The Economics Show
Financial Times
The Economics Show with Soumaya Keynes is a new weekly podcast from the Financial Times packed full of smart, digestible analysis and incisive conversation. Soumaya Keynes digs deep into the hottest topics in economics along with a cast of FT colleagues and special guests. Come for the big ideas, stay for the nerdery.Soumaya Keynes is an economics columnist for the Financial Times. Prior to joining the FT she worked at The Economist for eight years as a staff writer, where as well as covering trade, the US economy and the UK economy she co-hosted the Money Talks podcast. She also co-founded the Trade Talks podcast. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Oct 21, 2024 • 31min
What is Kamalanomics? With James Politi
In this discussion, James Politi, the Washington Bureau Chief for the Financial Times, shares insights on Kamala Harris's policy platform as the election looms. They dive into her potential industrial and tax reforms, and how she could differ from Biden's approach. Politi highlights the challenges of housing affordability and the implications of current tax policies on different income groups. The conversation also touches on Harris's prospective cabinet and economic strategies, raising questions about her future impact on U.S. governance.
Oct 14, 2024 • 31min
What’s wrong with effective altruism? With Martin Sandbu
Martin Sandbu, an insightful FT economics editorial writer, dives into the evolution of effective altruism, tracing its transformation from a charitable approach to a complex moral landscape filled with existential risks. He discusses the fallout from Sam Bankman-Fried's scandal and its impact on the movement, questioning the ethics of utilitarianism. The conversation highlights the need for a more nuanced perspective on altruism, addressing the challenges and future of this ideology in a changing world.
Oct 7, 2024 • 33min
Why even a PhD isn’t enough to erase the effects of class, with Anna Stansbury
Anna Stansbury, an assistant professor at MIT's Sloan School of Management, explores class-based inequalities in the US. She emphasizes how family backgrounds can hinder career progression, regardless of educational achievements like a PhD. The discussion delves into how class disparities persist in academia and the stark differences between private and public sector opportunities. Stansbury advocates for more inclusive practices that consider socioeconomic factors, aiming to illuminate the often-invisible class dynamics affecting professional success.
22 snips
Sep 30, 2024 • 28min
How to cut government debt, with Robin Wigglesworth
Robin Wigglesworth, an expert on government debt, discusses Jamaica's remarkable turnaround from a staggering 140% debt-to-GDP ratio to halving its debt in just seven years. He highlights how political cooperation and fiscal discipline were vital in this process, allowing Jamaica to maintain significant primary surpluses. Wigglesworth also explores lessons for larger economies, and the need for growth-oriented solutions that balance debt management with middle-class welfare. The conversation paints a hopeful picture of Jamaica's potential economic future.
Sep 23, 2024 • 31min
What would Trump do on trade? With Alan Beattie
Alan Beattie, a senior trade writer at the Financial Times, delves into Donald Trump's stark trade promises for his potential second term. The conversation reveals the possible impacts of higher tariffs on China and other nations, discussing economic fallout and consumer price dynamics. They also address the role of the World Trade Organization and skepticism about U.S. collaboration with it. Finally, the implications of government spending and trade policies on future deals reflect a complex landscape for international relations.
Sep 16, 2024 • 27min
Is this a winning US economy for the Democrats? With Jared Bernstein
Jared Bernstein, the chair of President Biden’s Council of Economic Advisers, dives deep into the current state of the US economy. He discusses how positive economic indicators clash with public sentiment amid the upcoming elections. Bernstein tackles topics like inflation, the labor market, and ongoing housing issues. The conversation also shifts to innovative policy proposals aimed at economic fairness, including targeted rent controls and a prepayment tax on unrealized capital gains. With humor and insight, he navigates the complexities of the political narrative surrounding economic realities.
Sep 9, 2024 • 33min
Do price controls really help with inflation? With Isabella Weber
Isabella Weber, an associate professor at UMass Amherst, dives into the heated debate over price controls in response to inflation. She discusses the concept of 'shockflation' and critiques traditional monetary policies as insufficient. Weber advocates for government measures like capping prices on essential goods to stabilize markets and support vulnerable populations. The conversation also contrasts U.S. and European approaches to inflation, shedding light on the challenges and complexities of effective economic policy.
9 snips
Sep 2, 2024 • 31min
Rethinking the AI boom, with Daron Acemoğlu
Daron Acemoğlu, an MIT economics professor and author of "Power and Progress," dives deep into AI's impact on productivity and the economy. He challenges the overly optimistic views on AI's contributions to growth, urging caution in the pace of technological disruption. The discussion highlights the historical effects of technology on worker prosperity and advocates for regulatory measures to prevent corporate power concentration. Acemoğlu emphasizes the importance of equitable competition and the need for policy reforms that enhance education and support human workers.
7 snips
Aug 26, 2024 • 34min
Who is winning the chip wars? With Chris Miller
In this discussion, Chris Miller, an associate professor at Tufts University and expert on the geopolitics of technology, dives into the intense chip wars between the US and China. He highlights government investments focused on onshoring semiconductor production to bolster national security. The conversation also explores the critical role Taiwan plays in the global supply chain and its implications for AI advancements. Furthermore, they discuss how upcoming elections could reshape semiconductor policy and the push for transparency in supply chains amidst geopolitical tensions.
Aug 19, 2024 • 32min
How much cash would it take to quit your job? With Pilita Clark and Mouhcine Guettabi
Pilita Clark, a Financial Times editor and columnist, joins the conversation alongside Mouhcine Guettabi, a researcher known for studying Alaska's citizen payments. They delve into what it would take to quit a job and explore universal basic income's complexities. Key topics include how Alaska's financial windfalls affected work behavior, revealing unexpected boosts in employment for some. Gender disparities in financial decisions are also examined, along with insights from basic income trials in Texas and Illinois that provided monthly support but reduced work participation.
