In today's episode of Econ 102, Noah Smith and Erik Torenberg tackle more listener questions: the Fed's impact on inflation and the economy, theories behind interest rates' unexpected effects, and 'greedflation'. The discussion also extends to shifts in Japan's economic policies amid currency valuation concerns, housing price disparities between the US and Canada, gentrification, balanced budget amendments, and the geopolitical dynamics between Saudi Arabia and Iran, finishing with thoughts on TikTok. Thank you to everyone who sent in questions. Keep 'em coming: [email protected]

Recommended Podcast: @CompanyBreakdownsTurpentine
Each episode of Company Breakdowns dives into S-1s and series B-and-beyond companies, interviewing founders and investors to break down the companies. First episodes are on Reddit and Rubrik - which just IPO'd.

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SEND US YOUR Q's FOR NOAH TO ANSWER ON AIR: [email protected]
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LINKS:

Noahpinion: https://www.noahpinion.blog/
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TIMESTAMPS:
(00:00) Intro
(00:35) Demystifying the Federal Reserve
(04:11) Greedflation and the role of corporate pricing in inflation
(08:03) Central banks vs. Market-based interest rates
(11:49) Nominal GDP targeting
(17:36) Sponsor: Beehiiv and Warp
(19:41) Canada’s housing market explained
(23:11) YIMBY policies and gentrification
(27:43) Sponsor: Harmonic
(28:49) Keynesianism and deficit management
(31:55) Exploring political influence on economic choices
(34:58) Choosing allies in the Middle East
(35:46) Navigating currency crises in Japan
(45:12) The future of TikTok and digital strategy
(46:26) Wrap