Everyday Economics
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.
Americans Are Still Spending— But They’re Trading Down
Americans are still spending — but they’re changing where and how they spend.
Consumer spending is up 4.5% from a year ago, but households are increasingly trading down to cheaper stores, lower-priced goods and more affordable housing. PhD economist Orphe Divounguy explains why that matters for the economy and for the Federal Reserve.
More than half of new homes sold in August were priced below $400,000, compared with about 46% a year earlier. With mortgage rates rising above 7%, Divounguy expects builders to continue offering incentives, cutting prices and shifting toward smaller, less expensive homes.
The bigger ques...
Mortgage Rates Hit 7.2%— But Luxury Home Prices Are Still Surging
Mortgage rates are around 7.2% — and the housing market is increasingly splitting into two very different experiences.
PhD economist Orphe Divounguy explains why higher rates are keeping many buyers on the sidelines while luxury housing continues to perform well. Builders are responding with major incentives, including an estimated $44,000 per home in rate buy-downs and closing-cost assistance to get buyers across the finish line.
At the same time, inventory is rising in parts of the country, giving buyers who can afford to transact more bargaining power. But for many households, higher borrowing costs and a weaker labor ma...
The Fed Just Raised Rates — And America’s “Two-Speed Economy” Is Getting Worse
The Federal Reserve just raised interest rates for the first time since 2023, bringing the target range to 3.75%–4%. But what does the rate hike actually mean for Americans?
Chris Krug and PhD economist Orphe Divounguy examine the Fed’s decision and the growing divide between savers and borrowers. Higher-income households with homes and investments may benefit from higher rates, while younger households, renters and borrowers face higher costs for credit cards, auto loans and mortgages.
Divounguy describes it as a “two-speed economy,” with interest-rate-sensitive parts of the economy struggling to keep up while the highest-income households continue...
The Fed May Raise Rates— But Can the Economy Take It?
The Federal Reserve faces a major decision this week: raise interest rates or hold them steady as energy prices push inflation higher.
Markets are pricing in a strong chance of a quarter-point rate hike, but PhD economist Orphe Divounguy argues the Fed should hold. His concern: the current inflation increase is being driven largely by a supply shock in energy, while the underlying economy is showing signs of weakness.
Core inflation is around 2.4%, wage growth is easing, hiring remains near a decade low and recent economic growth has been heavily concentrated in AI investment. Divounguy argues...
Trump Promised Lower Prices — What Can a President Actually Control?
President Trump made promises to lower prices on everything from gas and groceries to electricity, mortgages, prescription drugs and childcare. But how much control does a president actually have over the prices Americans pay?
Chris Krug and PhD economist Orphe Divounguy break down eight major price categories and examine what drives them — from energy costs and supply shocks to interest rates and federal policy.
Gas, beef, groceries, electricity and childcare have all become more expensive, while 30-year mortgage rates and prescription drug prices have moved in the opposite direction. The discussion also looks at the ro...
America Is Spending Billions on AI... Where’s the Productivity Payoff?
America is pouring money into artificial intelligence — but the productivity gains have yet to fully show up in the economy.
Employers added 162,000 jobs in August and unemployment held at 4.1%, but PhD economist Orphe Divounguy says the latest labor market data look more like a stabilization than a true rebound. Hiring remains weak, real wages are falling, long-term unemployment is rising, and the labor force is nearly a million workers smaller.
At the same time, businesses are making massive investments in AI infrastructure. Equipment and intellectual property investment accounted for a significant share of recent economic gr...
The AI Boom Has a $40 Trillion Problem
The U.S. economy is making a massive bet on artificial intelligence, pouring capital into data centers, chips and power infrastructure — much of it financed with debt. But the productivity payoff investors are expecting has yet to show up in the broader economic data.
Economist Orphe Divounguy explains why AI productivity growth is becoming less of an upside surprise and more of a requirement for the economy to justify the enormous investment. With roughly $40 trillion in government debt and real interest rates remaining elevated, the stakes of the AI boom are much bigger than the technology sector alone.
Home Builders Are Cutting Prices — But Buyers Still Can’t Afford Homes
Home builders are cutting prices and offering incentives, but buyers are still struggling to get into the housing market. New home sales fell to a 607,000 annual pace in July, while housing inventory jumped to 9.6 months of supply — the highest level since January. Builders are responding with rate buy-downs, closing-cost assistance and price cuts averaging about 6%.
PhD economist Orphe Divounguy explains why the housing market is increasingly split into winners and losers, with luxury homes holding up while the middle of the market — roughly $500,000 to $800,000 — remains stuck. Mortgage rates around 6.7% are making it difficult for buyers to enter the market...
The Fed Says the Economy Is Strong but the Data Tell a Different Story.
The economy may look strong on the surface, but a closer look at the numbers reveals a much narrower and weaker expansion. In his first Jackson Hole speech, Fed Chair Kevin Warsh pointed to a 4.1% unemployment rate, strong business investment and rising corporate profits as signs of a resilient economy. But much of that growth is being driven by the massive AI buildout, while housing, construction and other parts of the economy continue to struggle.
PhD economist Orphe Divounguy explains why the U.S. economy is increasingly operating at two speeds, why roughly 80% of second-quarter GDP growth...
Waiting to Buy a Home Could Cost You Hundreds More Each Month
Mortgage rates could remain elevated as the bond market does the Federal Reserve’s work for it, keeping borrowing costs higher for consumers and businesses. Economist Orphe Divounguy explains what rising Treasury yields mean for mortgage rates, credit cards and the housing market. Homebuyers waiting for lower rates may be paying a price for holding off. Divounguy notes that someone who bought a typical U.S. home when mortgage rates were around 6% in February would have saved roughly $146 a month compared with those who waited. In this episode, we break down why the Fed may leave rates unchanged, how in...
Inflation Is Squeezing American Households and Savings Are Taking the Hit
American households are feeling the squeeze as inflation continues to push up the cost of everyday life. New personal consumption expenditures data shows income is finally growing faster than spending, but consumers are still spending more than their inflation-adjusted incomes and drawing down savings to keep up.
In this episode of Everyday Economics, Chris Krug and PhD economist Orphée break down what the latest economic data means for American families — from healthcare and groceries to housing, interest rates and big-ticket purchases.
They also examine how government spending, energy costs, tariffs and higher interest rates are...
Only AI and Healthcare Are Creating Jobs Right Now
Job growth has slowed to roughly 34,000 jobs added per month — less than a fifth of the typical expansion-era pace of about 186,000 per month. Ph.D. economist Orphe Divounguy joins talks with Greg Bishop for Everyday Economics to break down what's driving the slowdown and what to watch for this week, including FOMC meeting minutes due Wednesday. Divounguy notes business investment growth is concentrated in AI-related sectors and data center construction, with hiring outside AI, healthcare, and parts of the Pacific Northwest largely stalled. The hiring rate is at its lowest level since around 2012, and low quit rates suggest workers cu...
Government Spending Is Costing You: The 3 Ways Washington’s Debt Comes Home
Government borrowing is never free — and taxpayers ultimately pay the bill. The Center Square publisher Chris Krug and PhD economist Orphe Divounguy break down the three ways government debt can hit American households: higher taxes, higher interest rates and higher inflation. The discussion examines why massive government borrowing can put upward pressure on Treasury yields, mortgage rates, car loans and business borrowing — while rising interest costs consume an increasingly large share of federal spending. Federal spending reached roughly $5.52 trillion, compared with $4.15 trillion in revenue, while interest costs have become one of the largest components of the federal budget. What does...
The Job Market Is Stuck: Why 23,000 Jobs Were Lost in July
The U.S. job market isn't collapsing — it's stuck. July payrolls fell by 23,000, while unemployment held at 4.1%. But deeper revisions to May and June erased more than 100,000 previously reported jobs, raising bigger questions about the strength of the labor market.
On this episode of Everyday Economics, Chris Krug and PhD economist Orphée Divounguy break down what the latest jobs numbers really mean for workers, businesses and the U.S. economy.
They discuss:
Why the July jobs report may be less alarming than the headline suggests How revisions erased more than 100,000 jobs from previous mon...Illinois Lawmaker Faces House Investigation After Federal Fraud Charges | The States
Illinois Democratic State Rep. Carol Ammons is facing a bipartisan Illinois House investigation after being federally charged with wire fraud and making false statements, with the special committee examining whether there are grounds for discipline or removal while Ammons maintains her innocence.
Ammons and her husband, Aaron Adam Ammons, have pleaded not guilty to the federal charges, with a trial scheduled for September. Prosecutors allege the case involves nonprofit contracts and questions surrounding campaign contributions, while the House committee emphasized that it is not determining guilt or innocence.
Also, in this episode:
The...
Fed Holds Rates: Why Homes Keep Getting Less Affordable
The Federal Reserve kept interest rates unchanged—but that doesn't mean borrowing is getting any easier. In this episode of Everyday Economics, Greg Bishop sits down with PhD economist Orphe Divounguy to explain why mortgage rates remain elevated, what it means for first-time homebuyers, businesses looking to expand, and taxpayers navigating an increasingly expensive economy. Topics include: Why mortgage rates remain near 7% The end of the era of cheap money Housing affordability and first-time buyers Why wealthy buyers are still purchasing homes The impact of high borrowing costs on businesses Inflation, jobs, and the Federal Reserve's difficult balancing act Wh...
Fed Shocks Markets Why Interest Rate Hikes May Be Back on the Table
The Federal Reserve kept interest rates unchanged for a fifth straight meeting—but the real story wasn't the decision itself. It was the message. In this episode of Everyday Economics, Dr. Orphe Divounguy explains why markets reacted so strongly after the Fed abandoned forward guidance, why Treasury yields surged to their highest levels since 2007, and why some Federal Reserve officials are now calling for higher interest rates—not cuts. What does this mean for inflation, taxpayers, businesses, retirees, homebuyers, and anyone saving for retirement? In this video: Why markets sold off after the Fed meeting Inflation risks that refuse to d...
Will the Fed Raise Interest Rates Again? Inflation, Jobs & the Economy Explained
Inflation remains one of the biggest financial challenges facing American families, and the Federal Reserve may not be done fighting rising prices. In this episode of Everyday Economics, Greg Bishop and economist Orphe Divounguy, Ph.D. explain why a stronger labor market has shifted the Federal Reserve's focus away from unemployment and back toward inflation.
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Gas Prices Are Hiding Inflation... But It Won't Last
Gas 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.
To...
Why Housing Is Still Unaffordable for Millions of Americans
America 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...
Government Spending Could Keep Your Loans Expensive
The 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 in...
Why the Housing Market Is Still Frozen in 2026 | Mortgage Rates, Home Sales & Inventory Explained
The 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 ho...Why the Falling Unemployment Rate Is Misleading | Weak Jobs Report, Fed Strategy & Economy Explained
June'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...Record 4th of July Cookout Costs Explained | What's Driving Food Inflation?
The 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 ...$1 Million Starter Homes? Why Buying a House Is Becoming Impossible in America
Starter 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
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New Fed Chair Kevin Warsh Shakes Up Interest Rate Strategy
Is 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
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Energy Shock, Inflation & the Squeeze on American Households
In 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 an...
Is the Housing Market Broken — or Finally Returning to Normal
In 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, Ralei...
How Government Policy Is Driving Up Housing Costs in America
In this episode of Everyday Economics, we take a closer look at one of the most overlooked drivers of America’s housing affordability crisis: government policy. Homebuilders say government fees, permitting costs, and local regulations are adding tens of thousands — even more than $100,000 — to the cost of a new home before construction even begins. We unpack where those costs come from, how they affect buyers, and why housing shortages are often the result of policy decisions rather than market failures. 🏠 In this episode: 🔹 Why government fees can add over $140,000 to the cost of a new home 🔹 How zoning laws, permitting dela...
Consumers Keep Spending, Housing Holds Strong... But Economic Cracks Are Showing
In this episode of Everyday Economics, we break down what the latest consumer spending and housing data are really telling us about the state of the U.S. economy. Retail sales rose in March and pending home sales posted one of their strongest months in years — but beneath the surface, the picture is more fragile than the headlines suggest. Inflation is still eating into household budgets, higher gas prices are squeezing consumers, and signs of financial strain are beginning to show. 📈 In this episode: 🔹 Why rising retail sales may not mean stronger consumer demand 🔹 How inflation is masking weakness in real con...
The Hidden Cost of Billion Dollar Data Center Deals
In this episode of Everyday Economics, we break down the economic reality behind billion-dollar data center deals — and why the headline investment numbers may not mean what taxpayers think they do. States across the country are offering massive tax incentives to attract data centers, AI infrastructure, and other large-scale tech projects. Governors call it economic development, but does the math actually work? We take a closer look at the promises behind these deals: the temporary construction jobs, the long-term employment projections, and the real taxpayer cost behind the incentives. While the projects may sound transformative, the long-term economic benefits ma...
Why Rising Gas Prices Could Break the Housing Market
In this episode of Everyday Economics, we break down the chain reaction starting at the gas pump—and how it’s quietly working its way through the entire economy. March inflation data shows prices rising again, driven largely by a sharp spike in gas prices. But this isn’t typical inflation. It’s a supply shock, and that changes everything. The Federal Reserve has limited tools to respond, and the consequences are already showing up in higher mortgage rates and growing pressure on household budgets. We also take a closer look at the housing market. Despite rising costs and slowing...
This “Strong” Jobs Report Is Sending a Warning
Join economist Dr. Orphe Divounguy and Chris Krug as they discuss the Job Market on this episode of Everyday Economics! Everyday Economics is an unrehearsed, free-flow discussion of the economic news shaping the day. The thoughts expressed by the hosts are theirs, unedited, and not necessarily the views of their respective organizations.
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Why Buying a Home Just Got Harder... Again
Join economist Dr. Orphe Divounguy and Chris Krug as they discuss the Housing Market on this episode of Everyday Economics! Everyday Economics is an unrehearsed, free-flow discussion of the economic news shaping the day. The thoughts expressed by the hosts are theirs, unedited, and not necessarily the views of their respective organizations. Support this podcast: https://secure.anedot.com/franklin-news-foundation/ce052532-b1e4-41c4-945c-d7ce2f52c38a?source_code=xxxxxx
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The Hidden Economic Squeeze No One Is Talking About
Join economist Dr. Orphe Divounguy and Chris Krug as they discuss the Hidden Economic Squeeze on this episode of Everyday Economics! Everyday Economics is an unrehearsed, free-flow discussion of the economic news shaping the day. The thoughts expressed by the hosts are theirs, unedited, and not necessarily the views of their respective organizations.
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The U.S. Job Market Just Stalled & It Could Get Worse
Join economist Dr. Orphe Divounguy and Chris Krug as they discuss the Job Market on this episode of Everyday Economics! Everyday Economics is an unrehearsed, free-flow discussion of the economic news shaping the day. The thoughts expressed by the hosts are theirs, unedited, and not necessarily the views of their respective organizations.
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Record U.S. Debt and Rising Delinquencies & What’s Going On
Join economist Dr. Orphe Divounguy and Chris Krug as they discuss Rising Delinquencies on this episode of Everyday Economics! Everyday Economics is an unrehearsed, free-flow discussion of the economic news shaping the day. The thoughts expressed by the hosts are theirs, unedited, and not necessarily the views of their respective organizations.
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Weak Job Growth, Rising Prices A Perfect Storm for the Economy
Join economist Dr. Orphe Divounguy and Chris Krug as they discuss Inflation weak job growth on this episode of Everyday Economics! Everyday Economics is an unrehearsed, free-flow discussion of the economic news shaping the day. The thoughts expressed by the hosts are theirs, unedited, and not necessarily the views of their respective organizations.
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If the Housing Market Is a Leading Indicator for Recession, Then Its Flashing Yellow
Join economist Dr. Orphe Divounguy and Chris Krug as they discuss warning signs in the housing market, on this episode of Everyday Economics! Everyday Economics is an unrehearsed, free-flow discussion of the economic news shaping the day. The thoughts expressed by the hosts are theirs, unedited, and not necessarily the views of their respective organizations.
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The Politics of AI at Work: Education, Industry & the Partisan Gap.m
Join economist Dr. Orphe Divounguy and Chris Krug as they discuss the use of AI, on this episode of Everyday Economics! Everyday Economics is an unrehearsed, free-flow discussion of the economic news shaping the day. The thoughts expressed by the hosts are theirs, unedited, and not necessarily the views of their respective organizations. Support this podcast: https://secure.anedot.com/franklin-news-foundation/ce052532-b1e4-41c4-945c-d7ce2f52c38a?source_code=xxxxxx
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