Economist Podcasts Growth anatomy: America’s expansive decade
Jul 3, 2019
Henry Kerr, Economics editor for The Economist, and Idris Kalun, U.S. policy correspondent, dive into the record-breaking economic expansion in America and question its sustainability. They discuss the Federal Reserve's challenges amid global uncertainties and explore the narrowing life expectancy gap for Black Americans, attributing this shift to healthcare improvements and social changes. Additionally, they touch on the rising obsession with spoilers in entertainment, highlighting its impact on storytelling.
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Slow and Steady Growth
- America's record economic expansion is unusually long but slow.
- Low unemployment rates are a recent phenomenon in this period.
Policy Tools and Willingness
- The Federal Reserve is willing to cut rates to stimulate the economy.
- However, their tools might be insufficient in a severe downturn, requiring fiscal policy intervention.
Life Expectancy Gap
- Life expectancy in America has increased, but racial disparities persist.
- While white people have seen consistent gains, a gap remains, particularly affecting black men.