PODCAST · news
Everyday Economics
by The Center Square
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.
Episodes
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Stuck in Your 3% Mortgage? Here’s What Moving Really Costs in 2026
Is this finally a buyer’s market? Not yet, but it’s getting closer. With mortgage rates above 7%, buyers are pulling back, and homeowners locked into 3% rates from 2021 have little reason to sell. On this episode of Everyday Economics from The Center Square, publisher Chris Krug and PhD economist...
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Should You Buy a Car Now or Wait? Fed Rate Hike Explained
The Fed raised rates again, but not everyone feels it the same way. Savers and investors may be coming out ahead, while renters, borrowers, and lower-income households are getting squeezed. On this episode of Everyday Economics from The Center Square, publisher Chris Krug and PhD economist Dr....
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Why High Interest Rates Are Putting Commercial Real Estate Under Pressure
Higher interest rates are creating a growing challenge for commercial real estate as loans mature and property values fall. On this episode of Everyday Economics, Chris Krug and Dr. Orphe Divounguy break down what happens when an office or apartment building owner has to refinance at today's…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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...
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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...
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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…
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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...
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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…
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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....
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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…
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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...
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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...
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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…
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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...
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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…
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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...
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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...
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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...
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$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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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…
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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…
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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…
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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...
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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…
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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...
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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...
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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,...
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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…
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Jobs Are Drying Up, Housing Is Stuck, and the Fed Is Divided... What Comes Next?
Join economist Dr. Orphe Divounguy and Chris Krug as they discuss what comes next in with the economy, 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,...
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GDP Is Booming… So Why Does the Labor Market Feel So Weak
Join economist Dr. Orphe Divounguy and Chris Krug as they discuss Labor 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...
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The Hottest Housing Markets of 2026— And Why the Northeast Is Back
Join economist Dr. Orphe Divounguy and Chris Krug as they discuss Housing Markets of 2026, 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...
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Why the Economic Recovery Isn’t Working for Everyone.
Join economist Dr. Orphe Divounguy and Chris Krug as they discuss economic recovery, 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…
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Reflecting on MLK Jr. Day: The Economic Cost of Discrimination
Join economist Dr. Orphe Divounguy and Chris Krug as they discuss the economic costs of discrimination, the progress that has been made, and some problems that persist on this episode of Everyday Economics! Everyday Economics is an unrehearsed, free-flow discussion of the economic news shaping…
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Maduro Arrested: The Economics of Regime Change in Venezuela
Join economist Dr. Orphe Divounguy and Chris Krug as they discuss the regime change in Venezuela 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…
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Are Taxpayers Losing on Billion Dollar NFL Stadiums?
Join economist Dr. Orphe Divounguy and Chris Krug as they discuss the NFL stadium boom in 2026 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...
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
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.
HOSTED BY
The Center Square
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does Everyday Economics have?
Everyday Economics currently has 572 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is Everyday Economics about?
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.
How often does Everyday Economics release new episodes?
Everyday Economics releases new episodes frequently with a large back catalog of 572 episodes. Check the episode list for recent publication dates.
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You can listen to Everyday Economics on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts Everyday Economics?
Everyday Economics is created and hosted by The Center Square.
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