Business Rundown: Why Gas and Food Prices Hurt & the AI Race With China
Sep 21, 2026 · 13m
Summary
Steve Moore discusses the economic impact of high diesel prices and Middle East tensions, arguing that supply chain issues are the primary headwind to an otherwise robust US economy. He explains that long-term interest rates are driven by inflation expectations rather than Fed policy, noting that establishing anti-inflation credibility will help lower mortgage rates. The conversation also covers the upcoming Trump-Xi summit, emphasizing the critical need for the US to lead in AI and robotics to avoid falling behind China.
Topics discussed
Sponsor and show introduction
Market overview: Inflation, Trump-Xi summit, and AI
Wall Street reaction to Fed rate hike and yields
Minneapolis Fed President on inflation and patience
Introduction of Steve Moore and oil-market correlation
Middle East tensions and potential economic boom
Impact of high diesel prices on consumer costs
Outlook for oil and diesel price normalization
Labor market: Record low unemployment claims
Demographics, workforce decline, and AI/robotics
Refinery capacity constraints and policy impact
US energy dominance and net exporter status
Sponsor and Instagram teen safety segment
Mortgage rates and Treasury yields discussion
Fed credibility and long-term interest rate dynamics
US-China relations and AI negotiations
AI leadership, innovation race, and guardrails
Public concerns and US control over AI technology
Atlanta Fed GDP Nowcast and economic constraints
Top three economic positives and closing remarks
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