This interview podcast explores the profound impact of interest rates on economies and societies, particularly within the commodities sector. The host, Paul Chapman, interviews Edward Chancellor, author of "The Price of Time," discussing the history of interest rates, from ancient Mesopotamia to the present day, and their influence on asset prices, investment decisions, and inequality. Chancellor argues that artificially low interest rates, as seen since the global financial crisis, fueled asset bubbles and misallocation of capital, benefiting the wealthy while exacerbating inequality. The discussion also covers the impact of low interest rates on the commodity supercycle, the rise of financial engineering over product focus, and the potential consequences of normalizing interest rates. A key takeaway is the long-term, often unseen, consequences of manipulating interest rates, highlighting the need for a more nuanced understanding of their impact on economic stability and social equity.
