Subscribe to this podcast

Institute research staff offer their analyses of current economic and political events in these brief interviews. The views expressed in these interviews are those of the interviewee(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the individual members of the Institute's Board of Directors or its Advisory Committee. We welcome feedback from listeners and encourage you to convey your comments directly to the person interviewed.

Most recent interviews

A New US-European Rift on Financial Regulation
March 15, 2010
Nicolas Véron says that Europe's determination to regulate private equity and hedge funds, which has drawn criticism in Washington, is part of a growing trend toward a "Fortress Europe" mentality in finance.

Germany's Virtuous Economy: How Much Is It to Blame?
March 15, 2010
Angel Ubide argues that Germany should rebalance its growth, allow wages to grow, and encourage domestic demand to help countries like Greece, Spain, Portugal, and Italy.

Senator Dodd's Regulatory Reform: A Step Forward
March 15, 2010
Morris Goldstein gives the new Dodd proposal a 7.5 rating out of 10, scoring well on resolution authority but less well on pricking future asset bubbles.

Will the New Regime in Ukraine Embrace Reform?
March 12, 2010
Anders Åslund, co-chairman of Independent International Experts Commission on Ukraine, says the new government may adopt some of the commission's proposals.

Finishing Doha: The PIIE Parameters
March 12, 2010
Jeffrey J. Schott outlines how negotiators could jump-start the global trade talks, raise their ambitions, and produce a package beneficial to all parties.

A Stress Test for the Euro?
March 3, 2010 | Transcript [pdf]
Nicolas Véron says that multiple weaknesses in Europe make it likely that currency markets will keep betting against the euro even if Greece stabilizes.

Containing Greece's Travails in Europe
March 2, 2010 | Transcript [pdf]
Michael Mussa assesses the threat of a default by Greece and the misgivings and constraints felt by Germany in trying to avert a crisis.

Is China's Economy Overheating?
February 26, 2010 | Transcript [pdf]
Nicholas R. Lardy says China is concerned but is not "slamming on the brakes" or showing any signs of planning increases in interest rates or the value of its currency.

Would the Volcker Rule Prevent Banks Too Big to Fail?
February 25, 2010 | Transcript [pdf]
Morris Goldstein assesses the prospects for Congress adopting the Volcker Rule and other elements of a financial regulatory reform package.

China's Dollar Leverage Is an Exaggerated Threat
February 18, 2010 | Transcript [pdf]
Joseph E. Gagnon argues that despite fears that China might dump US dollars, doing so would hurt China and could even help the US recovery.