Interest rates have been sliding for seven centuries. Dive into the historical forces driving this trend and examine whether the recent interest rate spike is just a blip on the radar. Topics covered include: How the supply of savings and the demand to borrow impact interest rates Why have interest rates been falling for over 700 years, and what might have changed recently to propel rates higher How lower rates have helped households increase their net worth and reduce their … [Read more...]
448: Where Are Interest Rates Headed Next? Insights from the Jackson Hole Symposium
Why you might want to lock in higher yields now, given real interest rates are the highest they have been in 15 years. Topics covered include: What was covered this year at the Federal Reserve Jackson Hole Symposium What are the primary policy actions central banks take, and how do they influence interest rates What is the neutral real rate of interest, and why is it important Why new ideas are central to an increasing standard of living What would drive interest rates … [Read more...]
395: How Population Trends Will Impact Growth, Inflation, Investing and Well Being
How slowing population growth and an eventual population peak will lead to competition for foreign workers, potentially higher inflation, and ultimately the need to transition to a steady-state economy rather than one based on constantly producing more. Topics covered include: How longevity and birthrates impact population growth What areas of the world are seeing population increases versus declines Why high income countries will need more immigrants in order to sustain their … [Read more...]
309: Investments to Fight Financial Repression
What are some investments that can generate a cash yield greater than inflation in an era when central bank policies keep government bond yields lower than the inflation rate. Topics covered include: How low are interest rates around the worldWhat have inflation rates been and what causes inflation and deflationWhat is financial impressionWhy are central banks keeping short-term interest rates so lowWhat determines interest ratesHow I-bonds workWhy active bond mutual funds can be … [Read more...]
246: What Central Banks Don’t Know Should Concern You
Why an inverted yield curve is disconcerting given such low interest rates. Why those low rates could lead to radical central bank policies during the next recession. In this episode you’ll learn: What is an inverted yield curve and does it signal a recession is coming.What determines interest rates.What is the neutral equilibrium real rate of interest and why it matters.Why is the Federal Reserve considering make up strategies that allow inflation to rise up its 2% target and what … [Read more...]