Rubber Meets The Road Economics: Exploring the forces shaping our economy

Rubber Meets The Road Economics: Exploring the forces shaping our economy

Welcome to ’Rubber Meets The Road Economics,’ where investor Hunter Craig and Professor Edwin T. Burton from the University of Virginia explore the forces shaping our economy. Each episode breaks down complex economic concepts into clear, relatable insights. From globalization and technology to behavioral economics and policy impacts, we cover the topics that influence your daily life. Whether you’re an enthusiast or just curious, join us for engaging discussions that deepen your understanding of economics. Subscribe now and follow us for updates.

Episodes

September 11, 2026 • 30 mins

Investor Hunter Craig and University of Virginia economist Professor Edwin Burton break down this week's global bond sell-off, what the Fed is likely to do with rates next week, and why Professor Burton says the national debt could consume 80% of federal tax revenue within a decade.

Long Description

Recorded September 10, 2026 — just days before the Federal Reserve's next rate decision — this episode finds host Hunter C...

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We're re-sharing a conversation recorded the day after the July 30th Fed meeting, between Mark Loehr, CEO of Open Exchange, and Professor Ed Burton — Mark's Econ 101 professor turned friend of 45+ years. Two people who go deep fast.

The thesis: for the first time in recent m...

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Six months ago, the Fed dot plot was pointing toward rate cuts. The consensus on Wall Street, in academia, and in financial media was convergent: relief was coming for borrowers. Professor Edwin Burton saw it differently.

In this episode of Rubber Meets the Road Economics, Burton — one of the University of Virginia's most respected financial economists — returns to explain why that consensus has now fully reversed, and...

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Investor Hunter Craig sits down with Professor Edwin T. Burton of the University of Virginia on Fed meeting day — March 17, 2026. The Federal Reserve is expected to hold rates steady, and Professor Burton explains why there is no path to lower rates without triggering inflation. From there, the conversation ranges across the Iran war’s muted effect on oil markets, a dangerously weakening U.S. economy, and the deep struc...

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With the Dow crossing 50,000 and AI capital spending reaching historic levels, are we in a bubble—or at the dawn of a new economic era? This week, investor Hunter Craig sits down with Professor Edwin Burton of the University of Virginia to unpack the real economics behind the AI hype. Professor Burton explains why the software sector got hammered after new AI coding tools launched, where AI truly excels (and where it’s ...

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Hunter Craig sits down with Professor Edwin T. Burton of the University of Virginia to break down the most pressing economic issues of the moment: the Federal Reserve’s upcoming meeting, the meaning behind falling short-term rates and stubborn long-term rates, the fragility of today’s housing market, and whether the U.S. has already slipped into a debt spiral.

Professor Burton also uncovers what’s really happening...

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In this episode, investor Hunter Craig sits down with Professor Edwin T. Burton of the University of Virginia to discuss the upcoming Federal Reserve meeting, its implications for interest rates, and what the Fed can — and can’t — control. Professor Burton offers his signature mix of sharp humor and deep economic insight as he unpacks the paradox of record-breaking stock markets amid mass layoffs, explores histori...

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In this episode of Rubber Meets the Road Economics, investor Hunter Craig sits down with Professor Edwin T. Burton from the University of Virginia to break down the economic realities behind the AI boom.

While tech companies are pouring billions into artificial intelligence, the rest of the economy is slowing — a trend masked by massive capital expenditures in data centers, chips, and defensive spending. Professor Burton expl...

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Investor Hunter Craig sits down with University of Virginia economist Professor Edwin Burton to break down the latest economic signals as the Federal Reserve heads into a pivotal meeting. With the S&P 500 topping 6,600 and Treasury yields hovering around 4%, the professor explains why he expects a 25-basis-point rate cut—and why a 50-point cut would create messy arbitrage opportunities.

They also cover:

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In this Labor Day conversation, investor Hunter Craig and University of Virginia economist Professor Edwin Burton break down the latest forces shaping the U.S. economy. With the September 17 Federal Reserve meeting looming, the discussion covers where rates are headed, the real limits of Fed power, and the political tug-of-war over central bank independence.

Professor Burton also shares sharp insights i...

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    In this sobering and thought-provoking episode, investor Hunter Craig sits down with Professor Edwin Burton of the University of Virginia to unpack the harsh economic realities we face as the national debt approaches $40 trillion. Together, they cover everything from university research incentives to runaway entitlement spending, inflation, and the limits of Federal Reserve intervention. With a mix of wit, clarity, and no-nonsense ...

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    In this episode of Rubber Meets the Road Economics, Hunter Craig sits down with Professor Edwin T. Burton to unpack one of the most pressing economic topics of our time: tariffs. With political posturing, trade wars, and rising costs dominating the headlines, Professor Burton breaks down why tariffs are effectively a regressive sales tax that hits consumers the hardest — especially those with lower incomes.

    The conversation d...

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    As the S&P 500 hits record highs and inflation cools, you might think the U.S. economy is cruising. But Professor Edwin T. Burton returns to Rubber Meets the Road Economics with a more sobering take: the real warning signs are hiding in plain sight. In this episode, Professor Burton explains why the yield on the two-month Treasury is a more reliable predictor of Fed action than market sentiment—and why he thinks the econo...

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     In this crucial episode, Hunter Craig speaks with Professor Edwin T. Burton about the alarming implications of recent U.S. tariff policies, market volatility, and America's mounting debt crisis. Professor Burton provides candid insights into why he believes markets have further to fall, the inherent dangers of current tariff strategies, and the troubling decline in foreign investment in U.S. Treasury auctions. Tune in for an ...

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    In this episode, Professor Edwin Burton joins Hunter Craig to discuss the recent implementation of tariffs by the U.S. government and their far-reaching effects on the economy. They delve into who truly bears the cost of tariffs, the unprecedented market reactions, and the potential long-term consequences for both domestic and international financial landscapes.

    Episode Breakdown:

    • Introduction: Overview of current economic c...
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    As the U.S. deficit balloons toward $2 trillion annually and total national debt surpasses $36 trillion, the financial sustainability of government spending has never been more uncertain. Economist and UVA professor Edwin Burton joins host Hunter Craig to break down the underlying economic forces shaping America’s future.

    Topics Covered:

    ✅ The impact of rising debt and deficits on th...

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    In Episode 16, Tariffs are back in the news.

    On February 1, 2025, the U.S. announced new tariffs on Canada and Mexico—only to delay them for 30 days. What does this mean for American businesses, workers, and consumers?

    In this episode of Rubber Meets the Road Economics, Hunter Craig sits down with Professor Edwin T. Burton of the University of Virginia to discuss the broader economic ...

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    This week on Rubber Meets The Road Economics, investor Hunter Craig sits down with Professor Edwin Burton of the University of Virginia to discuss:

    Why the Fed Paused Rate Hikes – The real reason behind the Fed’s decision to hold steady and why Treasury Bill yields tell us everything we need to know.

    Treasury Bill Arbitrage Explained – A risk-free trade that could generate billions, if only the Fed allowed it.

    AI&...

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    In Episode 14 of Rubber Meets the Road Economics, Hunter Craig sits down with renowned economist Professor Edwin T. Burton to discuss pressing economic issues, including the looming threat of debt spirals, the Federal Reserve’s role in interest rate policies, and the impact of tariffs on U.S. manufacturing. They dive into the complexities of reserve currencies, tariffs, and the challenges facing the U.S. economy as it grapple...

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    In this episode of Rubber Meets the Road Economics, investor Hunter Craig sits down with the insightful Professor Edwin T. Burton of the University of Virginia to discuss the latest trends in the debt market, including the dramatic swings in U.S. Treasury yields. The conversation breaks down the complexities of supply and demand in economics, rising interest rates, and their implications on real estate and global markets.

    From debu...

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