Podcast
Everyday Economics
Hosted by The Center Square · EN
Economist Dr. Orphe Divounguy and Chris Krug join forces to unravel the complexities of global markets, inflation, and everything else you need to know to navigate the economic world around you.
30episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
Gas Prices Are Hiding Inflation... But It Won't Last
1w ago00:08:51Tap to summarizeGas prices posted their biggest monthly decline since 2020, giving Americans temporary relief at the pump—but is it enough to keep inflation under control? In this episode of Everyday Economics, Chris Krug and economist Dr. Orphe Divounguy explain why cheaper gasoline is helping consumers continue spending, why rent prices may be about to rise again, and how Middle East tensions could send energy prices higher. They also discuss what the latest CPI data really means, whether inflation is actually cooling, and why the Federal Reserve may keep interest rates higher for longer. Topics Covered: Why gas prices fell June CPI inflation explained Will inflation rise again? Rent prices and the housing market How oil prices affect everyday costs Federal Reserve outlook Consumer spending trends Everyday Economics analysis 📈 Subscribe for weekly economic analysis that breaks down the headlines impacting your wallet. #Inflation #GasPrices #Economy #CPI #FederalReserve #HousingMarket #ConsumerSpending #OilPrices #InterestRates #EverydayEconomics #TheCenterSquare Support this podcast: https://secure.anedot.com/franklin-news-foundation/ce052532-b1e4-41c4-945c-d7ce2f52c38a?source_code=xxxxxx Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Transcribe →Why Housing Is Still Unaffordable for Millions of Americans
2w ago00:09:14Tap to summarizeAmerica remains 4.7 million homes short, leaving millions of families struggling to find affordable housing while home prices remain elevated. In this episode of Everyday Economics, Center Square Publisher Chris Krug and economist Dr. Orphe Divounguy explain why the housing shortage continues despite slowing consumer spending and why home construction has stalled. They discuss: America's growing housing supply shortage Why single-family home construction is slowing How high interest rates impact builders The rising cost of construction materials The role zoning laws and permitting delays play How government regulations increase the cost of new homes Why affordable housing remains out of reach for millions What policymakers could do to lower housing costs Whether you're a homeowner, first-time buyer, taxpayer, investor, or simply wondering why housing remains so expensive, this conversation breaks down the economic forces shaping America's housing market. Subscribe for more analysis on the economy, government spending, inflation, housing, taxes, and the policies affecting taxpayers nationwide. #HousingMarket #HousingCrisis #RealEstate #Economy #Inflation #AffordableHousing #HomePrices #MortgageRates #Construction #taxpayermoney Support this podcast: https://secure.anedot.com/franklin-news-foundation/ce052532-b1e4-41c4-945c-d7ce2f52c38a?source_code=xxxxxx Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Transcribe →Government Spending Could Keep Your Loans Expensive
3w ago00:08:59Tap to summarizeThe Federal Reserve may not cut interest rates in 2026 after all—and that could have major consequences for taxpayers, homeowners, businesses and anyone carrying debt. In this episode of Everyday Economics, Center Square Publisher Chris Krug sits down with economist Dr. Orfe Divungi to explain why inflation remains stubborn, how tariffs, housing costs and record federal deficits continue to pressure the economy, and why the Federal Reserve may have little choice but to keep borrowing costs elevated. Topics include: Why inflation may stay above the Fed's 2% target How tariffs continue pushing prices higher Why housing costs are becoming an inflation problem again The impact of federal deficits on interest rates Mortgage rates, credit card debt and business loans What this means for taxpayers and the U.S. economy If federal borrowing continues to rise, taxpayers could face higher financing costs throughout the economy, making homes, vehicles and everyday purchases more expensive while increasing the long-term burden of servicing the national debt. Subscribe for daily reporting on government spending, fiscal policy, state government, taxes and the economic issues affecting Americans. #FederalReserve #InterestRates #Inflation #Economy #Taxpayer #FederalDebt #GovernmentSpending #MortgageRates #Finance #Economics #FederalDeficit #InflationNews #BusinessNews #TheStates #CenterSquare Support this podcast: https://secure.anedot.com/franklin-news-foundation/ce052532-b1e4-41c4-945c-d7ce2f52c38a?source_code=xxxxxx Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Transcribe →Why the Housing Market Is Still Frozen in 2026 | Mortgage Rates, Home Sales & Inventory Explained
3w ago00:08:07Tap to summarizeThe housing market has stabilized—but that doesn't mean it's healthy. In this episode of Everyday Economics, Chris Krug and economist Orphe Divounguy explain why home sales remain stuck near historic lows despite expectations for a stronger 2026 housing market. They discuss why Americans aren't moving, how weak job growth is slowing housing demand, the impact of mortgage rate lock-in, rising rents, aging demographics, housing shortages, and why a lack of inventory continues to keep the market frozen. Plus, what to expect from the latest Zillow housing market report. Topics Covered: Why the housing market remains frozen Home sales and inventory trends Mortgage rates and housing affordability Why Americans aren't moving Labor market's impact on real estate Housing supply shortage explained Rising rents and the rental market 2026 housing market outlook Subscribe to Everyday Economics for weekly insights on housing, inflation, jobs, interest rates, and the U.S. economy. #HousingMarket #RealEstate #MortgageRates #HomeSales #HousingInventory #Economy #InterestRates #EverydayEconomics #TheCenterSquare Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Transcribe →Why the Falling Unemployment Rate Is Misleading | Weak Jobs Report, Fed Strategy & Economy Explained
4w ago00:09:51Tap to summarizeJune's unemployment rate fell to 4.2%, but does that really mean the U.S. economy is improving? In this episode of Everyday Economics, Chris Krug and economist Orphe Divounguy break down why the latest jobs report may be sending mixed signals. They discuss weak private-sector hiring, shrinking labor force participation, healthcare-driven job growth, downward payroll revisions, and what the new Federal Reserve chairman's communication strategy could mean for interest rates, inflation, and the economy. Topics Covered: Why unemployment fell despite weak hiring June jobs report explained Private-sector job growth stalls Labor force participation declines Healthcare vs. private-sector employment Federal Reserve policy changes Interest rates and the U.S. economy Economic outlook for 2026 Subscribe for weekly, data-driven analysis of the economy from Everyday Economics and The Center Square. #JobsReport #Economy #Unemployment #FederalReserve #InterestRates #Inflation #EconomicNews #EverydayEconomics #TheCenterSquare Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Transcribe →Record 4th of July Cookout Costs Explained | What's Driving Food Inflation?
Jul 300:08:45Tap to summarizeThe average 4th of July cookout now costs a record $73.82 for 10 people, according to the American Farm Bureau Federation. In this episode of Everyday Economics, Chris Krug and economist Orphe Divounguy break down why barbecue costs continue to rise, what's happening with beef, eggs, potato salad and fireworks, and why Americans continue spending despite higher prices and persistent inflation. They also discuss consumer spending habits, inflation trends, food prices, energy costs, and the economic trade-offs families are making this Independence Day. Topics Covered: Record 4th of July cookout costs Inflation and food prices in 2026 Beef, egg and potato salad prices Fireworks spending after COVID Consumer spending and household budgets Everyday Economics analysis #Inflation #FourthOfJuly #Economy #FoodPrices #ConsumerSpending #EverydayEconomics #TheCenterSquare #PersonalFinance #EconomicNews #BBQ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Transcribe →$1 Million Starter Homes? Why Buying a House Is Becoming Impossible in America
Jun 2700:10:06Tap to summarizeStarter homes now cost $1 million or more in 242 U.S. cities. In this episode of Everyday Economics, Chris Krug and economist Orphe Divounguy explain why home prices have skyrocketed, why the trend is spreading beyond the coasts, and how housing shortages, zoning restrictions, and mortgage rates are reshaping the market. Plus, why rent growth is finally slowing in some cities and what it means for affordability. #HousingMarket #RealEstate #StarterHome #HousingCrisis #MortgageRates #HomePrices #Rent #Economy #EverydayEconomics #TheStates ____________ Support this podcast: https://secure.anedot.com/franklin-news-foundation/ce052532-b1e4-41c4-945c-d7ce2f52c38a?source_code=xxxxxx Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Transcribe →New Fed Chair Kevin Warsh Shakes Up Interest Rate Strategy
Jun 2600:08:17Tap to summarizeIs the Federal Reserve preparing to raise interest rates? In this episode of Everyday Economics, Chris Krug and economist Orphe Divounguy break down new Fed Chair Kevin Warsh's first meeting, the latest Fed statement, the dot plot forecast, inflation concerns, and what it all means for interest rates, jobs, consumer spending, and the U.S. economy. Learn why Fed officials are divided and what could happen next for inflation and rate policy. #FederalReserve #InterestRates #Inflation #Economy #FedChair #KevinWarsh #EverydayEconomics #TheStates #EconomicNews #FedMeeting Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Transcribe →Energy Shock, Inflation & the Squeeze on American Households
May 2300:09:51Tap to summarizeIn this episode of Everyday Economics, we examine the growing squeeze on the American household as inflation pressures, rising energy prices, and higher interest rates all collide at once. Oil shocks near the Strait of Hormuz, tariff-driven price increases, and rising borrowing costs are putting pressure on businesses and consumers alike — while the Federal Reserve faces increasingly difficult choices under new Chair Kevin Warsh. 📉 In this episode: 🔹 How energy prices and tariffs are squeezing household spending power 🔹 Why businesses are being forced to choose between smaller profits or higher prices 🔹 What “margin compression” means for hiring, wages, and investment 🔹 Why mortgage rates and Treasury yields are climbing again 🔹 How inflation acts like a hidden tax on American families 🔹 Why the Fed may be running out of “clean” policy options We also break down the concept of “demand destruction,” why real disposable income is flattening, and what higher gas and grocery prices could mean for the broader economy in the months ahead. As always, Everyday Economics cuts through the headlines to explain what today’s economic shocks mean for your wallet, your job, and the future direction of the U.S. economy. ____________ Support this podcast: https://secure.anedot.com/franklin-news-foundation/ce052532-b1e4-41c4-945c-d7ce2f52c38a?source_code=xxxxxx Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Transcribe →Is the Housing Market Broken — or Finally Returning to Normal
May 1000:12:18Tap to summarizeIn this episode of Everyday Economics, we break down the growing standoff in the U.S. housing market. Inventory is rising in some cities. Prices are softening. Mortgage rates remain high. And millions of homeowners are locked into ultra-low 3% mortgages they don’t want to give up. The result? A housing market that feels frozen — with buyers waiting for prices to fall and sellers refusing to move. 🏠 In this episode: 🔹 Why homeowners are becoming “accidental landlords” instead of selling 🔹 Whether the housing market is truly broken — or simply normalizing 🔹 Why affordability is slowly improving despite high mortgage rates 🔹 What cities like Austin, Raleigh, Phoenix, and San Antonio reveal about inventory and prices 🔹 Why more housing supply could still be the key to fixing affordability We also examine the debate around rising delinquencies, falling prices in some markets, and why economists say the biggest issue may not be demand — but the lack of homes actually available for sale. As always, Everyday Economics cuts through the headlines to explain what the latest housing data means for your wallet, your mortgage, and the future of homeownership in America. Support this podcast: https://secure.anedot.com/franklin-news-foundation/ce052532-b1e4-41c4-945c-d7ce2f52c38a?source_code=xxxxxx Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
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