Mark Thornton joins Ryan McMaken and Tho Bishop on Radio Rothbard to discuss the current state of the economy and what to expect as we near the election.

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As the world heads further down the road to trade protectionism and war, Mark takes a look at what Ludwig von Mises dubbed the "Montaigne Fallacy." This fallacy is based on the illogical idea that with voluntary exchange, one person's benefits come at the expense of the other, or what we call "zero sum thinking." Mark shows exactly why the idea is wrong and explains that Montaigne's other ideas are also wrongheaded.

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In this week's episode, Mark reviews several ways to fight the Fed's price inflation. Adopting these strategies proactively can improve our lives economically and psychologically—and even improve our health. They can make your family less vulnerable and improve your self-confidence.

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Order a free paperback copy of Murray Rothbard’s What Has Government Done to Our Money? at Mises.org/Money.

In this week's episode, Mark analyzes the record high price of copper. He explains why Wall Street focuses on the price of copper and why this crucial economic indicator seems at odds with the weak global economy. This has serious implications for our economic future. Get a free copy of Mark's book, The Skyscraper Curse, for the rest of the story: Mises.org/Curse.

Be sure to follow Minor Issues at Mises.org/MinorIssues.

Order a free paperback copy of Murray Rothbard’s What Has Government Done to Our Money? at Mises.org/Money.

In this week's episode, Mark looks at the current state of the commercial real estate market, especially the problematic refinancing requirement in an environment of lower prices and a declining tenant base. Combined with a higher interest rate, this market faces difficult financing over the next three years. This is another negative manifestation of the Fed's control over interest rates in our economy.

Be sure to follow Minor Issues at Mises.org/MinorIssues.

Order a free paperback copy of Murray Rothbard’s What Has Government Done to Our Money? at Mises.org/Money.

In this episode, Mark Thornton discusses Consumer Confidence as a reliable indicator of the current economy. Individual components of the index are declining, but do not yet indicate a looming crisis or recession. Mark thinks that it does indicate, along with other economic statistics, of a clear worsening in the economy and his predictions for 2024.

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In this week's episode, Mark examines the Chocolate Crisis of 2024. Cocoa prices have skyrocketed. The media is trying to paint this as another example of the ravages of Climate Change, but the market is making all of its typical adjustments to ensure that chocolate products continue to flow to consumers, and also making adjustments to improve the long-term conditions.

Be sure to follow Minor Issues at Mises.org/MinorIssues.

Get your free copy of Dr. Guido Hülsmann's How Inflation Destroys Civilization at Mises.org/IssuesFree.

In this week's episode, Mark takes another look at the Producer Price Index. As suggested in an episode from September 2023 (see Mises.org/MI_35), the PPI has indeed leveled off and is no longer "contributing" to the Federal Reserve's "Immaculate Disinflation." Mark points out that wholesale price increases are already in the long PPI "pipeline" and will likely make the Fed's announced plans fall apart.

PPI at Fred: Mises.org/MI_67A

PPI 2022: "The Producer Price Index" at Mises.org/MI_35

CPI: "Where’s the Beef?" at Mises.org/MI_36

"The Fed's Immaculate Disinflation" at Mises.org/MI_03

Be sure to follow Minor Issues at Mises.org/MinorIssues.

Get your free copy of Dr. Guido Hülsmann's How Inflation Destroys Civilization at Mises.org/IssuesFree.