Episodes
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Data says go, but the Fed says wait
The Federal Reserve left interest rates unchanged at its latest FOMC meeting, but what did Chair Warsh's comments reveal about the path ahead for monetary policy? In this episode, Nationwide Chief Economist Kathy Bostjancic and Head of Enterprise Portfolio Management Leo Svoboda break down the...
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Millennials' retirement planning in the age of uncertainty
Millennials are entering their prime earning years, but are they prepared for retirement? Ben Ayers, Nationwide Senior Economist, and Tom Duncan from Nationwide's Advanced Consulting Group explore the unique retirement planning challenges and opportunities facing the millennial generation. From...
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Trick or Treat: Is inflation scary enough for another Fed hike?
The latest inflation data may have investors, consumers, and policymakers asking whether another Federal Reserve rate hike is lurking around the corner. Kathy Bostjancic, Nationwide Chief Economist, and Ben Ayers, Senior Economist, break down the latest Consumer Price Index (CPI) report and what…
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The Manufacturing Rebound: What's driving the recovery?
Ben Ayers and Erika Melander share insight on what's driving the sector's recovery, where risks may remain, and what manufacturers should be watching as we head toward 2027. They examine how artificial intelligence, data center expansion, automation, and capital investment are reshaping U.S....
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Closing the Gap: Retirement planning for Gen X
As part of our ongoing retirement planning series examining the unique opportunities and challenges facing different generations, we're turning our attention to Generation X. After exploring retirement lessons from Baby Boomers and the Great Wealth Transfer, we're now focusing on Gen X, with...
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Energy's impact on the economy, inflation, and the Fed
Rising oil, gasoline, and diesel prices are creating new challenges for consumers, businesses, and policymakers alike. As geopolitical tensions disrupt global energy markets, questions are mounting about the potential impact on inflation, consumer spending, economic growth, and the future path of...
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The Fed gets serious about inflation
The Federal Reserve raised rates in September, providing fresh insight into how policymakers are thinking about inflation, interest rates, and the path of the economy. While the decision itself is important, investors are also parsing the details of the statement and Chair Warsh's comments for...
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Beyond the jobs report: What's really driving the labor market?
Ben Ayers and Daniel Vielhaber unpack the August employment data and discuss how labor shortages, immigration trends, and artificial intelligence are reshaping the workforce. They also share their outlook on what recent labor market developments could mean for the Federal Reserve's next policy...
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What back-to-school shopping says about today's consumer
Nationwide economists Ben Ayers and Daniel Vielhaber discuss one of the biggest consumer spending seasons of the year: back-to-school shopping. Every August, American families head to stores and websites to purchase everything from pencils and backpacks to laptops, tablets, dorm furnishings and...
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AI's impact on the economy and financial markets
Kathy Bostjancic (Nationwide's Chief Economist) and Mark Hackett (Nationwide's Chief Market Strategist) discuss the impact that AI investment is having on the economy and financial markets, how investor sentiment is shifting, and whether the rapid acceleration in investment could be setting the...
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Cooler inflation takes pressure off the Fed
The latest inflation readings suggest price growth may be moderating, offering some potential relief for the Fed and their decisions on monetary policy. Nationwide Senior Economist Ben Ayers and economist Daniel Vielhaber examine whether cooler inflation is reducing pressure on the Federal…
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Retirement lessons from Baby Boomers and the Great Wealth Transfer
As we continue our five-episode series on retirement and investment strategies across different generations, this episode focuses on Baby Boomers—many of whom are already retired or preparing for retirement. Another major trend is increasingly reshaping the financial landscape: The Great Wealth...
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Fed's family fight yields few details
Fed Chair Kevin Warsh led his second FOMC policy meeting this week. As expected, the committee kept the federal funds rate unchanged at 3.5% to 3.75%. In his press conference, Warsh briefly discussed the current state of the economy and responded to several questions regarding the debate within…
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Ag Market Outlook: Farming through uncertainty
Agriculture is an important sector of the U.S. economy, and farmers continue to face a challenging mix of market, financial, and weather-related pressures. Nationwide economists Ben Ayers and Daniel Vielhaber discuss the outlook for farm income, crop production, and agricultural markets and what...
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Inflation eases, but the Fed remains on watch
After inflation climbed three months in a row on rising energy prices, June provided a reversal of these trends. Investors are trying to gauge if and when the Fed may raise interest rates - especially since the renewed hostilities has sent energy prices higher again. Nationwide's Chief Economist...
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Scoring the economic impact of the World Cup
As North America hosts the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the United States is experiencing one of the largest sporting events in history - and the economic impact is expected to be massive with ripple effects reaching far beyond the stadiums. Jim McCoy (Nationwide's VP of Sports Marketing) and Oren…
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The American Economy at 250
Nationwide's Ben Ayers and Daniel Vielhaber discuss the economic perspectives of America 250 and how the economy has evolved over the years - from prices and population shifts to global influence and emerging industries. We’ll also explore how regional celebrations and global events like the…
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FOMC: Under new management
The FOMC just wrapped up its first meeting with new Fed Chair Kevin Warsh. What comments did Warsh provide on the state of the economy and where rates may be headed. Are hikes possibly in the future or could we see more cuts? What other changes could we see from the Fed under its new leader?...
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2026 Midyear Economic Roundtable
Nationwide recently hosted a Midyear Economic Roundtable on the economy and financial markets, with insight from Chief Economist Kathy Bostjancic, Chief Investment Officer Joel Coleman, Chief Market Strategist Mark Hackett, and Nationwide's Vice President of Government Relations Ben Brewster. The...
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Generational differences in planning for the future: Same goal, different paths
In this five-part series, we’ll explore how four generations—Baby Boomers, Gen X, Millennials, and Gen Z—are approaching retirement and investing. While each group faces different challenges, new research suggests they may be more alike than we think. In this episode, Nationwide's Chief Economist...
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Summer Travel Outlook: Strong demand meets higher costs
As we head into the summer travel season, demand remains strong—but higher prices and evolving economic conditions are shaping how Americans plan their trips. What impact is the World Cup having on the travel industry? Nationwide's Ben Ayers and Daniel Vielhaber provide their outlook for summer...
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Inflation heats up, odds for rate cuts cool
Nationwide's Chief Economist Kathy Bostjancic and Financial Market Economist Oren Klachkin share their analysis of April's CPI report, how the markets are reacting, and how this rise in inflation could impact the fed funds rate. [NFM-22911AO]
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With mortgage rates in the attic, are home sales stuck in the basement?
Nationwide's economists Ben Ayers and Daniel Vielhaber discuss the state of the housing market, exploring national trends, regional differences, policy impacts, and what lies ahead for housing in 2026 and beyond. [NFM-22911AO]
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Fed in transition while the equity market remains resilient
Nationwide’s Chief Economist Kathy Bostjancic and Chief Market Strategist Mark Hackett discuss the factors that drove the FOMC's decision to hold rates steady in April. Kathy provides an update on the leadership changes at the Fed and how that could influence future policy. Mark shares his…
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How the conflict in Iran is shaping the global economy
Nationwide's Rebecca Wilder, Josephine Shea, and Jake Bupp discuss the impact of the war in Iran on the global economy, how different regions are holding up, where economic stress is most visible, and how global markets are responding to overlapping shocks. [NFM-25266M4]
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Geopolitical pressures on the Ag industry
After several years of tightening margins, U.S. farmers are now grappling with the added impact of the war in Iran and shifting market dynamics. Bridge payments and ongoing Farm Bill negotiations in Congress are offering some relief—though financial stress remains elevated. Nationwide’s Senior...
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Larger tax refunds: Spend, save, or invest
As a benefit of last year's “One Big Beautiful Bill”, tax refunds are expected to be much larger this year - boosting consumer spending and providing incentives for businesses. Nationwide's Senior Economist, Ben Ayers, and Senior Director of Advanced Consulting Group, Tom Duncan, discuss what…
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Liberation Day: One Year Later
It’s been one year since “Liberation Day” (April 2, 2025) when the White House announced a range of new tariffs on many of our global trading partners. Nationwide’s Chief Economist, Kathy Bostjancic, and Nationwide’s VP of Government Relations, Ben Brewster, unpack how tariff policy has evolved...
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Fed holds steady amid oil shocks and uncertainty
Nationwide's Kathy Bostjancic and Oren Klachkin break down the Fed’s decision to keep rates unchanged in March, the financial market's reaction, and what to watch for in the months ahead. We also examine how other major central banks’ decisions this week may reflect the broader health of the…
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How the surge in oil prices could refuel inflation
Geopolitical tensions have rattled energy markets this month—raising questions about what higher oil and gasoline costs could mean for inflation readings and the broader economic outlook. Nationwide's Senior Economist Ben Ayers and Economist Daniel Vielhaber share their insight on how oil prices...
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Patience over panic: Geopolitical impacts on the economy and financial market
In this timely episode, Nationwide’s Chief Economist Kathy Bostjancic and Chief Investment Officer of Nationwide Funds Chris Graham break down how the recent conflict in Iran is influencing the U.S. economy, global financial markets, and the Federal Reserve’s policy path. Together, they unpack…
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Core GDP remains solid, while tariff policies forced to pivot
Nationwide's Chief Economist Kathy Bostjancic and Financial Market Economist Oren Klachkin analyze the final GDP report from 2025 and examine the Supreme Court’s decision that ruled against the Trump administration’s IEEPA‑based tariffs. [NFM-22911AO]
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How the housing market is raising the roof on inflation
The housing market is one of the major drivers of today’s inflation trends, with affordability pressures touching millions of households. As home prices, rental rates, and borrowing costs continue to shift, understanding their impact on overall inflation is more important than ever. In this...
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America's Hiring Heatmap: Regional analysis of job growth
Nationwide Senior Economist Ben Ayers and Economist Daniel Vielhaber discuss the current state of the labor market, looking closely at hiring trends and the regions where the job market is growing the most. [NFM-22911AO]
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Mixed signals in the economy: hard vs soft data
Which direction is our economy heading? Some data show positive trends. But consumer and business surveys may provide a completely different view. Nationwide's Chief Economist Kathy Bostjancic and Financial Market Economist Oren Klachkin compare the hard and soft economic data and explain why…
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Signals from the Fed’s first meeting of 2026
Nationwide Financial Market Economist, Oren Klachkin, and Investment Leader and Head of Fixed Income for Nationwide, Brad Beman, discuss January's FOMC announcement to pause rate cuts, how the markets are responding, and when the Fed could cut rates again. [NFM-22911AO]
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Auto Market Outlook: Driving toward affordability
Nationwide Senior Economist Ben Ayers and Economist Daniel Vielhaber discuss the current state of the auto industry, impact from tariffs, affordability concerns for consumers, and the outlook for 2026. [NFM-22911AO]
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Encouraging signals from inflation and employment
Nationwide's Chief Economist Kathy Bostjancic and Financial Markets Economist Oren Klachkin analyze December's inflation and employment reports and how they could impact the markets and the Fed's decision on interest rates. [NFM-22911AO]
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Your guide to 2026: Economic and financial market outlook
Nationwide hosted a forum on the economic and financial market outlook for 2026, featuring Chief Economist Kathy Bostjancic, Chief Investment Officer Joel Coleman, Chief Market Strategist Mark Hackett, Nationwide's Vice President of Government Relations Ben Brewster, and Senior Economist Ben…
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2026 Tax Law Changes: Impact on Growth and Investments
Kathy Bostjancic (Nationwide's Chief Economist), Ben Brewster (Vice President of Government Relations), and Tom Duncan (Senior Director, Advanced Consulting Group) explore how the tax law changes from the One Big Beautiful Bill Act could shape the economy, influence planning strategies, and…
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Fed cuts rates but signals a pause is likely
Nationwide's Chief Economist Kathy Bostjancic and Head of Enterprise Portfolio Management Leo Svoboda discuss December's cut in the fed funds rate, its effect on long-term rates, and their outlook on additional rate cuts in 2026. [NFM-22911AO]
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Can deregulation be the key to home affordability?
Nationwide's Senior Economist Ben Ayers and Economist Daniel Vielhaber discuss the impact that deregulation could have on home construction, the prospect of a 50-year mortgage, and how these factors could improve the supply and affordability of homes. [NFM-22911AO]
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Holiday Shopping Outlook: Why Santa may tighten his belt this year
The turkey is carved, the traffic is wild, and deals are in flight—will shoppers go big or keep budgets tight? Nationwide's Ben Ayers and Daniel Vielhaber join the cheer, to unwrap if inflation will Grinch up the year. From Black Friday frenzies to tariffs that bite, we’ll sleigh through the...
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Labor market insights beyond the government data
The labor market has slowed down this year, contributing to recent cuts in the fed funds rate. What seems to be contributing to lower job numbers? How are economists and the Fed able to assess the strength of the labor market without the BLS employment report – which has been halted by the...
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Signals from the ballot box: Gridlock, Shutdown, and the Supreme Court's Tariff Test
Nationwide’s Chief Economist Kathy Bostjancic and Vice President of Government Relations Ben Brewster unpack November's election results, the record-breaking government shutdown, the Supreme Court’s pivotal hearing on tariffs, and the economic implications of these developments. [NFM-22911AO]
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The Fed’s blindfolded balancing act
When the data go dark, how does the Fed keep its balance? Nationwide's Chief Economist Kathy Bostjancic and Nationwide's Chief Market Strategist Mark Hackett explore the risks, rationale, and ripple effects of the FOMC's recent policy decisions made during the ongoing government shutdown....
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Living longer, saving smarter
The number of Americans living to age 100 is growing and expected to quadruple in the next 30 years. Kevin Jestice (President, Nationwide Retirement Solutions) and Kathy Bostjancic (Nationwide's Chief Economist) discuss the prospect of living longer and its impact on retirement planning....
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Global uncertainty and emerging markets
Nationwide Financial Market Economist Oren Klachkin, Head of Emerging Markets at Nationwide Investments Rebecca Wilder, and Senior Emerging Markets Analyst Josephine Shea explore the dynamic - and often unpredictable world of emerging markets and global economic trends. [NFM-22911AO]
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Shutdown Economics
Nationwide's Chief Economist Kathy Bostjancic, Nationwide's VP of Government Relations Ben Brewster, and Financial Markets Economist Oren Klachkin discuss the government shutdown and its impact on economic growth, the labor market, and the FOMC's ability to assess inflation and employment ahead…
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Can manufacturing reverse its post-pandemic slowdown?
The Manufacturing sector has been in contraction due to weaker global demand following the pandemic. What additional impact are the new tariffs having? What can manufacturers do to navigate the current volatile conditions? Nationwide's Senior Economist Ben Ayers and Manufacturing Lead and...