DiscoverThe Indicator from Planet MoneyHow much would you do this job for? And other indicators
How much would you do this job for? And other indicators

How much would you do this job for? And other indicators

Update: 2024-08-231
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Digest

The podcast delves into the recent revision of job growth data by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), revealing an overstatement of 818,000 jobs over the past year. This sparked debate about the accuracy of job data and whether the error was intentional. The BLS's delayed release of the revised data further fueled speculation and highlighted the potential for insider information in financial markets. The podcast then explores the concept of the "reservation wage," the minimum wage Americans would accept for a new job. The New York Fed's survey revealed an average reservation wage of $81,147, higher than the median US wage, reflecting the tight labor market and high inflation. Finally, the podcast discusses Fed Chair Jerome Powell's hints at potential rate cuts, suggesting a possible shift in monetary policy. This could lead to a decrease in interest rates, potentially impacting the economy and financial markets.

Outlines

00:00:00
Job Growth Revision and Data Accuracy

The podcast discusses the BLS's revision of job growth data, revealing an overstatement of 818,000 jobs over the past year. This sparked debate about the accuracy of job data and whether the error was intentional. The BLS's delayed release of the revised data further fueled speculation and highlighted the potential for insider information in financial markets.

00:06:11
The Reservation Wage and Labor Market Dynamics

The podcast explores the concept of the "reservation wage," the minimum wage Americans would accept for a new job. The New York Fed's survey revealed an average reservation wage of $81,147, higher than the median US wage, reflecting the tight labor market and high inflation.

00:08:58
Fed Rate Cuts and Monetary Policy Shift

The podcast discusses Fed Chair Jerome Powell's hints at potential rate cuts, suggesting a possible shift in monetary policy. This could lead to a decrease in interest rates, potentially impacting the economy and financial markets.

Keywords

Reservation Wage


The lowest wage a worker would accept for a new job, reflecting their minimum acceptable compensation based on factors like market conditions, skills, and personal needs.

Job Growth Revision


Adjustments made to previously reported job growth figures, often based on more comprehensive data or corrections to initial estimates.

BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics)


A US government agency responsible for collecting and analyzing data on labor, employment, and prices, including the monthly job report and other economic indicators.

Rate Cut


A reduction in interest rates by a central bank, often implemented to stimulate economic growth by making borrowing cheaper and encouraging investment.

Hanlon's Razor


A principle suggesting that it's simpler to attribute events to incompetence or error rather than malice or conspiracy.

Q&A

  • How did the BLS's job growth revision impact the perception of the US economy?

    The revision revealed that job growth was not as robust as initially reported, raising concerns about the accuracy of economic data and potentially impacting investor confidence.

  • What is the significance of the "reservation wage" in the current economic climate?

    The reservation wage reflects the high demand for workers and the impact of inflation on wage expectations. It suggests that workers are less likely to accept low-paying jobs, potentially contributing to labor shortages.

  • What are the potential implications of the Fed's hinted rate cuts?

    Rate cuts could stimulate economic growth by making borrowing cheaper, but they also carry risks like inflation and asset bubbles. The Fed's decision will be closely watched by investors and policymakers.

Show Notes

Welcome to another edition of Indicators of the Week! On today's show, the large downward revision to jobs numbers, the awkward release of that news and a survey that asks U.S. workers for the minimum salary they would accept a new job for.

Related listening:
Getting more men into so-called pink collar jobs (Apple / Spotify)
Do I need a four-year degree? (Apple / Spotify)
Indicator exploder: jobs and inflation
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How much would you do this job for? And other indicators

How much would you do this job for? And other indicators