The interest rate at the end of the Carter administration was 20%. Paul fields a question from a listener who wants to know what is keeping interest rates low in our current economic situation. Listen along as Paul explains how interest rates work, and then he compares the economic situation of the 1970s to today. Paul’s conclusion: Things are much better now than they were then.

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Have you felt your costs go up due to inflation? Most companies are trying to avoid raising prices to avoid losing customers to cheaper competition. Paul uncovers new research that finds certain industries have been able to raise prices without negatively affecting customer satisfaction. Listen along to hear which companies may be better positioned to raise prices on you and which might make you more frustrated with their price increases.

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While we are experiencing the worst inflation in 40 years, this fact doesn’t paint the whole picture of what is happening in our economy. Paul spends some time comparing the markets and economies of the early 1980s to today’s markets and economies to explain why cherry-picking facts like these may lead to bad investment decisions. Later in the show, Paul examines an article about why the energy industry is slow to respond to the president’s urging to produce more oil and natural gas.

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The U.S. Dollar Index has risen steadily over the last year, which is having an effect on companies. Paul talks about currency value, why this has surprised some experts, why a strong currency can be helpful during a time of inflation, and how it affects U.S. companies trying to sell goods overseas. Later in the episode, Paul shares some reason for optimism in both the stock markets and housing market.

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Crypto can’t stay out of the news, and this time a 401(k) administrator is frustrated that they may come under scrutiny over this risky offering in their plans. Paul talks about how these administrators cave and allow investors to put a smaller amount of their money in trendy assets. Listen along to hear why that logic doesn’t work and why companies let you take on risk to keep you as a client.

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