Meet the Gen Z author and economic commentator who coined the term ‘vibecession’ There are some imbalances in the economy that the Fed won’t be able to fix, Kyla Scanlon tells MarketWatch — and until then, the bad vibes might continue

Kyla Scanlon, a young economic commentator, is making waves by explaining complex economic concepts in a relatable way. She's known for coining the term "vibecession" - the feeling of economic unease despite positive data.

Why the Fed Can't Fix Everything

The Federal Reserve has limited tools to address economic problems. They can raise or lower interest rates, but this doesn't directly impact housing affordability or production costs.

The Birth of "Vibecession"

In 2022, economic data looked good - low unemployment, fast recovery from the pandemic. Yet, consumer confidence was low. Scanlon called this a "vibecession" - a disconnect between data and how people feel.

Vibes Can Be Political Too

Scanlon worries about a future "vibecession" driven by politics, where the winning party's supporters feel good and the losers feel bad.

From Car Sales to Economic Education

Scanlon's interest in economics began while selling cars. She realized many people lacked basic financial knowledge. Now, she uses social media, podcasts, and even a book to explain economics in layman's terms.

Spreading Knowledge is Key

Scanlon believes understanding economics empowers people to make better financial decisions and navigate the economic system.