From a federal shutdown to an overheated stock market and volatile trade policies, Iowa’s economy is facing headwinds from nearly every direction. Host Chris Conetzkey sits down with ISU economist Peter Orazem to unpack the state and national factors shaping Iowa’s outlook — and what the long-term risks might be.

In this episode:

• How the prolonged federal shutdown is disrupting research, regulation, and ag data.
• Why high price-to-earnings ratios could signal an overinflated stock market.
• The impact of rising tariffs on Iowa’s manufacturers and farmers.
• What Iowa’s tax cuts and revenue shortfalls could mean for future state services.
• How an aging workforce and sluggish population growth are constraining recovery.

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