Economics Explained

Home ownership is now unattainable in every major city worldwide. For the first time, none of the 95 cities tracked by Demographia are considered affordable. In cities such as Hong Kong (14.4 times income), Sydney (13.8 times), Vancouver, London, and San Francisco, housing prices range from 9 to 30 times the average household income. Essential workers, including teachers and nurses, as well as young families, are being priced out of the cities they support. This raises critical questions about how housing became a leading investment asset, whether prices will continue to rise, and what measures are needed to address the global housing crisis. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The world’s pension promise is unraveling. In the 1950s, sixteen workers supported each retiree; today, that number has shrunk to just 2.7. This dramatic shift is straining pay-as-you-go pension systems to the breaking point. By 2050, one in six people will be over 65, yet politicians are hesitant to implement tough reforms that would require individuals to work longer, contribute more, or accept smaller benefits. Could Denmark’s approach, which ties the retirement age to life expectancy, or Sweden’s automatic adjustment model, offer a way out? Or will a staggering $400 trillion global retirement gap shake the foundations of economies everywhere? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Discover what drives lasting prosperity. This year, the Nobel Prize in Economics was awarded to Mokyr, Aghion, and Howitt for demonstrating how technological innovation drove the surge in wealth during the Industrial Revolution. From steam engines to AI, learn why a lack of understanding once held back progress and why creative destruction is so important today. With AI now threatening jobs and monopolies limiting new ideas, could this progress be at risk? Explore the challenges, debates, and potential future dangers that could alter our economies. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Unveil the stunning secret of New Zealand—a paradise losing its young talent! 🌄 With just 5.3 million people, this remote gem boasts top-notch living, education, and healthcare, yet faces a brain drain to Australia (over 10% of Kiwis live there!). Why are skilled workers fleeing? Dive into the quirks of its agriculture-driven economy, sky-high housing costs, and the Aussie influx. Can this picturesque land turn the tide? Watch now to find out! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Stagflation has returned—and it’s a nightmare! Rising unemployment, slow economic growth, and persistent inflation are hurting economies, especially the US. Why is this combination so dangerous, and why are experts worried now? Explore how the Fed’s dual mandate is failing, uncover hidden flaws in job and inflation data, and understand why the USD’s reserve status might not protect us. Additionally, learn about the sacrifices required to address the crisis—all while the world feels the ripple effects. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices