In This Economy?: How Money and Markets Really Work

The stuff you really need to know about how the economy works? It's pretty simple. Yes, even if you were bored to tears in economics class, or if you're cross-eyed from reading painfully convoluted-or straight-up misguided-financial commentary. In this particularly disorienting era, Kyla Scanlon is the Tim Harford of the disaffected and disillusioned Gen Z looking for answers.

This is the definitive, approachable guide to the key concepts and mechanics of economics and the most common myths and fallacies to steer clear of. Through Kyla's trademark blend of creative analogies, clever illustrations, refreshingly lucid language—and even quotes from poetry, literature, and philosophy—she answers questions such as:

• Is our national debt really a threat?
• What is a "mild" recession, exactly?
• What's really happening in the employment market, and how do we improve it for workers?

At a time when experts overcomplicate simple things loudly, choosing to generate smoke rather than clearing the air, In This Economy? shows that understanding the markets-and the systems they operate in-is easier than you think.

Whether you're worried about your mortgage rate, job security, bank account balance, or the health of the broader economy, this concise and witty guide will give you the confidence to make smarter financial decisions-no matter what the headlines say.

About the Author

Kyla Scanlon is an American financial analyst, writer and content creator who specialises in demystifying finance and global markets. The founder of the financial education company Bread, she was previously an associate at Capital Group, conducting macroeconomic analysis and modelling investment strategies. She has written for or been featured in The New York Times, The Washington Post, New York Magazine, Bloomberg and Fast Company among many. Fast Company calls her 'the coolest econ nerd on the internet' and she has gathered a legion of fans online for her comedic economic explainers on TikTok and other platforms.

Reviews

"Few people can communicate how the economy actually works better than Kyla Scanlon." ―Morgan Housel, author of The Psychology of Money

"Kyla's singular style is approachable, witty, and endlessly informative, helping readers decipher everything from the labour force to housing to what Jay Powell's thinking." ―Kai Ryssdal, host of NPR’s Marketplace

Kyla is a master at explaining even the most complex and arcane subjects with verve, wit and creativity-whether it's the mechanics of the US debt ceiling, the 'vibecession' or the nuances of meme investing. We're lucky we have Kyla around to show us how it all works." ―Tracy Alloway, Bloomberg journalist and co-host of the Odd Lots podcast

Dimensions: 16 x 2.8 x 24.2 cm