Rubber Meets The Road Economics: Exploring the forces shaping our economy

In this sobering and thought-provoking episode, investor Hunter Craig sits down with Professor Edwin Burton of the University of Virginia to unpack the harsh economic realities we face as the national debt approaches $40 trillion. Together, they cover everything from university research incentives to runaway entitlement spending, inflation, and the limits of Federal Reserve intervention. With a mix of wit, clarity, and no-nonsense economic insight, Professor Burton breaks down the problems that no one in politics seems willing to fix—and offers practical advice for protecting your financial future.

In This Episode:

Guest Bio:

Professor Edwin T. Burton is an emeritus professor of economics at the University of Virginia. Over the course of his 50+ year academic career, he has taught at multiple universities and is known for his deep expertise in finance, macroeconomics, and public policy. His insights cut through the noise to provide clear-eyed perspectives on America’s most urgent economic challenges.

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Liked what you heard? Subscribe to Rubber Meets the Road Economics and share this episode with someone who wants to understand the real drivers of our economy. For questions or comments, email us at [email protected].

Disclaimer:

The information provided on this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as financial advice and should not be relied upon as such. All opinions expressed by the hosts, guests, or participants are solely their own and do not reflect the views of any companies or organizations they may be affiliated with. We recommend that you consult with a qualified financial professional before making any financial decisions. Remember, investing and financial decisions carry risks, and it is important to do your own research.

In this episode of Rubber Meets the Road Economics, Hunter Craig sits down with Professor Edwin T. Burton to unpack one of the most pressing economic topics of our time: tariffs. With political posturing, trade wars, and rising costs dominating the headlines, Professor Burton breaks down why tariffs are effectively a regressive sales tax that hits consumers the hardest — especially those with lower incomes.

The conversation doesn’t stop at trade. Professor Burton also dissects recent inflation data, challenges the Fed’s narrative on expected inflation, and explains why the central bank’s actions don’t always align with market reality. From the politics of trade policy to the mechanics of interest rates and monetary supply, this is a conversation rich with insight and sharp critique.

Professor Edwin T. Burton is a renowned economist and professor emeritus at the University of Virginia. With decades of experience in academia, finance, and government policy, Professor Burton is known for his candid, data-driven perspective on fiscal and monetary policy. His work often challenges conventional narratives and focuses on the deeper forces shaping the global economy.

Disclaimer:

The information provided on this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as financial advice and should not be relied upon as such. All opinions expressed by the hosts, guests, or participants are solely their own and do not reflect the views of any companies or organizations they may be affiliated with. We recommend that you consult with a qualified financial professional before making any financial decisions. Remember, investing and financial decisions carry risks, and it is important to do your own research.

As the S&P 500 hits record highs and inflation cools, you might think the U.S. economy is cruising. But Professor Edwin T. Burton returns to Rubber Meets the Road Economics with a more sobering take: the real warning signs are hiding in plain sight. In this episode, Professor Burton explains why the yield on the two-month Treasury is a more reliable predictor of Fed action than market sentiment—and why he thinks the economy may be heading toward a recession. He breaks down the pressures on U.S. debt markets, explains how AI might shift the labor force, and makes a compelling case for watching the Federal Reserve’s balance sheet, not just their statements. If you want to understand what’s coming in the second half of 2025, this episode is essential listening.

Episode Breakdown:

Guest Bio:

Professor Edwin T. Burton is Professor of Economics at the University of Virginia, where he has taught for nearly four decades. A respected voice in both academic and financial circles, Burton’s career spans roles as a Wall Street economist, a financial strategist, and a sought-after commentator on monetary policy. He is known for his clear, no-nonsense analysis of complex economic systems and his ability to connect high-level financial trends to everyday realities. 

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Like what you heard? Be sure to subscribe and leave a review wherever you get your podcasts. For listener questions or topic suggestions, email us at: [email protected].

Disclaimer:

The information provided on this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as financial advice and should not be relied upon as such. All opinions expressed by the hosts, guests, or participants are solely their own and do not reflect the views of any companies or organizations they may be affiliated with. We recommend that you consult with a qualified financial professional before making any financial decisions. Remember, investing and financial decisions carry risks, and it is important to do your own research.

 In this crucial episode, Hunter Craig speaks with Professor Edwin T. Burton about the alarming implications of recent U.S. tariff policies, market volatility, and America's mounting debt crisis. Professor Burton provides candid insights into why he believes markets have further to fall, the inherent dangers of current tariff strategies, and the troubling decline in foreign investment in U.S. Treasury auctions. Tune in for an eye-opening discussion about the true costs of tariffs, the urgent need for increased American savings, and actionable alternatives to avoid economic turmoil.

Episode Breakdown:

Guest Bio: Professor Edwin T. Burton is an esteemed economist at the University of Virginia with decades of experience in financial markets, economic policy, and international trade. Known for his straightforward, pragmatic analysis, Dr. Burton has educated numerous influential figures in finance and remains an authoritative voice in economic forecasting and policy critique.

Connect with us! We want to hear your thoughts and questions about the economy.

Disclaimer: The information provided on this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as financial advice and should not be relied upon as such. All opinions expressed by the hosts, guests, or participants are solely their own and do not reflect the views of any companies or organizations they may be affiliated with. We recommend consulting with a qualified financial professional before making any financial decisions. Investing and financial decisions carry risks; always conduct your own research.

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In this episode, Professor Edwin Burton joins Hunter Craig to discuss the recent implementation of tariffs by the U.S. government and their far-reaching effects on the economy. They delve into who truly bears the cost of tariffs, the unprecedented market reactions, and the potential long-term consequences for both domestic and international financial landscapes.

Episode Breakdown:

Relevant Links:

Professor Edwin T. Burton is a seasoned economist and former Wall Street executive with decades of experience analyzing economic trends. As a professor at the University of Virginia, he bridges academic knowledge and practical expertise to shed light on complex economic topics. His optimism and deep understanding of historical and modern economics make his insights invaluable to listeners.

Disclaimer:

The information provided in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as financial advice and should not be relied upon as such. Always consult with a qualified financial professional before making investment decisions.

Call to Action:

Stay informed on economic policies and their real-world implications. Subscribe to Rubber Meets the Road Economics and join the conversation on how these changes affect you.

As the U.S. deficit balloons toward $2 trillion annually and total national debt surpasses $36 trillion, the financial sustainability of government spending has never been more uncertain. Economist and UVA professor Edwin Burton joins host Hunter Craig to break down the underlying economic forces shaping America’s future.

Topics Covered:

✅ The impact of rising debt and deficits on the economy

✅ How healthcare spending is driving the debt crisis

✅ The unintended consequences of government-run healthcare

✅ Social Security’s flaws and potential reforms

✅ What policymakers could learn from private insurance models

Key Takeaways:

🔹 Government-run healthcare often leads to rationing and declining quality

🔹 Social Security disproportionately benefits wealthy retirees while failing lower-income earners

🔹 The absence of competitive pricing in healthcare fuels inefficiency and waste

🔹 Policy reforms could introduce more market-driven solutions to control costs

Financial Disclaimer:

The information provided in this podcast is for educational purposes only. It does not constitute financial or investment advice. Please consult with a professional before making any financial decisions.

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In Episode 16, Tariffs are back in the news.

On February 1, 2025, the U.S. announced new tariffs on Canada and Mexico—only to delay them for 30 days. What does this mean for American businesses, workers, and consumers?

In this episode of Rubber Meets the Road Economics, Hunter Craig sits down with Professor Edwin T. Burton of the University of Virginia to discuss the broader economic implications of trade policy.

Professor Burton explains how free trade creates both winners and losers—boosting economic growth overall while disrupting certain industries. The challenge for policymakers, he argues, is not to block trade but to support those who are negatively affected. Using examples from U.S. history, he highlights why tariffs tend to raise prices for consumers, disproportionately impacting lower-income households.

The conversation also turns to the U.S. national debt, currently at $36 trillion and projected to hit $50 trillion in under a decade. Professor Burton explains why healthcare spending—not defense or Social Security—is the biggest driver of America’s debt problem and why economic reforms must address this issue first.

Finally, they discuss Social Security reform, with Professor Burton offering insights on how a defined contribution model could provide better retirement outcomes while keeping the system sustainable.

Disclaimer:

The information provided on this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as financial advice and should not be relied upon as such. All opinions expressed by the hosts, guests, or participants are solely their own and do not reflect the views of any companies or organizations they may be affiliated with. We recommend consulting with a qualified financial professional before making any financial decisions. Remember, investing and financial decisions carry risks, and it is important to do your own research.

Connect With Us:

Email: [email protected]

Key Quotes from the Episode

📢 “Free trade is actually better for everyone—if you compensate the losers.” – Prof. Edwin T. Burton

📢 “Tariffs make all of us poorer, and the people who pay the highest price are lower-income consumers.” – Prof. Edwin T. Burton

📢 “If Detroit is threatened by competition, the right answer is not tariffs—it’s helping those who lose their jobs.” – Prof. Edwin T. Burton

📢 “The U.S. debt crisis is primarily a healthcare problem. If we don’t control healthcare costs, we won’t fix the debt.” – Prof. Edwin T. Burton

📢 “Social Security is fixable. Healthcare is the real challenge.” – Prof. Edwin T. Burton

This week on Rubber Meets The Road Economics, investor Hunter Craig sits down with Professor Edwin Burton of the University of Virginia to discuss:

Why the Fed Paused Rate Hikes – The real reason behind the Fed’s decision to hold steady and why Treasury Bill yields tell us everything we need to know.

Treasury Bill Arbitrage Explained – A risk-free trade that could generate billions, if only the Fed allowed it.

AI’s Market Disruption – How three Chinese developers just upended the tech industry, and why DeepSeek might make Silicon Valley nervous.

The U.S.’s AI Spending Problem – Did American tech giants waste billions? A closer look at AI costs, market hype, and what’s next.

What To Watch Next – The yield on one- and three-month U.S. Treasury bills and what they signal for the economy.

A Must-Listen For:

* Investors tracking Fed policy and economic trends

* Tech enthusiasts curious about AI’s financial implications

* Anyone who wants a clearer understanding of economic forces shaping our world

Tune in now! 

Edwin T. Burton is a Professor of Economics at the University of Virginia. He specializes in Finance and his “Theory of Financial Markets” and “Behavioral Finance” classes are among the most popular ones in the Economics Department.

Disclaimer:

The information provided in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as financial advice and should not be relied upon as such. Always consult with a qualified financial professional before making investment decisions.

In Episode 14 of Rubber Meets the Road Economics, Hunter Craig sits down with renowned economist Professor Edwin T. Burton to discuss pressing economic issues, including the looming threat of debt spirals, the Federal Reserve’s role in interest rate policies, and the impact of tariffs on U.S. manufacturing. They dive into the complexities of reserve currencies, tariffs, and the challenges facing the U.S. economy as it grapples with inflation and rising debt. 

Key Topics Covered:

Connect With Us:

Professor Edwin T. Burton is a seasoned economist and former Wall Street executive with decades of experience analyzing economic trends. As a professor at the University of Virginia, he bridges academic knowledge and practical expertise to shed light on complex economic topics. His optimism and deep understanding of historical and modern economics make his insights invaluable to listeners.

Disclaimer:

The information provided on this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as financial advice and should not be relied upon as such. All opinions expressed by the hosts, guests, or participants are solely their own and do not reflect the views of any companies or organizations they may be affiliated with. We recommend consulting a qualified financial professional before making any financial decisions. Investing and financial decisions carry risks, and it is essential to do your own research.

In this episode of Rubber Meets the Road Economics, investor Hunter Craig sits down with the insightful Professor Edwin T. Burton of the University of Virginia to discuss the latest trends in the debt market, including the dramatic swings in U.S. Treasury yields. The conversation breaks down the complexities of supply and demand in economics, rising interest rates, and their implications on real estate and global markets.

From debunking myths about interest rate inversion to understanding the historical context of high yields, Professor Burton delivers clarity and actionable insights for investors and enthusiasts alike. Whether you’re curious about inflation’s impact on real estate or the Fed’s potential moves, this episode equips you with the knowledge to navigate the evolving economic landscape.

Topics Covered

About Our Guest

Professor Edwin T. Burton is a seasoned economist and former Wall Street executive with decades of experience analyzing economic trends. As a professor at the University of Virginia, he bridges academic knowledge and practical expertise to shed light on complex economic topics. His optimism and deep understanding of historical and modern economics make his insights invaluable to listeners.

Disclaimer:

The information provided on this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as financial advice and should not be relied upon as such. All opinions expressed by the hosts, guests, or participants are solely their own and do not reflect the views of any companies or organizations they may be affiliated with. We recommend consulting with a qualified financial professional before making any financial decisions. Remember, investing and financial decisions carry risks, and it is important to do your own research.