In this episode of "The Lumber Word Podcast," renowned economist Brian Wesbury from First Trust joins the discussion, offering insights into crucial economic aspects such as lumber trading, housing trends, and interest rates. The conversation delves into key indicators like housing starts, permits, and home sales, exploring the dynamics of building regions and the size of new homes. Brian's expertise sheds light on the potential trajectory of interest rates and speculations about Federal Reserve actions. The hosts address the political landscape's role in a successful housing market, tackling concerns about the disappearance of affordable homes and discussing prospects for improvement. The episode wraps up with the popular segment "Marry, Date, or Dump," providing a light-hearted conclusion to an informative discussion on the economic landscape and its implications for 2024 planning. Tune in for expert analysis and engaging content on "The Lumber Word Podcast." Brian is also on @wesbury at X and you can sign up for his free newsletter at FTPLP.com