EP 164: The K-Shaped Economy—Who’s Pulling the Wagon?

Ashley, Gregg, Matt, and Charles are joined by Brian Wesbury, Chief Economist at First Trust Advisors, a bestselling author, and one of the most sought-after voices in macroeconomics today. When markets get noisy, Brian’s the guy cutting through it with data and conviction. The crew dives into the macro forces shaping lumber—from government spending and the “K-shaped” economy to housing completions, freight spikes, and regional demand shifts.  They break down why affordability is still broken, what’s driving trucking chaos, and whether strong Southern demand can carry the market forward. Plus—how AI, migration trends, and policy decisions could reshape housing, labor, and the broader economy. If you want to understand where lumber demand is heading (and why), this one delivers. Timeline 00:00 – Brian Wesbury joins + macro setup  03:30 – Taxes, migration & policy shifts  08:30 – Government spending vs affordability  14:00 – Housing completions & demand outlook  16:00 – Freight spikes & supply chain issues  18:30 – Southern vs Northern demand  24:00 – The “K-shaped” economy explained  30:00 – Growth, incentives & middle class  41:00 – AI, jobs & future risks  Guest Brian S. Wesbury Chief Economist / First Trust www.ftportfolios.com       Advertiser Fastmarkets RISI Dustin Jalbert Senior Economist Wood Products [email protected] www.fastmarkets.com Show Contacts: Gregg Riley: [email protected] Charles DeLaTorre: [email protected] Matt Beymer: [email protected] Ashley Boeckholt: [email protected]