Latest Interviews
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Clear all filters- The Economist10 min
What would Kevin Warsh’s Federal Reserve look like? | The Economist
Kevin Warsh, Zanny Minton Beddoes, Edward Carr, Henry, Zannie, Archie
President Trump has nominated former Federal Reserve Governor Kevin Warsh as the next Chair, contingent on the White House removing a Senate blockade led by Senator Tom Tillis regarding the investigation into current Chair Jerome Powell. Warsh's proposed strategy, termed "Warshonomics," seeks to lower interest rates by coupling an anticipated AI-driven productivity surge with balance sheet contraction to offset inflationary risks, despite his historical reputation as a hawk. While experts predict Warsh will implement a slightly more dovish policy yielding one or two rate cuts, his ability to align the FOMC with President Trump's demands remains a significant governance risk complicated by potential political backlash.
- The Economist8 min
Why the world’s population is heading for collapse
Mike, Henry, Corbin Duncan, Karen Richmond Jones
Global fertility rates are converging below replacement levels across two-thirds of the world, driven by a societal trend in lower-income nations rather than a temporary fluctuation. While the UN projects a population peak of 10 billion in the 2080s based on assumed recovery, alternative models indicate that sustained low fertility could bring this peak forward to the mid-21st century, precipitating severe population losses in regions like East Asia. This demographic shift also reflects complex outcomes in the United States, where declining teen births and delayed childbearing among educated women have altered age structures without signaling a universal rejection of parenthood.
- The Economist8 min
Could markets topple the global economy?
A recent analysis argues that the AI-driven stock market boom masks severe economic fragility, with consumer wealth exposure now exceeding 1990s levels and AI revenue falling far short of capital expenditure requirements. A potential market correction would directly impair US households, likely prompting a Trump administration to manage bailouts through discretionary lending while triggering a global recession that could shift investor preference toward Europe. As the 2026 horizon approaches, rising fears of AI-driven job displacement in entry-level roles may accelerate corporate adoption of automation technologies as a cost-saving measure amid economic downturns.
- The Economist7 min
Are rich countries facing a debt crisis?
Advanced economies face unprecedented public debt levels driven by repeated crises, structural political reluctance, and budget forecasts that consistently underestimate long-term liabilities. Fiscal sustainability is further compromised by rising interest costs, an aging population consuming 40% of budgets for entitlements, and constrained discretionary spending due to mandatory increases in defense and green transition investments. Consequently, efforts to reduce deficits are stalled by a lack of political will to implement revenue measures like VAT or to adjust retirement ages, leaving governments vulnerable to economic instability.
- The Economist10 min
Were we wrong about Trump's tariffs?
Zanny Minton Beddoes, Edward Carr, Henry, John, Ed
Recent trade policies have established the highest tariff levels in ninety years, creating a significant gap between announced rates and effective collection due to supply chain shifts and business cost absorption. While the U.S. economy experienced its weakest half-year growth since 2012 with rising inflation, political dynamics are shifting toward protectionism across both parties despite bipartisan opposition from key figures like Mitch McConnell. Experts warn that arbitrary policy implementation and entrenched lobbying interests will likely create long-term structural damage and market isolation, even if an immediate recession is avoided.