Consumer sentiment takes a tumble
Aug 17, 2026 · 26m
Summary
This episode examines weakening US consumer spending and slowing growth in China, where a housing slump drives cheap exports. Alison Schrager defends GDP as a vital accountability metric despite its flaws. The program also covers Colorado’s surge in fraudulent business registrations, Reddit’s inclusion in the S&P 500, and how Middle East conflicts are boosting US plastics profits.
Topics discussed
Odoo ad and show intro
US consumer spending and economic sentiment
China's economic slowdown and export surge
Defense of GDP as an economic metric
Fraudulent business registrations in Colorado
Marketplace numbers and stock updates
Ads for Odoo, Dell, Raymond James, and Optum
Reddit joins the S&P 500 index
US plastics industry profits from war
Bond yields rise and listener survey
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