Broadcast: October 27, 2026 | FOX Carolina, Greenville, South Carolina
Before the Federal Reserve raises interest rates again, working families and small-business owners deserve to understand what another increase would accomplish. Higher borrowing costs affect the next car payment, the ability to buy a home and the decision to invest in a business.
Economic growth strategist Dan Varroney joined Justin Dougherty on FOX Carolina to discuss the evidence the Fed should examine before its next decision. The conversation explores how diesel and gasoline costs move through the economy, why stronger retail sales may reflect higher prices rather than improved purchasing power, and what those pressures mean for consumers and employers.
Dan argues for distinguishing the effects of the energy shock from broader inflation pressures. He also calls for a clearly explained strategy that connects monetary policy to the economy families and small businesses are experiencing. Uncertainty about energy prices makes careful assessment especially important.
This interview previews the Fed meeting and reflects the information available on October 27, 2026. It is presented as an archive of that discussion, rather than an account of a later Fed decision.
Interview chapters
- 0:00: The Fed decision ahead
- 0:26: Inflation beyond the energy shock
- 1:13: Retail sales and stretched household budgets
- 2:45: Energy uncertainty and future Fed decisions
- 3:25: What families and small businesses need
Explore Dan’s analysis of Federal Reserve policy and interest rates and inflation and consumer costs.
Bring this economic perspective to your next leadership meeting or conference. Dan helps business and trade association leaders connect economic change to decisions about investment, hiring and growth. Discuss a speaking engagement.
Dan Varroney is an economic growth strategist, keynote speaker, media contributor, small-business advocate and Founder & CEO of Potomac Core. He is the author of Reimagining Industry Growth and Rethinking Economic Growth. Producers can request Dan for an interview.