In this episode of 'Your Personal Economist,' Michelle Meyer, Chief Economist at the Mastercard Economics Institute, examines at why the U.S. economy feels uneven right now. Population shifts and business migration are reshaping local economies, driving stronger growth and spending in some states while others see slower momentum. These regional differences help explain why economic conditions can feel mixed, even when headline indicators suggest stability.
This episode explores:
- How population and business migration are reshaping regional economies
- Why spending and growth look stronger in some states than others
- How local economic realities combine to create an aggregated national signal


The national numbers blend very different regional stories, which is why the economy can feel uneven. Most of us experience it locally, even when we talk about it nationally.
Michelle Meyer Chief Economist and Head of the Mastercard Economics Institute
Access previous episodes here:
Episode 15
The current state of the housing market
In this episode of 'Your Personal Economist,' Michelle Meyer, Chief Economist at the Mastercard Economics Institute, explains why housing affordability remains strained even as price growth slows. Home prices are still elevated, mortgage rates remain high and income growth has not caught up. As these forces move out of sync, meaningful relief for buyers is likely to take time.
Episode 14
How market expectations shape the economy
In this episode of 'Your Personal Economist,' Michelle Meyer, Chief Economist at the Mastercard Economics Institute, explains how stock market movements influence economic confidence and shape behavior across households and businesses.

