October 13, 2026By Scott B. MacDonald, Ph.D.Chief Economist Summary: The Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta (as of October 6th) puts 3rd quarter real GDP at a robust 3.7%. Although this is slower than earlier reads, the pace is still strong, helped along by resilience among upper-income household consumers, strong investment, with a robust showing from foreign investors and a rollicking stock market that functions as a wealth multiplier. The US labor market remains resilient with unemployment at 4.2%. But there are plenty of red flags – energy prices remain high (Brent Sea Crude hitting over $105 a barrel); energy-related inflation is creeping into the supply chain; there is a growing wheat shortage due to the Russo-Ukrainian war; and real yields have risen and likely to remain so which is bad news for high yield borrowers and wannabe homeowners. There is also the chance of an escalation of Russia’s hybrid war...
The Demographic Reckoning: Colleges and the Future of America’s Economy
October 27, 2026
October 16, 2026By Scott B. MacDonald, Ph.D.Chief Economist Demographics, Higher Education, and Future Economic Paths: It was H.G. Wells, author of The Time Machine and War of the Worlds, who stated, “History is a race between education and catastrophe.” In…...
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