Sec. Bessent's big plan to finance the national debt

Aug 20, 2026Should the Treasury issue more short-term bonds to finance the $40 trillion national debt? Plus: Multifamily construction, PCE methodology, and craft stores.

Fabrice Coffrini/AFP via Getty ImagesSegments From This EpisodeJim Watson/AFP via Getty ImagesThe Treasury wants to use short-term borrowing to finance the national debt. While short-term interest rates are usually lower than long-term rates, they’re also more volatile.

Brendan Smialowski/AFP via Getty ImagesMethodology changes to PCE are coming right as the central bank makes critical decisions about interest rates.

Courtesy Margaret BradyFed Chairman Kevin Warsh and other central bankers will be in Jackson Hole, Wyoming next week for a conference. Meanwhile, local residents combat high prices and rising rents.

Al Drago/Getty ImagesConstruction permits for multifamily housing rose 9% in July compared to June.