AI, Inflation, and the Dollar: The Hidden Forces Shaping the Economy Right Now (#300)
5/5/202619 min
Inflation, interest rates, AI, tariffs, the dollar…
Most people treat them as separate stories but actually, they’re not.
Former Council of Economics Chair Jason Furman explains how these forces are all connected - and why most people are missing the bigger picture.
What’s really driving inflation, why the dollar’s power may be slipping, and why the biggest risk isn’t what most people are watching.
A conversation about the hidden forces shaping the economy - and what comes next.
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Transcript preview
First 90 secondsLynn Thoman· Host0:00
[chime] Interest rates, inflation, tariffs, the dollar. Separate headlines or one story? They're more connected than they seem, and that's what's driving the economy right now. [music] What do most people miss, and what changes once you see the full picture? Hi, everyone. I'm Lynn Tolman, and this is Three Takeaways. On Three Takeaways, I talk with some of the world's best thinkers, business leaders, writers, politicians, newsmakers, and scientists. Each episode ends with three key takeaways to help us understand the world and maybe even ourselves a little better. Today, I'm delighted to be with Jason Furman. Jason served as chair of the Council of Economic Advisors under President Obama, advising on everything from the recovery after the financial crisis to long-term growth, trade, and fiscal policy. He's one of the most respected economists in the world. He's also a professor at Harvard. I'm looking forward to a wide-ranging discussion on Fed independence, the dollar, energy, and what people are missing. Welcome, Jason, and thanks so much for joining us today.
Jason Furman· Guest1:23
Thanks for having me.
Lynn Thoman· Host1:25
Right now, what do you think is the most misunderstood thing about