Peter St Onge Podcast

December saw a hiring boom, making it the best month for American jobs. Trump plans to restrict Wall Street's influence on home buying, raising questions about housing prices. Jerome Powell faces a subpoena, revealing tensions around Fed independence. Meanwhile, surprising GDP growth suggests the U.S. is outpacing China. The discussion highlights critical affordable housing challenges and urges congressional action to address them effectively.

The discussion kicks off with Venezuela's potential to offer $2 gas as oil production rebounds. A look ahead reveals a record number of deregulations planned for 2025, potentially saving billions. The conversation shifts to Canada's creeping surveillance and social unrest, fueled by stagnant wages and a housing crisis. Meanwhile, Trump's bold demand for Europe to finance its own conflicts stirs the pot on international tensions. Tune in for insights that challenge conventional narratives on economics and freedom!

This week dives into the staggering $1.5 trillion in welfare fraud, revealing shocking details on COVID-era scams. It also explores silver's impressive 11% jump and the potential shortage driven by China's export restrictions. The discussion highlights how mass migration is reshuffling labor markets, creating shortages in high-skill jobs while over-supplying low-skill positions. Looking forward, insights into economic trends for 2026 and the impact of AI on jobs add to the rich tapestry of topics discussed.

Voters are growing increasingly frustrated with persistent inflation and the implications of poor policy decisions. Rent prices have plummeted, hitting their lowest in 15 years due to rising vacancies. A significant climate study has been retracted, raising questions about scientific integrity and funding. The podcast also highlights a surprising 4.3% GDP growth driven by consumer spending and exports, with potential for continued growth into 2026. Finally, it explores the looming risks associated with the dollar's reserve status.

The Fed plans to inject $40 billion monthly into the economy, raising inflation concerns reminiscent of historical crises. Europe faces significant challenges, including a $150 million fine against Elon Musk for free speech violations and political strife amid energy shortages. In China, the property market is crumbling, exacerbated by high youth unemployment. Alarmingly, only 12% of recent college graduates find employment immediately after finishing their studies, with AI posing new threats to job prospects in the future.

Black Friday spending shot up 8%, but sales volume actually dropped, pointing to inflation's impact. The rise of AI in shopping is reshaping retail, yet foot traffic is down 6%. A million job vacancies highlight the skilled worker shortage, with schools failing to bridge the gap. Japan faces a looming debt crisis, trapped between inflation and stagnant policy. Meanwhile, the Fed's staggering $1 trillion loss raises questions about reserve management. Welfare spending is rife with fraud, fueling concerns over systemic issues.

This week dives into the staggering record of the federal deficit and its causes, highlighting the implications of skyrocketing interest and entitlement spending. Discover how Japan and El Salvador have successfully tackled violent crime with innovative approaches. Discuss the concerning trend of the median homebuyer aging to 59 years, alongside the persistent high housing prices. Canada's booming public sector employment raises questions about future economic stability, while a study reveals AI could replace a significant chunk of jobs, with young workers facing the brunt of this shift.

This week, a surge in jobs for native-born Americans contrasts sharply with a drop in foreign-born employment. A looming energy crunch driven by AI data centers raises concerns about electricity supply. The failure of a Universal Basic Income trial highlights its negative employment impact. Consumer confidence is faltering, revealing troubling expectations for the future. Meanwhile, disillusioned college grads are turning to radical leftist ideologies, linking a declining wage premium to their frustrations.

This week, inflation is spotlighted as a major force reshaping voter sentiment against Republicans. Trump’s promise to tackle inflation is critiqued as stalled and underwhelming. The show explores the surprising funding behind U.S. protests, linking it to European donations. As the economy shifts, a stark divide grows between wealthy and struggling citizens. The discussion also covers potential Fed rate cuts and their implications, along with the unsettling job impacts of AI automation.

This week highlights the highest layoffs in 22 years, with insights into affected sectors like IT and media. Elon Musk's colossal $1 trillion paycheck raises questions about future industries. Political discussions include Trump's call to end the filibuster and the implications of the recent government shutdown. Last but not least, the controversial 50-year mortgage proposal is examined, addressing its potential to lower payments but also its long-term costs. Tune in for the real solutions to soaring housing prices!