Moody's Talks - Inside Economics Going Bananas over Affordability
Nov 15, 2025
Matt Collier, a savvy economist from Moody's Analytics, joins the discussion on the aftermath of the government shutdown and its surprisingly mild impact on the economy. The conversation shifts to the Trump administration's actions aimed at improving affordability, including the rollback of tariffs on everyday items like pasta and bananas. The hosts also unveil a new segment addressing listener questions, touching on everything from job market implications to potential housing finance reforms. Tune in for some insightful economic analysis!
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Long Flight, Broken Plug, Two Movies
- Mark Zandi described a long transatlantic flight with a broken seat plug and only a few hours of work time.
- He watched two movies, including 28 Weeks Later, to pass the time.
Private Payrolls Show Flattening Jobs
- Private payroll trackers (ADP, Reveglio) point to near-zero job growth in September and October.
- Deferred federal resignations may depress October payrolls and complicate month-to-month comparisons.
Affordability Became Central White House Theme
- The administration pivoted to 'affordability' policies after political pressure from rising consumer costs.
- Food tariffs were an immediate target because cuts can quickly lower grocery prices.