Stagflation Conversations with Fexingo: High Inflation, Slow Growth, and 1970s Echoes

Episode 60 of Stagflation Conversations with Fexingo looks at how persistent high inflation and sluggish growth are forcing craft breweries to adapt or close. Lucas and Luna examine the spike in barley and hop costs, the shift from taproom sales to canned beer, and how smaller brewers are using contract brewing and direct-to-consumer subscription models to survive. They reference recent CPI data showing food-at-home prices up 1.8% year-over-year, and the real GDP growth rate of just 1.6% annualized in Q1 2026. The conversation also touches on the 'hazebro' wars and why price-to-earnings ratios for publicly traded craft brewers have compressed. A must-listen for anyone in the beverage industry or curious about how small businesses navigate stagflation. #Stagflation #CraftBeer #BrewingIndustry #Inflation #EconomicSlowdown #SmallBusiness #LucasAndLuna #FexingoBusiness #BusinessPodcast #Economics #CPI #GDP #SupplyChain #PricingPower #Subscriptions #Hops #Barley #BreweryClosures Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo

Lucas and Luna examine how stagflation is distorting the luxury watch market, from Rolex and Patek Philippe to secondary-market corrections. They discuss why high inflation is pushing money into hard assets while slow growth is cooling the speculative frenzy, with specific data on the Bloomberg Subdial Watch Index dropping 12 percent year-over-year. The episode also touches on central bank policies and how the Fed's new chair, Kevin Warsh, is influencing expectations. Finally, they tie the conversation to listener support, explaining how small contributions keep the show ad-free and independent. #LuxuryWatches #Stagflation #Economics #Rolex #PatekPhilippe #HardAssets #SubdialWatchIndex #Inflation #SlowGrowth #FedPolicy #KevinWarsh #InvestmentTrends #SecondaryMarket #Collectibles #BusinessPodcast #FexingoBusiness #MacroEconomics #LuxuryGoods Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo

Episode 58 of our stagflation series dives into a surprising beneficiary of slow growth and persistent inflation: the corporate bond market. With the S&P 500 at 7,420 and the Dow at 51,493, yields have climbed, and companies are rushing to lock in long-term debt before rates rise further. Lucas and Luna explore why investment-grade issuance surged 18% year-over-year in Q2 2026, how the 10-year breakeven inflation rate at 2.26% is reshaping investor demand, and what this means for portfolios in a stagflationary environment. They also unpack the role of the Fed's new chair, Kevin Warsh, and the recent UK inflation hold at 2.8% as global context. A must-listen for fixed-income investors and anyone trying to navigate the bond market in 2026. #Stagflation #CorporateBonds #FixedIncome #BondMarket #Inflation #KevinWarsh #FederalReserve #InvestmentGrade #YieldCurve #PortfolioStrategy #Economics #Business #Investing #FexingoBusiness #BusinessPodcast #MarketAnalysis #DebtMarkets #MacroEconomics Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo

Lucas and Luna explore how persistent high inflation and slow growth are driving a quiet resurgence in barter and trade exchanges. With CPI at 334 and core inflation sticky, more small businesses and individuals are swapping services directly to sidestep cash erosion. The hosts cite a recent survey showing 1 in 5 freelancers now barter for at least some income, and discuss platforms like TradeBee that facilitate peer-to-peer exchanges. They also touch on how this trend echoes the 1970s, when barter networks flourished during the last major stagflation. Luna shares an anecdote about a graphic designer trading branding work for dental services. The episode anchors on today's economic data: the ten-year breakeven inflation rate has dipped slightly to 2.29 percent, but real GDP growth remains sluggish at 1.6 percent, creating conditions where non-cash transactions make sense. Lucas connects the rise in barter to declining purchasing power, especially for services. The conversation closes with a forward-looking question about whether this is a cyclical blip or a structural shift in how value is exchanged. #BarterEconomy #Stagflation #Inflation #TradeExchanges #SmallBusiness #Freelancers #NonCashTransactions #TradeBee #PurchasingPower #ServicesSwap #1970sEcho #RealGDP #CPI #BreakevenInflation #EconomicHistory #Economics #FexingoBusiness #BusinessPodcast Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo

In this episode, Lucas and Luna examine the disconnect between gold's price surge and the broader stagflationary environment. On June 17, 2026, gold futures hit $4,347 an ounce, up over 3% in a week, while the GDX gold miners ETF has soared 18.2% in just five days. They explore why mining stocks are outpacing physical gold, the role of operating leverage and falling real rates, and whether the rally is sustainable if economic growth remains tepid. With unemployment flat at 4.3% and core CPI still rising, the hosts dissect what this means for investors. Lucas traces the historical precedent from the 1970s, while Luna questions whether today's high valuations already price in perfection. They also touch on the impact of energy costs on mining margins. This episode is part of the Stagflation Conversations with Fexingo podcast series. #GoldMining #Stagflation #GDX #GoldPrices #Inflation #EconomicGrowth #MiningStocks #OperatingLeverage #RealRates #FederalReserve #CPI #Unemployment #GoldMinersETF #1970sEchoes #Commodities #Economics #FexingoBusiness #BusinessPodcast Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo

Lucas and Luna explore how stagflation is driving demand for vintage comic books as an alternative asset. With consumer prices rising 4.2% annually and real GDP growth stuck at 1.6%, investors are turning to collectibles. Lucas breaks down the 2025 Heritage Auctions sale of a 1939 Detective Comics #27 for $1.5 million, while Luna examines the conversion of comic book specialty shops into de facto galleries and the rise of graded-slab investing. They discuss how the 1970s comic boom parallels today, and why first appearances of characters like Spider-Man and Black Panther have outperformed the S&P 500 over the past five years. The episode also touches on the role of CGC grading, the liquidity challenges of collectibles, and whether this market has room to run. #ComicBooks #Stagflation #AlternativeAssets #Collectibles #HeritageAuctions #CGC #DetectiveComics27 #SpiderMan #BlackPanther #Investing #InflationHedge #Economics #FexingoBusiness #BusinessPodcast #LucasAndLuna #StagflationConversations #VintageComics #GradedSlabs Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo

Episode 53 of Stagflation Conversations with Fexingo examines how high inflation and slow growth are hitting home renovations. Lucas and Luna break down the latest data: lumber prices up 22% year-over-year, contractor wait times stretching to six months, and the DIY boom fizzling as real wages fall. They explore why homeowners are choosing smaller projects over full gut jobs, how the 1970s remodel playbook offers lessons, and whether the market is heading for a correction. Specific numbers and real-world examples ground the conversation, from a typical kitchen reno costing $55,000 to the surprising resilience of high-end window replacements. No fluff, just concrete economics. #Stagflation #HomeRenovation #Inflation #Construction #LumberPrices #ContractorShortage #DIY #HomeImprovement #RealEstate #1970sEchoes #SupplyChain #LaborMarket #CoreCPI #PCE #PersonalFinance #Economics #FexingoBusiness #BusinessPodcast Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo

Episode 52 of Stagflation Conversations with Fexingo examines silver's dual identity as both an industrial metal and a monetary hedge during the current high-inflation, slow-growth environment. With silver prices surging 8.6% in the past week alone to $70.15 per ounce, Lucas and Luna break down what's driving the rally: industrial demand from solar and electronics versus investor fear of persistent inflation. They explore whether this run has legs or echoes silver's boom-bust history. The episode also ties the discussion to the broader economic backdrop: CPI running at 4.2% annually, real GDP growth at just 1.6%, and the ECB hiking rates for the first time since 2023. A fresh angle for a show that's already covered gold, fine wine, used cars, and pet food. #Silver #Stagflation #PreciousMetals #IndustrialMetals #InflationHedge #CPI #RealGDP #ECB #SolarEnergy #Electronics #SupplyChain #Commodities #FexingoBusiness #BusinessPodcast #Economics #SilverRally #MonetaryPolicy #GoldAlternative Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo

In this episode of Stagflation Conversations, Lucas and Luna examine how persistent high inflation and sluggish growth are forcing companies to rethink subscription pricing. With May 2026 CPI hitting 4.2% annually—the highest in three years—firms from streaming services to software providers are abandoning fixed annual plans for dynamic pricing tiers. The hosts break down Netflix's 2024 price restructuring as a case study, compare it to the 1970s gym membership pivot, and explain why the average consumer is now paying 11% more for the same digital services. They also reference the ECB's first rate hike since 2023 and rising wholesale prices as signals that stagflation isn't fading. A practical look at how inflation math is rewriting the fine print of every subscription you own. #Stagflation #SubscriptionPricing #Netflix #Inflation #CPI #ECB #DynamicPricing #ConsumerBehavior #Economics #FexingoBusiness #BusinessPodcast #PricingStrategy #1970sEconomics #CostOfLiving #DigitalServices #WholesalePrices #RateHike #StagflationConversations Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo

Lucas and Luna examine how stagflation is transforming wholesale energy markets, using the latest data: the ECB's first rate hike since 2023, a 1.1% surge in wholesale prices driven by energy, and rising CPI at 4.2%. They focus on the structural shift in how manufacturers and utilities are locking in long-term contracts, drawing parallels to 1970s hedging strategies but with modern financial instruments. The episode includes a specific case of a German chemical firm that locked in fixed-price power deals, and what that means for broader inflation dynamics. Listeners learn why wholesale energy trading volumes have spiked 40% year-over-year and how this creates a buffer—or a lag—for consumer prices. #WholesaleEnergy #Stagflation #Inflation #ECBRateHike #EnergyContracts #CPI #PPI #Germany #ChemicalIndustry #Hedging #EnergyMarkets #1970sEchoes #Economics #Business #FexingoBusiness #BusinessPodcast #SupplyChain #CentralBankPolicy Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo

Lucas and Luna examine how stagflation is transforming wholesale energy markets, using the latest data: the ECB's first rate hike since 2023, a 1.1% surge in wholesale prices driven by energy, and rising CPI at 4.2%. They focus on the structural shift in how manufacturers and utilities are locking in long-term contracts, drawing parallels to 1970s hedging strategies but with modern financial instruments. The episode includes a specific case of a German chemical firm that locked in fixed-price power deals, and what that means for broader inflation dynamics. Listeners learn why wholesale energy trading volumes have spiked 40% year-over-year and how this creates a buffer—or a lag—for consumer prices. #WholesaleEnergy #Stagflation #Inflation #ECBRateHike #EnergyContracts #CPI #PPI #Germany #ChemicalIndustry #Hedging #EnergyMarkets #1970sEchoes #Economics #Business #FexingoBusiness #BusinessPodcast #SupplyChain #CentralBankPolicy Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo

Gold prices have surged past $4,200 an ounce, but gold mining stocks aren't keeping pace. Lucas and Luna explore the disconnect: why miners are struggling with rising costs, supply chain bottlenecks, and labor shortages even as bullion hits record highs. They unpack the specific margin squeeze facing companies like Newmont and Barrick Gold, and what the diverging performance of gold ETFs versus mining stocks tells us about stagflation's uneven impact. Using fresh data from June 2026—including a 2.8% weekly drop in gold futures and a 1.7% gain in the GDX mining index—they examine whether this is a structural shift or a buying opportunity. If you're watching the gold rally and wondering why the miners aren't joining the party, this episode explains the paradox. #GoldMining #Stagflation #GoldPrices #Newmont #BarrickGold #MiningStocks #Inflation #SupplyChain #LaborShortage #GDX #GLD #Commodities #Economics #Investing #FexingoBusiness #BusinessPodcast #GoldMiners #MarginSqueeze Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo

Episode 48 of Stagflation Conversations with Fexingo: Lucas and Luna drill into the homeowners insurance market, where premiums have jumped 22% over the past year—outpacing even the general inflation rate. They unpack how persistent high inflation and slow growth are forcing insurers to reassess risk models, especially for catastrophe-prone states like Florida and California. Lucas cites a recent 4.2% CPI print and notes that construction cost inflation is a key driver, while Luna flags the uptick in job openings and what it means for affordability. The hosts compare today's landscape to the 1970s, when stagflation reshaped insurance regulation, and discuss whether the current cycle will lead to a government backstop or a private-market correction. A focused, data-rich conversation for anyone feeling the pinch at renewal time. #HomeownersInsurance #Stagflation #InsurancePremiums #Inflation #FloridaInsurance #CaliforniaInsurance #ConstructionCosts #CPI #ClimateRisk #Regulation #Economics #PropertyInsurance #Reinsurance #RiskModeling #FexingoBusiness #BusinessPodcast #Podcast #InsuranceMarket Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo

Episode 47 digs into a surprising casualty of stagflation: premium chocolate. With CPI at 4.2% annually and cocoa prices surging, luxury chocolate makers face a margin squeeze. Lucas and Luna examine how brands like Lindt and smaller craft producers are navigating rising ingredient costs and shifting consumer behavior. They discuss price elasticity in luxury goods, the role of shrinkflation, and whether the 'affordable luxury' tag still holds. Tied to current data—core CPI at 336.1 and PCE at 130.9—this episode offers a concrete case study in how high inflation and slow growth reshape everyday indulgences. #Stagflation #Economics #PremiumChocolate #Lindt #CocoaPrices #CPI #Inflation #LuxuryGoods #Shrinkflation #ConsumerBehavior #PriceElasticity #PCE #FexingoBusiness #BusinessPodcast #SupplyChain #CraftChocolate #AffordableLuxury #MarginPressure Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo

Inflation is running at 4.2%, GDP growth is barely 1.6%, and cocoa futures have more than doubled since early 2025. That combination is forcing premium chocolate makers to make tough choices. Lucas and Luna dig into a specific case: how a century-old Swiss chocolatier, Lindt & Sprüngli, is navigating stagflation by raising prices, shrinking bar sizes, and betting that luxury chocolate behaves more like a luxury good than a grocery staple. They unpack the economics of 'shrinkflation' in the confectionery aisle, why cocoa supply is tightening, and what the data says about whether consumers will keep paying $12 for a bar when their grocery bill is up 20%. Along the way, they connect the dots to the broader stagflation theme — what happens when a 'small luxury' becomes the last thing people give up. #Economics #Stagflation #Inflation #Cocoa #LuxuryGoods #Shrinkflation #Lindt #ConsumerBehavior #SupplyChain #Commodities #PremiumChocolate #SwissChocolate #FexingoBusiness #BusinessPodcast #CPI #RealGDP #PriceElasticity #TreatYourself Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo

In episode 45 of Stagflation Conversations with Fexingo, Lucas and Luna examine how persistent high inflation and slow growth are upending the home insurance industry. With consumer prices rising 4.2% annually in May 2026 and core inflation sticky, insurers are jacking up premiums, pulling out of high-risk states, and tightening underwriting. Lucas breaks down the data: replacement costs for building materials have surged over 30% since 2020, and reinsurance rates have nearly doubled, forcing carriers to recalculate risk models. Luna notes that in states like California and Florida, homeowners are seeing average premium hikes of 25% to 40%, and some can't find coverage at any price. The hosts discuss how this feeds back into the stagflation cycle, draining household budgets and dampening housing market activity. They also cover the rise of state-backed 'insurers of last resort' and the quiet shift toward parametric insurance products. A concrete look at an often-overlooked cost of stagflation. #HomeInsurance #Stagflation #Economics #Inflation #ClimateRisk #Reinsurance #HousingMarket #California #Florida #InsuranceCrisis #ParametricInsurance #FAIRPlan #BuildingCosts #CoreInflation #CPI #HouseholdBudget #FexingoBusiness #BusinessPodcast Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo

In this episode, Lucas and Luna explore how persistent stagflation is reshaping the restaurant industry, focusing on a specific case: the shift toward limited-service and fast-casual formats. With consumer prices up 4.2% annually in May 2026 and real GDP growth at just 1.6%, diners are trading down from full-service restaurants. The hosts examine how chains like Chipotle and Sweetgreen are expanding while traditional sit-down eateries struggle, using recent data on hourly earnings and job openings to paint a clear picture of the economic forces at play. They also discuss how restaurants are adapting with smaller footprints, automated ordering, and menu optimization to maintain margins. The episode offers a concrete, data-driven look at one sector's survival strategy in a slow-growth, high-inflation environment. #Stagflation #RestaurantIndustry #FastCasual #Chipotle #Sweetgreen #Inflation #ConsumerBehavior #TradingDown #LimitedService #Economics #BusinessStrategy #LaborMarket #FoodIndustry #MenuOptimization #Automation #FexingoBusiness #BusinessPodcast #EconomicsPodcast Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo

In episode 43 of Stagflation Conversations, Lucas and Luna examine how persistent high inflation and slow growth are transforming the used car market. With May CPI hitting 4.2%, the highest in three years, consumers are holding cars longer and demand for used vehicles is surging, pushing average prices up 15% year-over-year. The hosts explore how this is reshaping dealership models, with traditional used car lots pivoting to subscription services and longer-term rentals. They also discuss the impact on auto lenders, who are seeing higher delinquency rates as stretched households grapple with larger monthly payments. Specific data points include the 6.0% drop in the NASDAQ over the past week and the 4.3% unemployment rate. The episode closes with a reflection on the parallels to the 1970s and a listener-supported call to action. #Stagflation #UsedCars #AutoMarket #Inflation #CPI #CarPrices #AutoLoans #Dealerships #SubscriptionModel #ConsumerFinance #Economics #Podcast #FexingoBusiness #BusinessPodcast #1970sEchoes #HighInflation #SlowGrowth #JobMarket Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo

In this episode, Lucas and Luna explore how stagflation is reshaping higher education in the US, creating a two-tier system: elite universities with massive endowments remain insulated, while community colleges and regional public universities face enrollment freezes and budget cuts. Drawing on recent data—including the April CPI at 332.4 and the 4.3% unemployment rate—they discuss how rising costs and stagnant wages are pushing students toward cheaper, career-oriented programs, while affluent families continue to pay full freight at top-tier schools. The episode also examines the ripple effects on student debt, campus hiring, and long-term economic mobility. A focused look at one concrete number: the 1.6% annualized real GDP growth in Q1 2026, which underscores the slow-growth environment that is widening the educational divide. #Stagflation #HigherEducation #TwoTierCollegeSystem #CommunityColleges #EliteUniversities #StudentDebt #EconomicMobility #CPI #GDPGrowth #UnemploymentRate #SlowGrowth #CampusHiring #TuitionCosts #Endowments #PublicUniversities #Economics #FexingoBusiness #BusinessPodcast Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo

With the S&P 500 down 2.3% in five days and gold sliding 4.2%, the classic stagflation playbook seems to be failing. Lucas and Luna examine why gold, traditionally a stagflation hedge, is losing its luster while the Nasdaq drops 4.4%. They drill into the disconnect between rising CPI, still-high job openings, and falling commodity prices—and what it means for investors trying to navigate an environment that echoes the 1970s but behaves very differently. Lucas traces the history of gold's 1970s bull run, why the current macroeconomic picture doesn't match that era's conditions, and where he's seeing real inflation protection today. Luna pushes back on the 'buy gold and wait' narrative, pointing to real yields and dollar strength. A focused, historically grounded conversation with specific data points from June 2026. #Stagflation #Gold #Inflation #Investing #1970s #RealYields #FederalReserve #CPI #Nasdaq #PortfolioStrategy #Commodities #DollarStrength #Hedge #Macro #Economics #FexingoBusiness #BusinessPodcast #Fexingo Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo

Episode 40 of Stagflation Conversations with Fexingo examines how persistent inflation and slow growth are transforming the pet food industry. Lucas and Luna break down why premium pet food sales are surging even as households cut back elsewhere, and how major manufacturers are reformulating products to manage costs without losing customers. They reference the New York Fed survey showing household financial worries at a three-year high, while pet ownership remains near record levels. The hosts discuss the 'humanization' trend that keeps pet spending resilient, and the shift toward alternative proteins and functional ingredients. They also explore how smaller brands are gaining market share by offering budget-friendly options, while giants like Nestlé and Mars adjust their portfolios. A concrete look at a $150 billion global industry navigating stagflation's cross-currents. This episode is produced by the Fexingo Business podcast network. #Stagflation #PetFood #Inflation #ConsumerSpending #Economics #PetIndustry #PremiumPetFood #Humanization #Business #Finance #MarsPetcare #NestlePurina #GDPNow #CPI #SupplyChain #FexingoBusiness #BusinessPodcast #StagflationConversations Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo

Lucas and Luna explore how high inflation and sluggish growth are driving investors away from traditional hedges like gold and into alternative assets — specifically, fine wine. With the S&P 500 down 2.5% in a week and gold miner stocks plunging over 10%, the hosts examine the Liv-ex Fine Wine 1000 index, which has gained 8% year to date. They discuss why Bordeaux and Burgundy are outperforming, the rise of wine-as-collateral loans, and a quirky new ETF tracking the top 100 wines. Lucas also shares a story about a New York hedge fund that parked $50 million in a climate-controlled cellar near Geneva. The episode closes with a look at whether this bubble is sustainable. #FineWine #Stagflation #AlternativeInvestments #WineMarket #LivEx #Bordeaux #Burgundy #WineETF #InflationHedge #AssetAllocation #GoldMinerStocks #SP500 #Economics #InvestmentTrends #LuxuryGoods #FexingoBusiness #BusinessPodcast #StagflationConversations Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo

Episode 38 of Stagflation Conversations with Fexingo digs into a striking trend: while the headline unemployment rate sits at 4.3% and payrolls keep growing, the long-term unemployed — those out of work for 27 weeks or more — are stacking up faster than in any recovery since the 1980s. Lucas and Luna connect the dots between the latest JOLTS data showing 7.6 million openings and the harder reality for workers who've been job hunting for months. They explore why employers in a stagflation environment favor the newly unemployed over those with gaps, and how this two-tier dynamic mirrors the late 1970s. The conversation lands on the hidden structural cost: skills erosion, diminished bargaining power, and a workforce that's less responsive to the next upturn. Anchored to the June 2026 economic picture, this episode offers a specific, data-driven look at a labor market divide that rarely makes the front page. #Stagflation #Economics #LaborMarket #LongTermUnemployment #JOLTS #JobOpenings #UnemploymentRate #HiringBias #SkillsErosion #TwoTierLaborMarket #1970sParallels #HiddenUnemployment #WorkforceTrends #FexingoBusiness #BusinessPodcast #EconomicDivide #StructuralUnemployment #June2026 Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo

In this episode of Stagflation Conversations, Lucas and Luna examine the surge in long-term unemployment, which recent data shows is climbing even as the headline jobless rate holds at 4.3 percent. They break down why workers unemployed for 27 weeks or more face a uniquely punishing dynamic in a slow-growth, high-inflation environment: skills erosion that accelerates faster than normal cycles, a shrinking pool of employers willing to hire gaps, and a deterioration in real earnings that outpaces short-term job seekers. The discussion anchors on the latest JOLTS data showing 7.6 million job openings alongside 225,000 initial claims, and how these numbers paint a deceptive picture of labor market health. Lucas drills into the government's role through extended unemployment benefits, the political pressure to tighten eligibility, and the perverse effect where benefits themselves can lock workers into poverty traps. Luna challenges whether current retraining programs are fit for purpose. This is a focused, data-rich look at the structural scar that stagflation leaves on the workforce. #LongTermUnemployment #Stagflation #LaborMarket #JOLTS #Unemployment #Economics #FexingoBusiness #BusinessPodcast #Inflation #SlowGrowth #SkillsErosion #ExtendedBenefits #JobOpenings #InitialClaims #StructuralUnemployment #Retraining #Policy #HiddenCosts Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo

In this episode, Lucas and Luna dig into a surprising divide in today's labor market: while the unemployment rate sits at 4.3%, long-term unemployment is surging and initial jobless claims just jumped to 225,000. Using fresh data from the May ADP report (122,000 private payrolls added, stronger than expected) and the latest JOLTS numbers (7.6 million openings, up from 6.9 million), they explore why some workers are thriving while others are stuck on the sidelines for months. Lucas argues that stagflation is creating a 'two-tier' workforce, where high inflation erodes real wages for the employed even as structural shifts—like the fading of pandemic-era service jobs—leave others permanently disconnected. Luna pushes back, asking whether the rise in long-term unemployment is really a demand problem or a skills mismatch. They reference the 1970s pattern where low growth and high prices coexisted with a 'jobless recovery' and discuss what today's data says about the Fed's next move. The conversation is grounded in the latest figures, including the April CPI at 332.4 and core PCE at 129.6, without veering into stale talking points. #Stagflation #LaborMarket #LongTermUnemployment #JoblessClaims #ADPPayrolls #JOLTS #USJobs #Inflation #Economy #FederalReserve #TwoTierLaborMarket #RealWages #SkillsMismatch #1970sEchoes #Economics #FexingoBusiness #BusinessPodcast #StagflationConversations Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo

In this episode of Stagflation Conversations with Fexingo, Lucas and Luna explore how the current high-inflation, slow-growth environment is quietly reshaping the way workers change jobs. With unemployment at 4.3 percent, job openings still elevated at 7.6 million, and real wage growth barely keeping pace with CPI, the traditional calculus of job hopping for a raise is breaking down. Lucas breaks down new data from the ADP payroll report showing that private payrolls grew by 122,000 in May, but the composition of that hiring is shifting toward lower-wage sectors and temp workers. Meanwhile, Luna points out that the share of voluntary quits has dropped to its lowest level since 2020, as workers cling to stability over a marginal pay bump. The hosts discuss how this trend is creating a sticky labor market with surprising consequences for productivity and wage inflation. They also examine whether the era of the 'Great Resignation' is officially over, and what that means for both employees and employers navigating stagflation. #Stagflation #JobHopping #LaborMarket #WageGrowth #ADPReport #QuitRate #EconomicTrends #Business #Economics #Inflation #Unemployment #JobOpenings #Workers #GreatResignation #Payrolls #Productivity #FexingoBusiness #BusinessPodcast Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo

In this episode of Stagflation Conversations, Lucas and Luna examine the surprising surge in enrollment at community colleges amid persistent high inflation and slow growth. With real GDP growing at only 1.6% annually and the unemployment rate holding at 4.3%, more workers are returning to school for retraining, especially at two-year institutions. Lucas points to a 12% enrollment jump at community colleges nationally, driven by older students seeking skills in healthcare, IT, and trades. Luna notes the flip side: rising tuition and textbook costs are squeezing budgets, even as federal Pell Grants haven't kept pace with inflation. The hosts explore whether this boom is a durable shift or a cyclical response, and what it means for the broader economy, from local labor markets to student debt trends. They also touch on how colleges are adapting with more online and evening programs to accommodate working adults. A focused look at one concrete effect of stagflation on education. #Stagflation #CommunityCollege #EnrollmentBoom #Economics #HigherEducation #WorkforceTraining #Inflation #SlowGrowth #PellGrants #StudentDebt #HealthcareTraining #ITSkills #Trades #LaborMarket #Retraining #FexingoBusiness #BusinessPodcast #EducationEconomics Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo

Episode 33 digs into a quiet but growing burden in this stagflationary economy: long-term unemployment. With the unemployment rate stuck at 4.3 percent and JOLTS job openings rising to 7.6 million, the number of Americans out of work for more than six months is climbing. Lucas and Luna explore how this shifts costs onto state unemployment insurance systems, local social services, and workers' long-term earnings potential. They reference data from the May 2026 jobs report preview, the surge in initial jobless claims to 225,000, and the hidden costs of skill depreciation. The conversation also touches on how employers are using the tight labor market to cherry-pick shorter-term unemployed candidates, leaving the long-term jobless trapped in a cycle that echoes the 1970s stagflation playbook. #Stagflation #LongTermUnemployment #JoblessClaims #LaborMarket #HiddenCosts #Economics #FexingoBusiness #BusinessPodcast #UnemploymentInsurance #SkillsGap #JOLTS #MayJobsReport #ADPPayrolls #Workforce #Inflation #SlowGrowth #1970sEchoes #HiringBias Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo

Episode 32 of Stagflation Conversations with Fexingo explores a hidden cost of today's slow-growth, high-inflation environment: the surge in long-term unemployment. With the unemployment rate at 4.3 percent but initial jobless claims rising to 225,000, Lucas and Luna drill into new data showing that workers out of work for 27 weeks or more are piling up. They examine how this structural shift affects everything from skill erosion to consumer spending patterns, and why the 1970s stagflation playbook doesn't quite fit. A must-listen for anyone trying to understand the real economy behind the headline numbers. #StagflationConversations #Economics #LongTermUnemployment #Stagflation #LaborMarket #JOLTS #JoblessClaims #StructuralUnemployment #FedPolicy #CPI #GDPGrowth #1970sEchoes #FexingoBusiness #BusinessPodcast #LucasAndLuna #Macro #Inflation #LaborForce Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo

Lucas and Luna examine how stagnant wages and persistent inflation are forcing companies to rethink tuition reimbursement benefits. With the unemployment rate at 4.3 percent and job openings surging to 7.6 million, employers are using education perks to attract and retain talent. But as budgets tighten in a slow-growth environment, some firms are capping benefits or shifting to shorter-term credentials. The hosts explore the trade-offs for workers and companies, drawing on data from the latest JOLTS report and CPI figures showing core inflation above 3 percent. They also discuss the hidden costs of long-term unemployment and how education benefits might be a lifeline for displaced workers. #Stagflation #TuitionReimbursement #EmployeeBenefits #Inflation #SlowGrowth #LaborMarket #JOLTS #CPI #Unemployment #Retention #Upskilling #Credentials #HumanResources #Economics #FexingoBusiness #BusinessPodcast #StagflationConversations #EducationBenefits Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo

In this episode of Stagflation Conversations with Fexingo, Lucas and Luna explore how stagflation is fueling a surge in furniture rental subscriptions. With high inflation, slow growth, and rising interest rates, consumers are increasingly opting for monthly payments on sofas, beds, and dining sets rather than making large upfront purchases. The hosts reference recent data showing job openings at 7.6 million and average hourly earnings at $37.40, which, when combined with persistent inflation, make cash-intensive purchases harder to justify. They discuss how companies like Feather and CORT have grown by offering flexibility during economic uncertainty, and how this trend mirrors the broader shift from ownership to access in durable goods. Lucas contrasts the total cost of ownership versus renting over five years, highlighting how for many households, renting furniture now makes financial sense even in the long run. The episode also touches on the implications for traditional furniture retailers and the broader economy. A donation segment near the end reminds listeners that the show is ad-free and supported by contributions at buymeacoffee.com/fexingo. #StagflationConversations #Stagflation #RentalFurniture #Feather #CORT #ConsumerBehavior #Inflation #SlowGrowth #SubscriptionEconomy #RentalTrends #FurnitureIndustry #Economics #FexingoBusiness #BusinessPodcast #LucasAndLuna #JobOpenings #InflationData #DurableGoods Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo

Episode 29 of Stagflation Conversations with Fexingo dives into a corner of the economy that rarely makes headlines but is quietly being turned inside out by persistent high inflation and sluggish growth: industrial real estate. With core CPI still running at 3.2% and real GDP growth barely positive, the warehouse-and-factory floor has become a strange battleground. Lucas and Luna break down a specific case: how a mid-size logistics firm in Ohio just signed a 15-year lease at a 40% premium over its previous rent, and what that tells us about the broader shift. They connect the dots from rising construction costs and labor shortages to the surge in vacancy rates for older industrial properties, and explain why landlords are now demanding shorter lease terms and automatic rent escalators tied to CPI. The episode also touches on the ripple effects for small manufacturers and e-commerce fulfillment, and what the data says about the future of the industrial real estate market. No abstraction, just a concrete look at how stagflation is rewriting the rules for a sector worth over $1.5 trillion. #StagflationConversations #IndustrialRealEstate #CommercialRealEstate #Inflation #SlowGrowth #WarehouseMarket #Logistics #CPI #LeaseTerms #Manufacturing #ECommerce #Ohio #ConstructionCosts #VacancyRates #RealGDP #Economics #FexingoBusiness #BusinessPodcast Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo

Episode 28 of Stagflation Conversations with Fexingo. Lucas and Luna explore how persistent inflation and slow growth are squeezing the pet food industry. With the year-over-year CPI for pet food running at 8.6% — well above overall inflation — households are trading down from premium brands to private-label kibble. Major manufacturers like Nestlé Purina and Mars are seeing volume declines even as revenue rises. Meanwhile, startups focused on fresh and raw diets face a capital crunch. The hosts discuss how the 'humanization of pets' trend is hitting a stagflation wall, and what the shift means for pet nutrition, grocery margins, and the broader consumer economy. Anchored to the latest economic data as of June 3, 2026, including the April CPI print and the surprisingly strong JOLTS job openings figure. #Stagflation #PetFood #Inflation #ConsumerSpending #PrivateLabel #NestléPurina #MarsPetcare #PetEconomy #CPI #JOLTS #Economics #BusinessPodcast #FexingoBusiness #CostOfLiving #SupplyChain #StartupFunding #PetNutrition #TradingDown Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo

In this episode of Stagflation Conversations with Fexingo, Lucas and Luna explore how persistent high inflation and sluggish growth are upending the auto insurance market. With core inflation at 3.3% and real GDP growth limping at 1.6%, insurers face surging repair costs, rising medical payouts, and a claims frequency that defies recession logic. Lucas breaks down how State Farm and Allstate are hiking premiums by double digits, yet still losing underwriting margins. Luna points out that the JOLTS report showing 7.6 million job openings signals more drivers on the road, pushing claim volumes up. They also discuss the role of parts shortages from the Iran conflict, and why some regional insurers are pulling out of states entirely. The conversation closes with a look at newer pay-per-mile insurers like Metromile that may gain traction if premiums keep climbing. A sharp, data-driven look at a sector most drivers are feeling in their wallets. #Stagflation #AutoInsurance #Inflation #InsurancePremiums #StateFarm #Allstate #Metromile #UsedCarParts #IranWar #SupplyChain #Underwriting #PayPerMile #InsuranceRates #JOLTS #ClaimsCosts #Economics #FexingoBusiness #BusinessPodcast Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo

Episode 26 of Stagflation Conversations explores the quiet resurgence of barter networks as inflation and slow growth squeeze cash flow. Lucas and Luna dig into new data from the International Reciprocal Trade Association showing a 34% jump in barter transactions among small businesses since 2024. They discuss how platforms like Tradebank and IMS are seeing membership spikes, why a Tennessee HVAC contractor swapped furnace repairs for legal services, and what this tells us about trust in the dollar. Grounded in today's CPI of 332.4 and a 4.3% unemployment rate, the episode connects a 1970s survival tactic to a 2026 adaptation—without romanticizing it. A sharp, specific look at how people are rewriting the rules of exchange when money doesn't stretch as far. #Barter #Stagflation #Inflation #SmallBusiness #Economics #Tradebank #IRTA #CashFlow #InformalEconomy #AlternativeCurrency #SupplyChain #1970sEchoes #Hyperinflation #Trust #B2BNetworks #BusinessPodcast #FexingoBusiness #LucasAndLuna Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo

In episode 25 of Stagflation Conversations, Lucas and Luna explore how stagflation is pushing cities to overhaul property taxes on vacant land. With commercial vacancy rates soaring and municipal budgets squeezed, cities from San Francisco to Detroit are experimenting with land-value taxes and vacancy penalties. Lucas breaks down the economics: higher taxes on unused lots could unlock development, but also risk punishing landowners in slow-growth neighborhoods. Luna points to recent data: commercial real estate values have dropped 18% in some metros, making the tax base fragile. The episode uses the 2026 April CPI reading of 332.4 and the 4.3% unemployment rate as backdrop. No hot takes, just a clear look at a policy shift that could reshape urban landscapes. #Stagflation #Economics #PropertyTax #LandValueTax #VacantLand #UrbanPolicy #CommercialRealEstate #MunicipalFinance #SanFrancisco #Detroit #TaxPolicy #Housing #LocalGovernment #Inflation #SlowGrowth #Podcast #FexingoBusiness #BusinessPodcast Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo

In this episode of Stagflation Conversations, Lucas and Luna explore why the gold mining ETF GDX has surged over 5% in a single week while the broader market drifts sideways. With core inflation at 3.3% and GDP growth barely above 1.5%, investors are piling into hard assets. Lucas traces this back to the 1970s playbook when gold returned over 400% during the worst of stagflation. Luna questions whether the current geopolitical backdrop — including an ongoing conflict with Iran — is amplifying the move more than pure inflation data. They dissect GDX's performance, compare it to gold bullion itself, and ask whether holding miners actually hedges your portfolio or just adds leverage. Specific data points include: GDX up 5.3% over five days, gold at $4,537, and the S&P 500 sitting at 7,580. They also tie in a recent CNBC headline showing the average U.S. household paying $450 more annually on energy. A must-listen for anyone trying to understand whether the gold trade still has legs or if it's already getting crowded. #Gold #GDX #Stagflation #GoldMining #InflationHedge #HardAssets #GoldBugs #IranWar #EnergyInflation #CoreCPI #GDP #PortfolioStrategy #1970sPlaybook #PreciousMetals #Investing #Economics #FexingoBusiness #BusinessPodcast Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo

In this episode, Lucas and Luna explore a surprising consequence of stagflation: the surge in home renovation lending. With existing home sales stuck near historic lows and mortgage rates hovering above 7 percent, homeowners are choosing to renovate rather than move. The hosts examine data from the latest Federal Reserve survey on bank lending, which shows home improvement loan originations up 23 percent year-over-year in Q1 2026. They also discuss why the average renovation project now costs $42,000 and how HELOC volumes have hit their highest level since 2008. Lucas ties the trend to broader inflation dynamics — rising labor and material costs are pushing renovation budgets higher — while Luna questions whether the renovation boom is durable or just a temporary response to a frozen housing market. The episode closes with a look at how home improvement spending might shift if the economy tips into recession. #Stagflation #HomeRenovation #HELOC #HomeImprovement #HousingMarket #MortgageRates #Inflation #ConsumerSpending #FederalReserve #Lending #ConstructionCosts #LaborCosts #ExistingHomeSales #RenovationBoom #EconomicTrends #Economics #FexingoBusiness #BusinessPodcast Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo

Episode 22 of Stagflation Conversations digs into an overlooked casualty of the current economic climate: rural hospitals. With CPI at 332.4 and core inflation still above 3%, these facilities face a deadly combination of soaring supply costs, flat Medicare reimbursement rates, and shrinking patient volumes as locals delay care. Lucas and Luna examine a specific case—a 25-bed critical access hospital in Kansas that just closed its obstetrics unit—and trace how the macroeconomic squeeze shows up in real balance sheets. They discuss the 'cost-shift' phenomenon, where private insurers pay higher rates to offset government underpayment, and why that mechanism is breaking down as employer-based insurance shrinks. The conversation lands on whether rural healthcare is becoming a public utility by default, without the policy framework to support it. Anchored in April's core PCE reading of 3.3% and the Iran war energy shock adding $450 per household, this episode connects the biggest macro story of 2026 to a quietly unfolding crisis in America's heartland. #RuralHospitals #Stagflation #HealthcareEconomics #Inflation #Medicare #CostShift #Kansas #CriticalAccessHospitals #Obstetrics #SupplyChain #EnergyPrices #GeopoliticalRisk #CorePCE #FederalReserve #LaborMarket #Economics #FexingoBusiness #BusinessPodcast Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo

In this episode of Stagflation Conversations, Lucas and Luna explore the surprising resurgence of barter networks as both consumers and small businesses adapt to persistent high inflation and slow growth. With the latest CPI at 332.4 and core PCE running at 3.3% annually, more people are trading goods and services directly to preserve cash flow. Lucas digs into a specific barter platform in Ohio that saw membership surge 40% year-over-year, while Luna looks at how local businesses are using barter to move excess inventory. The conversation touches on the economics of barter, the tax implications, and what this trend says about consumer confidence in May 2026. A fresh angle on how stagflation is rewriting the rules of exchange. #Stagflation #Barter #Inflation #SlowGrowth #SmallBusiness #ConsumerBehavior #CashFlow #Economics #FexingoBusiness #BusinessPodcast #BarterNetwork #Ohio #CPIData #CorePCE #AlternativeEconomy #Trade #Inventory #LucasAndLuna Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo

In this episode of Stagflation Conversations with Fexingo, Lucas and Luna explore how persistent high inflation and sluggish growth are transforming the used car market. With April's core CPI at 3.3% and the unemployment rate holding at 4.3%, the hosts dive into why wholesale used car prices have been falling while retail prices stay stubbornly high. They examine how rising interest rates are crushing dealer financing margins, how consumers are shifting to cheaper models, and how the once-hot pandemic-era used car boom is unwinding. Lucas traces the arc from 2021's chip shortage to today's glut of off-lease vehicles, while Luna questions whether this is a cyclical correction or a structural change in how Americans buy cars. The episode also touches on the broader stagflation theme: when growth is slow and prices stay elevated, markets that boomed on cheap credit are the first to crack. Perfect for listeners interested in inflation, consumer behavior, and the ripple effects of Fed policy. #UsedCars #Stagflation #Inflation #CoreCPI #UnemploymentRate #FedPolicy #InterestRates #AutoIndustry #ConsumerBehavior #WholesalePrices #RetailPrices #OffLease #PandemicBoom #DealerFinancing #CarMarket #Economics #FexingoBusiness #BusinessPodcast Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo

In this episode of Stagflation Conversations with Fexingo, Lucas and Luna explore a less obvious casualty of the current economic environment: insurance premiums. With core inflation at 3.3% and the Fed struggling to tame price pressures, property and casualty insurers are raising rates at a pace not seen since the 1970s. Lucas breaks down how rising replacement costs, higher auto repair expenses, and increased litigation are driving up premiums for homeowners and drivers, while Luna notes that even renters insurance is getting more expensive. They discuss why the standard inflation metrics don't capture the full picture of insurance costs and how this adds another layer of financial strain on households already dealing with stagflation. The episode also touches on the broader implications for corporate insurance costs and supply chains. Tune in for a focused look at one of the stealthiest ways stagflation eats into your budget. #Stagflation #InsurancePremiums #Inflation #Economics #HomeownersInsurance #AutoInsurance #RentersInsurance #CoreInflation #CPI #PCE #FedPolicy #HouseholdFinances #PropertyAndCasualty #LucasAndLuna #FexingoBusiness #BusinessPodcast #EconomicTrends #Insurance Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo

Episode 18 of Stagflation Conversations with Fexingo: With core inflation at 3.3% and the unemployment rate flat at 4.3%, homeowners and renters are seeing another cost creep up: insurance premiums. Lucas and Luna drill into how persistent inflation in property and auto lines is pushing carriers to raise rates aggressively, even as wage growth lags. They examine the role of climate risk, rising repair costs from supply chain stickiness, and how renters face a unique squeeze — insurers are jacking up premiums for multi-tenant buildings, passing on higher reinsurance costs, and tightening underwriting. Specific data points: CPI shelter index; the ten-year breakeven inflation rate at 2.39 percent; and a real-world example of a Denver renter whose premium jumped 23 percent year-over-year. The episode ties to broader stagflation dynamics: when inflation stays sticky and growth slows, insurance becomes a hidden tax on households that can't switch carriers easily. #Stagflation #RentersInsurance #Inflation #InsurancePremiums #CoreCPI #ShelterCosts #ClimateRisk #Reinsurance #SupplyChain #WageGrowth #Denver #MultiTenant #Underwriting #StickyInflation #HiddenTax #Economics #BusinessPodcast #FexingoBusiness Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo

Episode 17 of Stagflation Conversations with Fexingo digs into a surprising casualty of the current stagflation environment: municipal and state budgets. Lucas and Luna examine how persistent inflation — core CPI at 3.3% in April — and sluggish real GDP growth of just 1.6% are forcing local governments into unprecedented trade-offs. They focus on the case of California's 2026-27 budget gap, estimated at $45 billion, as cities from San Francisco to Fresno grapple with rising pension costs, falling commercial property tax revenue, and higher borrowing costs. The hosts explain why the traditional playbook of cutting services or raising taxes no longer works when voters are already squeezed and bond markets are demanding higher yields. They tie this to broader trends: the 10-year breakeven inflation rate at 2.39%, the Fed's prioritization of inflation fighting over growth, and the quiet crisis in municipal bond liquidity. A fresh angle on how stagflation trickles down from macro headlines to your local school district and fire department. #Stagflation #Economics #LocalGovernment #MunicipalBudgets #California #PensionCrisis #PropertyTax #MunicipalBonds #Inflation #RealGDP #CPI #FederalReserve #FiscalPolicy #BondMarket #PublicFinance #FexingoBusiness #BusinessPodcast #StagflationConversations Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo

In this episode of Stagflation Conversations, Lucas and Luna dig into a surprising trend in the current stagflation environment: corporate research and development spending is actually rising, even as profit margins shrink and the economy slows. Using recent data from the National Science Foundation and earnings reports from large industrials and tech firms, they explore why companies are increasing R&D budgets in the face of high inflation and weak growth. Lucas points out that R&D spending by U.S. businesses hit a record $800 billion in 2025, up 9% year-over-year, despite real GDP growth hovering around 2%. Luna connects this to the labor market, noting that with job openings declining to 6.87 million in March 2026, companies are investing in automation and product innovation rather than hiring. They discuss the strategic calculus behind these investments, the risk of cutting R&D during stagflation, and what this means for long-term productivity and competitiveness. The hosts also touch on the persistence of energy inflation and the record-low consumer sentiment, tying it back to how companies are betting on future growth in a difficult present. #Stagflation #Economics #CorporateR&D #Innovation #Productivity #NSF #R&DSpending #Automation #Inflation #SlowGrowth #LaborMarket #JobOpenings #BusinessInvestment #FexingoBusiness #BusinessPodcast #EconomicPodcast #LucasAndLuna #StagflationConversations Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo

Episode 15 of Stagflation Conversations with Fexingo digs into a blind spot in the stagflation narrative: healthcare. With CPI at 332.4 and core inflation still sticky, hospital systems and insurers are facing a unique cost structure that breaks the normal recession playbook. Lucas and Luna unpack why health insurance premiums are rising 7–9% even as patients delay elective procedures, how hospital labor costs have become fixed rather than variable, and what the shift toward outpatient care tells us about provider pricing power. They anchor the discussion in real data: the April CPI reading of 332.4, the 4.3% unemployment rate, and a surprising JOLTS figure showing 6.86 million openings. This isn't the 1970s all over again, but it's creating a new kind of inflation stickiness—one that starts in the doctor's office. A fresh angle for anyone wondering why their health plan renewal notice looks worse than their grocery bill. #Stagflation #HealthcareInflation #Economics #CPI #HealthInsurance #HospitalCosts #LaborMarket #JOLTS #UnemploymentRate #InflationPersistence #ProviderPricing #OutpatientCare #MedicalCosts #FexingoBusiness #BusinessPodcast #Podcast #Economy #USEconomy Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo

Episode 14 of Stagflation Conversations with Fexingo. Lucas and Luna examine how high inflation combined with sluggish wage growth is forcing a structural shift in higher education. With real GDP growth at just 2% annualized and consumer sentiment at a record low, families are reassessing the ROI of a four-year degree. The hosts break down new data showing a 6% drop in freshman applications at private universities, a surge in community college enrollment, and the rise of income-share agreements as an alternative to traditional loans. They also explore how employers are responding by relaxing degree requirements. This is a focused look at one specific wedge of the stagflation economy: the human capital investment decision. #Stagflation #Economics #HigherEducation #CollegeEnrollment #ROI #Inflation #WageGrowth #StudentLoans #CommunityCollege #IncomeShareAgreements #LaborMarket #ConsumerSentiment #GDP #JobOpenings #FexingoBusiness #BusinessPodcast #LucasAndLuna #EducationEconomics Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo

Episode 13 of Stagflation Conversations with Fexingo dives into a quiet but sweeping shift in commercial real estate: the death of the five-year fixed lease. With inflation running hot and growth sluggish, landlords and tenants are rewriting contracts mid-term—tying rent escalations to CPI plus a margin, shortening lease durations, and embedding break clauses tied to economic triggers. Lucas and Luna examine new data from JLL showing that variable-rent leases now account for 38 percent of new office and retail deals signed in Q1 2026, up from 12 percent in 2019. They discuss what this means for small businesses—a bakery in Chicago that had to renegotiate after its CPI-linked rent jumped 8 percent in one year—and for the broader CRE debt market, where lenders are pricing in higher default risk. The episode also touches on the 10-year breakeven inflation rate sitting at 2.40 percent, signaling that the market expects this environment to persist. If the lease itself is becoming a hedge instrument, what happens to the value of the underlying property? That's the question this episode tries to answer. #StagflationConversations #Economics #CommercialRealEstate #Inflation #LeaseTerms #CPILinkedRent #VariableRent #JLL #SmallBusiness #DefaultRisk #BreakevenInflation #FexingoBusiness #BusinessPodcast #CRE #LandlordTenant #BreakClauses #ChicagoBakery #RealEstateDebt Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo

Episode 12 of Stagflation Conversations looks at a counterintuitive trend: even as inflation erodes purchasing power and consumer sentiment hits record lows, the personal savings rate in the U.S. has actually crept up to 4.8 percent — well above the 2.3 percent trough of mid-2022. Lucas and Luna explore why households are hoarding cash despite high prices, drawing on recent JOLTS data showing job openings dropping to 6.866 million, down from over 12 million two years ago. They discuss the 'precautionary savings' channel, rising credit card delinquencies that paradoxically coexist with higher deposit balances, and what historical parallels from the 1970s suggest about this behavior. The episode also touches on regional bank deposit competition, with some online accounts now offering 5.2 percent annual percentage yield, and what that means for the Fed's inflation fight. Finally, they consider whether this savings resilience is a sign of consumer strength or a portent of deeper economic fragility. #PersonalSavings #Stagflation #Inflation #ConsumerBehavior #Economics #HouseholdFinance #JOLTS #SavingsRate #FedPolicy #CreditCardDelinquency #DepositCompetition #RegionalBanks #1970sEchoes #PrecautionarySavings #LaborMarket #FexingoBusiness #BusinessPodcast #LucasAndLuna Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo

In episode 11 of Stagflation Conversations, Lucas and Luna examine how stagflation is accelerating automation in US manufacturing. With real GDP growth at just 2 percent annualized and labor costs rising, companies are finding that investing in robots and AI-powered machinery is cheaper than hiring workers. Lucas points to a record 4.5 percent of capital expenditure now going to automation, citing John Deere automating its tractor plants in Waterloo, Iowa, where output rose 18 percent while headcount stayed flat. Luna contrasts the 1970s, when high inflation crushed capital spending, with today's tax incentives and cheaper robotics. They unpack the data: nonfarm payrolls up only 115,000 in April, while industrial robot orders jumped 23 percent year-over-year. The conversation ends with the question of whether automation solves the productivity puzzle or hollows out middle-class jobs faster. Plus: a light-touch listener support moment woven into the natural flow. #Stagflation #Automation #Manufacturing #IndustrialPolicy #JohnDeere #LaborMarket #Productivity #Inflation #Economics #SupplyChain #Robotics #CapitalExpenditure #FiscalPolicy #SkillsGap #BusinessPodcast #FexingoBusiness #EconomicHistory #1970sEchoes Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo