Economics, Labor Markets, and Public Policy by Justin Wolfers
Justin Wolfers: Iran unrest could lead to higher global gas prices
Justin Wolfers warns that instability in Iran could result in turbulence in global energy markets. He suggests that consumers should expect higher gas prices as a consequence of developments in ...
A bigger paycheck can still mean less purchasing power, Justin Wolfers notes
Justin Wolfers explains that inflation can erode the real value of a salary increase, effectively turning what appears to be a raise into a reduction in actual purchasing power. He highlights ...
Justin Wolfers: Economists increasingly concerned about debt and deficits
Justin Wolfers shares that concerns over debt and deficits are becoming more widespread. He observes that this sentiment is now common among economists with differing fiscal ...
Strong job growth but persistent inflation and stagnant wages, Justin Wolfers notes
Justin Wolfers gave the economy a B-minus grade, citing a mixed set of factors. Wolfers pointed to strong job growth, persistent inflation, stagnant real wages, rapid AI adoption, and growing ...
Justin Wolfers: Markets depend on competition to drive innovation and prosperity
Justin Wolfers argues that while markets have the power to create wealth, it is competition that enables them to function effectively. He emphasizes that being pro-market is distinct from being ...
FOMC vote count absent from statement, Justin Wolfers notes
Justin Wolfers questions the lack of transparency in the recent FOMC statement, noting it is issued by the Chair and does not mention the vote results. Wolfers suggests that any dissent within ...
Justin Wolfers: BLS jobs report revisions show measurement system functions
Justin Wolfers explains that revisions to the Bureau of Labor Statistics jobs reports are not a scandal but a sign that the measurement process is working as intended. He notes that initial jobs ...
Social Security relies on current workers to fund retirees, Justin Wolfers notes
Justin Wolfers highlights that Social Security does not function as a personal savings account for each worker. Instead, Wolfers explains, the system is financed by current workers who cover the ...
Justin Wolfers: Stock market reacts to expectations of future profits and business climate
Justin Wolfers explains that the stock market serves as a forecast rather than a scorecard. He states that prices move in response to shifting expectations about future profits. Calming ...
3.8% inflation is high by some measures but more stable historically, Justin Wolfers notes
Justin Wolfers compares current 3.8% inflation to previous decades, arguing that while the rate is high, it is still lower and more stable than many historical periods. He stresses that judging ...
Justin Wolfers: Strong jobs report signals robust U.S. labor market
Justin Wolfers highlights that the latest jobs report is positive news for the economy. He states that the labor market continues to perform strongly and suggests that it is time to move past ...
Bomb spending impacts global economy, Justin Wolfers argues
Justin Wolfers highlights the financial toll of military operations as the Pentagon tallies the cost of bombs. He draws attention to the broader impact, focusing on the scale of disruption to the ...
Justin Wolfers: Discusses top economic stories of the week
Justin Wolfers is back on the microphone discussing some of the week's biggest stories in economic news. He invites listeners to tune in and subscribe if they enjoy conversations about key ...
Fed funds futures now price in next rate move upward, Justin Wolfers notes
Justin Wolfers highlights a significant change in market expectations for U.S. interest rates. He notes that Fed funds futures have shifted from anticipating a couple of rate cuts to now ...
Justin Wolfers: Breaking down key economic news from a busy week
Justin Wolfers addresses the sense of overwhelm that many people experience due to the continual flow of economic news and data. He notes a recent discussion with Ali Velshi aimed at clarifying ...
Government debt explored in detail, Justin Wolfers discusses
Justin Wolfers shares economic insights to help readers start their Sunday with a clearer understanding. This week, Wolfers addressed a range of questions about government debt, responding ...
Justin Wolfers: Consumer sentiment reaches near 75-year low amid political influence
Justin Wolfers highlights that consumer sentiment is currently nearing a 75-year low. He suggests that such surveys may increasingly reflect partisanship, not just economic conditions. According ...
Court directions can reduce market risks, Justin Wolfers notes
Justin Wolfers says that when courts direct parties to Congress, they are not banning tariffs but reaffirming the continued relevance of the Constitution. He argues this has implications for ...
Justin Wolfers: National debt likened to a mortgage rather than a credit card bill
Justin Wolfers, industry influencer, draws an analogy between national debt and a mortgage, suggesting that debt is not problematic as long as it supports valuable assets. Wolfers adds that ...
Entering next crisis already indebted can restrict response, Justin Wolfers warns
Justin Wolfers, industry influencer, cautions that while debt is not escalating immediately, its upward path poses significant concerns. If the U.S. enters a future war, recession, or pandemic ...
Justin Wolfers: Borrowing can be wise when building future capacity
Justin Wolfers, industry influencer, comments that borrowing money can be a sound decision depending on its purpose. He distinguishes between using debt to invest in future growth, which he ...
