In this episode of Rubber Meets the Road Economics, Hunter Craig welcomes back Professor Edwin Burton to dive into the U.S. debt crisis, Federal Reserve policies, and interest rates. Professor Burton draws on his extensive academic background and professional experience to offer an insightful analysis of the U.S. economy’s trajectory. Together, they discuss the implications of the $35 trillion national debt, the potential for higher interest rates, and whether the U.S. is heading toward an economic disaster.

Key Discussion Points:

• The significance of U.S. national debt climbing to $35 trillion and its future projections.
• Professor Burton's educational background, including his PhD from Northwestern University and his experience studying under renowned economists.
• The role of U.S. Treasury yields in predicting Federal Reserve interest rate cuts.
• Why corporate bond sales are signaling economic caution and what that means for the future.
• The limitations of modern monetary theory and its impact on inflation.
• How government debt and spending are driving inflation and affecting individual savings rates.
• What lessons can be learned from the debt crises in other countries, like Argentina and the Weimar Republic.

About Professor Edwin Burton: Dr. Edwin T. Burton is a professor of economics at the University of Virginia, specializing in finance, with a focus on behavioral finance and the theory of financial markets. A distinguished academic and former Wall Street executive, Professor Burton earned his PhD from Northwestern University, studying under renowned mathematical economist Hirofumi Uzawa. He has held senior roles at Smith Barney and other major financial institutions, and has taught at UVA since 1988. Professor Burton's extensive expertise makes him a leading authority on public policy, finance, and economics.

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Disclaimer: The information provided on this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as financial advice and should not be relied upon as such. All opinions expressed by the hosts, guests, or participants are solely their own and do not reflect the views of any companies or organizations they may be affiliated with. We recommend that you consult with a qualified financial professional before making any financial decisions. Remember, investing and financial decisions carry risks, and it is important to do your own research.

In this episode of Rubber Meets the Road Economics, host Hunter Craig sits down with Professor Edwin Burton to discuss the reality behind unemployment data, inflation, and the impact of free trade. The conversation explores how government policies, interest rates, and debt accumulation affect the U.S. economy. With expert insights from Professor Burton, listeners will gain a deeper understanding of the economic forces shaping our world and how they might impact your financial decisions.

UPDATE: On Tuesday, Sept 17, Professor Burton is calling for a 50 BPS cut by the Federal Reserve tomorrow.

Key Discussion Points:

• Why unemployment data revisions are more common than you think
• How inflation is measured and why it's so hard to pin down
• The true cost of money printing and its impact on everyday Americans
• Free trade vs. tariffs: What's really best for the economy?
• Is the U.S. heading towards an economic crisis due to its debt?

Connect with Us:

• Subscribe and leave us a review on your favorite podcast platform
• Share your thoughts with us at rubbermeetstheroadeconomicspod@gmail.com

Disclaimer: The information provided on this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as financial advice and should not be relied upon as such. All opinions expressed by the hosts, guests, or participants are solely their own and do not reflect the views of any companies or organizations they may be affiliated with. We recommend that you consult with a qualified financial professional before making any financial decisions. Remember, investing and financial decisions carry risks, and it is important to do your own research.

More about Professor Edwin Burton

Dr. Edwin T. Burton is a distinguished professor of economics at the University of Virginia, specializing in finance, with a particular focus on behavioral finance and the theory of financial markets. His academic career began in 1969, and he has held faculty positions at Cornell University and UVA since 1988. He has also been a key figure on Wall Street, holding senior roles at Smith Barney, Rothschild Financial Services, and Interstate Johnson Lane Corporation.

At UVA, Burton’s courses on finance are among the most popular in the Economics Department, where he has taught thousands of students over his career. In addition to his academic work, he has been deeply involved in public service, serving as the longest-standing trustee of the Virginia Retirement System and holding the position of chairman from 1997 to 2001.

Beyond his academic and professional contributions, Dr. Burton has authored multiple books on finance, with his latest being Behavioral Finance, published in 2014. His broad expertise makes him a sought-after speaker on economic issues, and he regularly presents at high-profile events, including business forums​(

UVA Arts & Sciences

In this episode of Rubber Meets the Road Economics, Hunter Craig sits down with Professor Edwin Burton to explore the relationship between money supply, inflation, and government debt. Professor Burton explains how printing money leads to inflation, why U.S. Treasury auctions are so important, and what happens when debt grows too large. Are we headed toward an economic crisis similar to Argentina? Tune in to learn more about these pressing economic issues and how they may affect you.

Key Discussion Points:

• How increasing the money supply causes inflation
• What Treasury auctions reveal about government debt
• The differences between Treasury bills, notes, and bonds
• Can the U.S. avoid a debt crisis like Argentina's?
• The future of Medicare, Social Security, and the national budget

About Professor Edwin Burton:

Dr. Edwin T. Burton is a professor of economics at the University of Virginia, specializing in finance with a focus on behavioral finance and the theory of financial markets. Professor Burton, a distinguished academic and former Wall Street executive, has held senior roles at Smith Barney, Rothschild Financial Services, and Interstate Johnson Lane Corporation. He has taught at UVA since 1988 and has authored multiple books on finance, including Behavioral Finance. Additionally, he served as the longest-standing trustee of the Virginia Retirement System and was chairman from 1997 to 2001. Professor Burton's extensive background makes him a leading expert on the intersection of public policy, finance, and economics.

Connect with Us:

• Subscribe and leave us a review on your favorite podcast platform
• Share your thoughts with us at rubbermeetstheroadeconomicspod@gmail.com

Disclaimer: The information provided on this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as financial advice and should not be relied upon as such. All opinions expressed by the hosts, guests, or participants are solely their own and do not reflect the views of any companies or organizations they may be affiliated with. We recommend that you consult with a qualified financial professional before making any financial decisions. Remember, investing and financial decisions carry risks, and it is important to do your own research.