In this episode of ‘Your Personal Economist,’ Michelle Meyer, Chief Economist at the Mastercard Economics Institute, explains why a little unemployment can be a sign of a healthy, flexible labor market. When people are transitioning, industries are shifting, and the job market is adjusting, it reflects an economy that’s active, balanced and built to move forward.
- Frictional and structural unemployment reflect choice, mobility and progress.
- The goal isn’t zero — it’s balance, where inflation stays stable and growth continues.
- Churn signals resilience — a labor market that’s flexible, adaptable and moving forward.
A little unemployment isn’t a flaw — it’s a feature of a dynamic economy where people and businesses are flexible and have choices.
Michelle Meyer Chief Economist and Head of the Mastercard Economics Institute
Access previous episodes here:
Episode 2
Summer travel is all about value and experiences
In this episode of ‘Your Personal Economist,’ Michelle Meyer, Chief Economist at the Mastercard Economics Institute, explores what’s shaping consumers’ choices for summer travel in 2025.
Episode 3
Price at the pump: what’s behind the numbers and why they matter
In this episode of ‘Your Personal Economist,’ Michelle Meyer, Chief Economist at the Mastercard Economics Institute, breaks down what’s driving gas prices and what the recent dip means for your wallet.