E304 - The Fed’s Rate Hike Trap: Fight Inflation or Worsen the Debt?
Published: September 16, 2026
Duration: 9:42
The Federal Reserve is confronting a problem with no obvious painless solution.
In Episode 304 of The Secret War on Cash, Dean Heskin and Chris Agelastos of Swiss America Trading examine expectations for another Federal Reserve interest-rate increase and the conflicting economic pressures behind the decision.
Higher interest rates are one of the traditional tools central banks use to slow inflation. By making borrowing more expensive, policymakers can reduce demand and potentially ease upward price pressure.
But America’s current fiscal situation makes that strategy considerably more complicated.
With an enormous national debt, higher rates ca...
In Episode 304 of The Secret War on Cash, Dean Heskin and Chris Agelastos of Swiss America Trading examine expectations for another Federal Reserve interest-rate increase and the conflicting economic pressures behind the decision.
Higher interest rates are one of the traditional tools central banks use to slow inflation. By making borrowing more expensive, policymakers can reduce demand and potentially ease upward price pressure.
But America’s current fiscal situation makes that strategy considerably more complicated.
With an enormous national debt, higher rates ca...