min
Ep 128 Weekly Roundup: New York Elects a Communist
This week dives into the election of a democratic socialist in New York and its economic implications. It critiques the Federal Reserve's tight grip on the economy amid rising inflation. Discussion shifts to how high interest rates are affecting the housing market and consumer debt alongside a new spending bill's impact on tax cuts. Political turbulence in Canada is explored, with concerns over new taxes on American tech. Lastly, the challenges of third-party politics are examined, advocating for stronger internal strategies within the Republican Party.

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.