
Odd Lots Lots More With Skanda Amarnath on This Moment in Macro
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Aug 15, 2025 Skanda Amarnath, the executive director of Employ America and a macroeconomics expert, dives deep into today’s perplexing economic landscape. He discusses the tension between persistent inflation and a sluggish job market. The growth of the AI sector and its impact on traditional industries adds another layer of complexity. Skanda also highlights the pressing issues surrounding the Federal Reserve's independence and the challenges posed by political pressures. With the Jackson Hole conference on the horizon, he unpacks the critical questions facing policymakers.
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Tariffs Plus Deficits Can Create 'Stagflation Light'
- Trade frictions plus large deficits can create an inflationary cocktail by adding costs while boosting nominal demand.
- That mix can produce a 'stagflation light' with weaker job momentum but still-elevated prices.
Electricity Prices Diverge From Oil
- Energy is bifurcated: oil remains low but electricity prices are rising in regions with tightening capacity.
- Data-center demand and plant retirements are tightening capacity and pushing regional electricity costs up.
AI Spending Bids Resources, Spurs Energy Demand
- AI-related capex bids scarce resources and may crowd out other investment, but primary effect is more overall investment.
- Data-center buildout could trigger a multi-year supercycle in electricity demand and costs.

