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 why inflation remains stubborn, how tariffs, housing costs and record federal deficits continue to pressure the economy, and why the Federal Reserve may have little choice but to keep borrowing costs elevated. Topics include: Why inflation may stay above the Fed's 2% target How tariffs continue pushing prices higher Why housing costs are becoming an inflation problem again The impact of federal deficits on interest rates Mortgage rates, credit card debt and business loans What this means for taxpayers and the U.S. economy If federal borrowing continues to rise, taxpayers could face higher financing costs throughout the economy, making homes, vehicles and everyday purchases more expensive while increasing the long-term burden of servicing the national debt. Subscribe for daily reporting on government spending, fiscal policy, state government, taxes and the economic issues affecting Americans.

#FederalReserve #InterestRates #Inflation #Economy #Taxpayer #FederalDebt #GovernmentSpending #MortgageRates #Finance #Economics #FederalDeficit #InflationNews #BusinessNews #TheStates #CenterSquare

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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 moving, how weak job growth is slowing housing demand, the impact of mortgage rate lock-in, rising rents, aging demographics, housing shortages, and why a lack of inventory continues to keep the market frozen. Plus, what to expect from the latest Zillow housing market report.

Topics Covered:

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#HousingMarket #RealEstate #MortgageRates #HomeSales #HousingInventory #Economy #InterestRates #EverydayEconomics #TheCenterSquare

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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 labor force participation, healthcare-driven job growth, downward payroll revisions, and what the new Federal Reserve chairman's communication strategy could mean for interest rates, inflation, and the economy.

Topics Covered:

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#JobsReport #Economy #Unemployment #FederalReserve #InterestRates #Inflation #EconomicNews #EverydayEconomics #TheCenterSquare

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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 and fireworks, and why Americans continue spending despite higher prices and persistent inflation.

They also discuss consumer spending habits, inflation trends, food prices, energy costs, and the economic trade-offs families are making this Independence Day.

Topics Covered:

#Inflation #FourthOfJuly #Economy #FoodPrices #ConsumerSpending #EverydayEconomics #TheCenterSquare #PersonalFinance #EconomicNews #BBQ

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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 are reshaping the market. Plus, why rent growth is finally slowing in some cities and what it means for affordability.

#HousingMarket #RealEstate #StarterHome #HousingCrisis #MortgageRates #HomePrices #Rent #Economy #EverydayEconomics #TheStates

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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 rates, jobs, consumer spending, and the U.S. economy. Learn why Fed officials are divided and what could happen next for inflation and rate policy.

#FederalReserve #InterestRates #Inflation #Economy #FedChair #KevinWarsh #EverydayEconomics #TheStates #EconomicNews #FedMeeting

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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 pressure on businesses and consumers alike — while the Federal Reserve faces increasingly difficult choices under new Chair Kevin Warsh. 📉 In this episode: 🔹 How energy prices and tariffs are squeezing household spending power 🔹 Why businesses are being forced to choose between smaller profits or higher prices 🔹 What “margin compression” means for hiring, wages, and investment 🔹 Why mortgage rates and Treasury yields are climbing again 🔹 How inflation acts like a hidden tax on American families 🔹 Why the Fed may be running out of “clean” policy options We also break down the concept of “demand destruction,” why real disposable income is flattening, and what higher gas and grocery prices could mean for the broader economy in the months ahead. As always, Everyday Economics cuts through the headlines to explain what today’s economic shocks mean for your wallet, your job, and the future direction of the U.S. economy. ____________ 

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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 housing market that feels frozen — with buyers waiting for prices to fall and sellers refusing to move. 🏠 In this episode: 🔹 Why homeowners are becoming “accidental landlords” instead of selling 🔹 Whether the housing market is truly broken — or simply normalizing 🔹 Why affordability is slowly improving despite high mortgage rates 🔹 What cities like Austin, Raleigh, Phoenix, and San Antonio reveal about inventory and prices 🔹 Why more housing supply could still be the key to fixing affordability We also examine the debate around rising delinquencies, falling prices in some markets, and why economists say the biggest issue may not be demand — but the lack of homes actually available for sale. As always, Everyday Economics cuts through the headlines to explain what the latest housing data means for your wallet, your mortgage, and the future of homeownership in America. 

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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 the cost of a new home before construction even begins. We unpack where those costs come from, how they affect buyers, and why housing shortages are often the result of policy decisions rather than market failures. 🏠 In this episode: 🔹 Why government fees can add over $140,000 to the cost of a new home 🔹 How zoning laws, permitting delays, and regulations reduce housing supply 🔹 Why builders aren’t producing enough homes to meet demand 🔹 How tax policy and migration patterns are reshaping housing markets 🔹 Why affordability challenges are often created by local government decisions We also explore how policy changes in states like California, New York, and New Jersey are driving migration and putting pressure on nearby housing markets — and what that means for home prices in 2026. As always, Everyday Economics breaks down the data behind the headlines so you can better understand what’s happening with housing, affordability, and your financial future. 

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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 is more fragile than the headlines suggest. Inflation is still eating into household budgets, higher gas prices are squeezing consumers, and signs of financial strain are beginning to show. 📈 In this episode: 🔹 Why rising retail sales may not mean stronger consumer demand 🔹 How inflation is masking weakness in real consumer spending 🔹 Why pending home sales jumped despite affordability challenges 🔹 What improving housing inventory means for buyers in 2026 🔹 How oil prices and household debt could reshape the second half of the year As always, Everyday Economics cuts through the noise to explain what the latest economic data means for your wallet, your mortgage, and the months ahead. 

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