WSJ's Take On the Week - TopPodcast.com

A Message for Our Listeners Apr 14, 2024

We’re going on hiatus. A message for our listeners from WSJ’s Take On the Week producer Jess Jupiter.

For more coverage of the markets and your investments, head to WSJ.com.

Why Record Profits For Big Banks Could Be Good For Consumers Apr 07, 2024

This week, we're expecting earnings reports from three of the biggest U.S. banks: JPMorgan Chase, Citigroup, and Wells Fargo. Josh Brown and Michael Batnick from Ritholtz Wealth Management join us to discuss what these reports could tell us about the finances of consumers and businesses — how much we’re spending, how much we’re saving and whether we’ve been taking risks. Then, we're drilling into oil. A report from the International Energy Agency is expected Friday and will play a role in letting investors know whether the double digit increase we saw in oil prices in Q1 and the 30% increase we saw in gasoline prices will continue. We're speaking with WSJ reporter, David Uberti, about what rising gasoline prices tells us and why the report could move oil prices, stock prices and more. Plus, we're previewing the upcoming CPI report with WSJ reporter Anna Hirtenstein to find out why this week’s data could change the conversation about inflation.

How can we better help you take on the week? We’d like to hear from you. Send us an email to takeontheweek@wsj.com.

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Further Reading

Why Gasoline Prices Are Rising Faster Than Usual This Year

Inflation Victory Is Proving Elusive, Challenging Central Banks and Markets

For more coverage of the markets and your investments, head to WSJ.com.

Is the AI Boom Real? And Will We See It in This Week’s Jobs Report? Mar 31, 2024

The latest earnings season is coming to a close and we are looking forward to the next quarter to learn where profits are headed. What have investors learned about U.S. companies and the economy and which sectors should they be paying close attention to? Gabriela Santos, managing director and chief market strategist for the Americas on the Global Market Insights Strategy Team at J.P. Morgan Asset Management, joins the conversation to share her big takeaways from the latest earnings season. Then, we're shifting gears to jobs as we prepare for the monthly employment report expected on Friday. LinkedIn's chief economist, Karin Kimbrough, shares what’s happening with jobs and the growing importance of AI for U.S. employers and job-seekers. Plus, we’re talking savings, or lack thereof. A new report from Santander Bank expected this Tuesday shows that most middle-income Americans are missing out on high interest rates from their savings account. We hear from Tim Wennes, president and CEO of Santander U.S. about why he believes people aren’t switching to high-interest savings accounts and what banks, like Santander, can do about it. How can we better help you take on the week? We’d like to hear from you. Send us an email to takeontheweek@wsj.com.

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For more coverage of the markets and your investments, head to WSJ.com .

Affirm CEO Max Levchin on Credit Cards vs. ‘Buy Now, Pay Later’ Mar 27, 2024

Affirm CEO Max Levchin is one of the original co-founders of PayPal, and now he leads one of the biggest players in the buy now, pay later business. Levchin wants to build a company that changes how shoppers pay for big-ticket items and the way people take on debt. But critics argue the company is a danger to consumers because it allows them to make some purchases with no interest payments, thereby encouraging excessive spending. For this bonus episode of WSJ’s Take On the Week, Levchin talks about Affirm’s future and competing with the credit-card industry. How can we better help you take on the week? Send us an email to takeontheweek@wsj.com.

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Are Inflated Prices Due to Corporate Greed? This Report May Tell Us Mar 24, 2024

This week, we’re taking a look at corporate greed. A recent survey from Navigator Research found that most Americans think greed is a “major cause” of inflation. But is that true? Deepak Puri, chief investment officer of Deutsche Bank Private Bank in the Americas, joins us to dig into this week’s Corporate Profits report from the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis to get some answers. Then we’re turning to jobless claims. It’s been four years since the Covid-19 pandemic led to business shutdowns across the country and a subsequent record 3.28 million unemployment filings. Valerie Wilson, director of the Economic Policy Institute on Race, Ethnicity, and the Economy, gives us her take on the state of the labor market. Plus, WSJ media reporter Alexandra Bruell discusses Buzzfeed’s upcoming earnings report and how the company is faring since embracing AI last year.

How can we better help you take on the week? We’d like to hear from you. Send us an email to takeontheweek@wsj.com.

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For more coverage of the markets and your investments, head to WSJ.com.

Tale of Two Feds: Will Interest Rates Drop and is FedEx a Tech Company? Mar 17, 2024

This week, the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) is expected to release another interest rate decision. Will the Federal Reserve's statements move the markets and disrupt the bullish momentum in the stock market? Torsten Slok, partner and chief economist at Apollo Global Management, joins us to share what specific phrases from the FOMC may indicate when rate cuts will come and gives us a hot take of his own about what the Fed’s decision will be. Then, we're turning our attention to FedEx's earnings report expected on Thursday. The company has marketed new technologies in their business strategies, such as providing integral data from packaged delivery services that may excite investors. WSJ reporter Esther Fung and Heard of the Street editor Spencer Jakab join to explain how companies leaning into ‘tech’ branding can affect their stocks and what they’re looking to hear on this week’s earnings call. Finally, we're turning up the volume on music royalties becoming asset-backed securities. WSJ’s Los Angeles bureau chief Sarah Krouse joins to share why musicians like Bruce Springsteen are getting big deals from investors and what it means for markets. How can we better help you take on the week? We’d like to hear from you. Send us an email to takeontheweek@wsj.com.

How Confident Are the CEOs of America’s Largest Companies? Mar 10, 2024

Are U.S. CEOs feeling confident? The Business Roundtable CEO Economic Outlook Index measures the health of the U.S. economy from the perspective of U.S. chief executives. We discuss why this survey matters for investors and the markets with Joe Brusuelas, principal and chief economist for assurance and tax consulting firm RSM US. We continue the conversation on CEOs’ outlook with Everette Taylor, CEO of global crowdfunding platform Kickstarter. Taylor shares his view on CEO confidence and his expectations for the future. Also, is supercore inflation back? We talk with WSJ’s Justin Lahart about what Tuesday’s CPI inflation report could mean for investors and the markets. How can we better help you take on the week? Send us an email to takeontheweek@wsj.com.

Further Reading

What is Supercore Inflation?

Forget Core CPI, Market Pros Are Searching for Supercore Inflation

Kickstarter's Biggest Winners and Biggest Losers

A Turbulent Year May Lie Ahead—CEOs at Davos Are Optimistic

For more coverage of the markets and your investments, head to WSJ.com.

Correction: The CEO Economic Outlook Index is produced by Business Roundtable. An earlier version of this podcast incorrectly referenced a different report, the Conference Board’s CEO Confidence Survey. In addition, the Business Roundtable report was released ahead of schedule, after the interviews in this episode were conducted but before the episode aired. An earlier version said the report would be released on March 13. (Corrected on March 12)

What This Week’s Jobs Reports Could Tell Us About the State of the Consumer Mar 03, 2024

This week, we’re expecting the JOLTS and nonfarm payrolls reports. With inflation still holding above the Fed’s target and some weakness in the latest durable goods and retail sales reports, February’s nonfarm payrolls report will carry some extra weight. Charles Schwab’s chief investment strategist, Liz Ann Sonders and their chief fixed income strategist, Kathy Jones, join us for a discussion about how the market is anticipating these reports, especially the jobs report– which will be the week's marquee data point. We’ll also be looking to see what these reports tell us about the state of the consumer. Then, ahead of Target and Costco’s earnings results, WSJ reporter Sarah Nassauer joins to talk about how those reports may show us how shoppers are balancing wants and needs. And with Super Tuesday fast approaching we’ll hear from Sam Stovall, chief investment strategist at CFRA Research, about how this election can move the markets and what the likely presidential rematch between Donald Trump and Joe Biden means for investors.

Further Reading

Hotter-Than-Expected Inflation Clouds Rate-Cut Outlook

Nasdaq Approaches Its Record High

U.S. Shoppers Cut Back in January

For more coverage of the markets and your investments, head to WSJ.com.

What Paramount’s Earnings Report Could Tell Us About the State of Streaming Feb 25, 2024

This week, we’re looking ahead to Paramount Global’s earnings report. The company that includes TV, movies, and streaming, has been taking it on the chin from investors. Its stock has lost more than 50% of its value in the past year, so Wednesday’s report could be pivotal. Recently much of the talk about Paramount has been as an acquisition target — for media executive Byron Allen to Skydance Media CEO David Ellison. Michael Morris, senior managing director at Guggenheim Securities, joins us to share what this week’s earnings report from Paramount could tell us about what’s coming next — for streaming, for entertainment and for media conglomerates on Wall Street. Then, we turn our attention to the upcoming personal consumption expenditures report, or PCE. The report is slated to be released on Thursday and with stocks looking priced for perfection these days, we’ll unpack what investors need to know to be ready. WSJ market reporters Gunjan Banerji and Sam Goldfarb join for a roundtable discussion on what the report means for the markets. Lastly, we’re celebrating the extra day this month with Mark Maurer, reporter for WSJ’s CFO Journal publication. Mark shares how chief financial officers at some of the largest companies, like Chipotle, Walmart, and Delta Airlines, are getting investors ready for leap day.

Further Reading

Skydance Backers Explore All-Cash Deal to Gain Control of Paramount

For more coverage of the markets and your investments, head to WSJ.com.

ARK Invest's Cathie Wood: AI Boom is Real, But Still Selling Nvidia Feb 18, 2024

Chipmaker Nvidia is having a strong start to the year. The company is currently the best performing stock in the S&P 500 for 2024 and the third-largest company in the U.S., with a value of about $1.8 trillion. But how are investors feeling about Nvidia’s success? Ahead of the company’s earnings report later this week, we’re speaking with Cathie Wood, CEO and chief investment officer of ARK Invest, who recently went from a buyer to a seller of Nvidia stock. Cathie shares insight into that decision and what she’s most looking forward to from this week’s report. You can hear an extended conversation with Cathie Wood - plus other exclusive content - on WSJ SPECIAL ACCESS. Available on Spotify and Apple Podcast. Then, we’re turning our attention to Thursday’s existing home sales report from the National Association of Realtors. Few markets have been as impacted by inflation as the housing market. With mortgage rates touching the highest level in 23 years in October, we bring on WSJ housing reporter, Nicole Friedman, to discuss what that means for potential homebuyers and sellers. Lastly, we keep Nicole around to discuss inflation and how it’s shifted homeowners to focusing less on selling and more on renovating their homes. We’ll also be looking out for signs that prices are rising again in the earnings reports we’re expecting this week from Walmart and Home Depot.

(Correction: Nvidia is the third-largest company in the U.S. An earlier version of this podcast incorrectly said it was the fourth-largest. (Corrected on Feb. 20)

BlackRock’s Rick Rieder on Bitcoin, the Fed and His Big Worry in 2024 Feb 15, 2024

BlackRock’s Rick Rieder leads the $10 trillion asset manager’s global asset allocation team and he’s excited about a return to normalcy in 2024. He’s expecting strong economic growth and he’s hoping the Fed will speed up its interest rate cuts this year. Plus, he explains why he likes bitcoin and what his big worry is right now.

Will DoorDash Deliver the Economy a Romantic Dinner this Valentine’s? Feb 11, 2024

Why will DoorDash’s earnings report deliver a better check-up for the U.S. economy than Marriott, Coca-Cola and Kraft-Heinz this week? Because the affordable luxury of food delivery is a great barometer for how much Americans are still willing to spend. Jason Helfstein, Oppenheimer and Company’s managing director and head of Internet research, tells us why he’s giving the stock a buy rating and how he thinks the latest changes to minimum wage laws will affect stockholders. And it’s still all about inflation. WSJ markets reporter Eric Wallerstein joins us to break down why this week’s CPI inflation report could really move markets. Plus, Valentine’s Day is on the way, which for many means gifts. We look at which sector might see a boost from the holiday of love.

Further Reading

As CFOs Prepare for an Unpredictable 2024, Here’s What Tops Their Checklists

Investors Are Almost Always Wrong About the Fed

Why Inflation Is Rising Again: Breaking Down the December CPI Report

11 Valentine’s Day Gifts to Warm Her Heart (and Everything Else)

For more coverage of the markets and your investments, head to WSJ.com.

What Shifting Consumer Habits Mean For CVS, Pepsi, and Beyond Feb 04, 2024

This week, multinational food, snack, and beverage company, PepsiCo is set to release their fourth quarter financial results. The soda maker has made headlines recently after their products were removed from European supermarket chain, Carrefour. The split follows a recent announcement by PepsiCo's chief financial officer, Hugh Johnston, that the company is expecting to slow price hikes this year. Jeremy Goldberg, portfolio manager at Professional Advisory Services, joins us to share what these moves will mean for investors. Then, we're turning our attention to CVS Health Corp’s earnings this week. The retail pharmacy chain recently announced plans to close dozens of pharmacies inside Target stores as pharmacies struggle to grow retail profits. WSJ reporter Anna Matthews joins to share what this means for the company's future and what it says about the state of drugstores. We wrap up the show with a 'happy birthday' to Meta, which will be celebrating the 20th anniversary of Facebook later this week. Sal Rodriguez, WSJ's social media reporter, joins us to discuss what the tech giant may be looking forward to next.

Further Reading

PepsiCo, Grocery Giant Bicker Over Who Dumped Whom

CVS Is Closing Pharmacies Inside Some Target Stores

What This Week’s Fed Rate Decision and Tax Season Means for Investors Jan 28, 2024

This week, the Federal Reserve's rate-setting committee is expected to release a decision on interest rates. When will the central bank finally begin lowering rates? Former St. Louis Fed President James Bullard joins us to share his thoughts on the decision and what he thinks the Fed needs to prioritize next. Plus, ready or not, tax season is here. Tax filing season starts January 29 and we want to understand what this means for you and your investments. WSJ reporter, Laura Saunders, joins us to share what investors should be paying most attention to as they prepare their filings. Plus, we’re gearing up to enter Apple’s virtual world. The technology company is set to release their mixed-reality headset, Vision Pro, at the end of the week. The company also faces added pressures from Microsoft as the company briefly overtook Apple as the largest U.S. company by market value. Could virtual reality be what keeps Apple on top?

Further Reading

Stocks Fall on Rate-Cut Pessimism

Fed Posts Largest-Ever Annual Operating Loss

How Much Is the Standard Deduction and Should I Take It on My Tax Return?

How You Can Grab a 0% Tax Rate

For more coverage of the markets and your investments, head to WSJ.com.

How The White House is Prioritizing Economic Policies for 2024 Jan 24, 2024

As we look ahead to what this year will hold for the markets, one question looming is the results of November's presidential election. While nothing is certain, it’s very likely that President Biden will be the Democratic nominee for president. So what can investors and everyday Americans who are thinking about their bank accounts, jobs and families expect from the rest of 2024 and the next four years if Biden is re-elected? To find out, we’re talking to Jared Bernstein, chair of the Council of Economic Advisors, an agency within the White House that gives the president advice on economic policy. Bernstein previously served as Biden’s chief economist during his first two years as vice president, from 2009 to 2011. In this bonus episode, we'll talk with Bernstein about jobs, the national debt, inflation, China and the trade war, and whether the U.S. economy needs more stimulus or some serious budget cuts.

Are Things Getting Better For Businesses? NABE's Outlook for 2024 Jan 21, 2024

What are business owners' biggest worries and how are they feeling about the economy? This week, the National Association for Business Economics, or NABE, is expected to release its first survey of the year. We spoke with Constance Hunter – a senior adviser at MacroPolicy Perspectives and a past president of NABE – about how investors should be thinking about this data and what it could mean for the economy and financial markets in 2024. And, in our roundtable with WSJ reporters Sharon Terlep and George Downs we discuss Boeing's recent issues with its 737 Max jet and its upcoming earnings call.

Further Reading

Consumers Start 2024 on Strong Footing After a Jolly Holiday

Boeing’s Pile of Problems Gets Bigger as a Crucial Buyer Hesitates

Can Boeing Repair the $12 Billion Hole in Its Reputation?

Inflation Is Down, but It Wasn't 'Transitory'

For more coverage of the markets and your investments, head to WSJ.com.

Will Home Prices Drop in 2024? What Zillow’s Co-Founder Sees Ahead Jan 14, 2024

Zillow co-founder Spencer Rascoff joins us this week to talk about housing and the state of tech and investing in private markets. Although mortgage rates have fallen from their peak in 2023, there may not be enough inventory to bring in potential homebuyers. Rascoff tells us about what he sees as potential obstacles and successes for the housing market. And, as an entrepreneur and a venture capital investor who has co-founded some of the most well-known companies in the U.S., including Hotwire.com, Rascoff also tells us how he’s reading the markets as we get into 2024. Plus, the World Economic Forum begins this week. The annual meeting, held in Davos, Switzerland, brings together cultural, policy and business leaders "to shape global, regional and industry agendas." From AI to unexpected economic optimism, WSJ deputy editor in chief Charles Forelle will discuss what he’ll be looking for from the conference.

Further Reading

Investors’ Hope for 2024: A Return to Long-Lost Normalcy

The Hidden Force Pushing Mortgage Rates Down

Facing Housing Shortages, Cities Try Cramming More Units on Lots

Misinformation Seen as Top Global Risk in Year of Pivotal Elections

For more coverage of the markets and your investments, head to WSJ.com .

What the New Year Holds for Small Businesses and Big Banks Jan 07, 2024

Investors are bullish on big companies, but what about the small ones that drive almost half of U.S. economic activity? Arlan Hamilton leads a venture capital firm that invests in these small firms and has a front-row seat. Her fund, Backstage Capital, has invested in hundreds of small companies that are hoping to become large ones and she’ll tell us what she sees happening right now and what’s on the horizon. Plus, is banking back? Bank stocks soared at the end of 2023, with a couple even outperforming the S&P 500. It shows investors have put the banking crisis that sunk the market in March behind them. But is the coast all clear? And how did we get here? We’ll find out from WSJ banking reporter Rachel Ensign as the three largest banks in the country — JPMorgan Chase, Bank of America and Wells Fargo — are all scheduled to report their earnings on Friday.

Further Reading

WSJ Reports: Small Business

The Coming Deluge for Small Business

U.S. Small-Business Sentiment Kept Sliding in September

How the Fed's Fight Against Inflation Could Hit Small Business

First Republic Crashed and Burned. This Bank Wants to Copy Its Business.

How the 2023 Bank Crisis Can Still Be Felt in 2024

Best Banks and Credit Unions for 2024

Take On the Year: What to Expect in Markets and Money in 2024 Dec 31, 2023

The new year is upon us, and this week we’re telling you what you need to know to make sense of the markets as we head into 2024. It’s our final episode of 2023, and what a year it was: a long-forecast recession never materialized, the U.S. economy saw solid growth, and the stock market delivered spectacular returns – all while rising interest rates put the squeeze on borrowers and the housing market. So what should we expect for 2024? David Kelly, chief global strategist and head of the Global Market Insights Strategy team for J.P. Morgan Asset Management, joins us to share his outlook and explain what you should be on the lookout for next year. Then, we're taking on questions from our listeners about the economy, mortgage rates and what’s next for the Federal Reserve.

Further Reading

Fed Official Says Central Bank Isn’t ‘Really Talking About Rate Cuts’

Chicago Fed’s Goolsbee Says Fed May Need to Shift Its Focus to Jobs

Fed Begins Pivot Toward Lowering Rates as Inflation Declines

For more coverage of the markets and your investments, head to WSJ.com.

Still Have Inflation Concerns? Spending Data May Offer Insight Dec 17, 2023

This week, we’re getting data from the Federal Reserve's favored measure of inflation, the personal consumption expenditures report, or PCE. While surprisingly strong consumer spending has helped boost the economy this past year, several reports show that consumers’ spending may be getting maxed out by high grocery prices and rising costs for medical care and transportation. Nela Richardson, chief economist at ADP, joins to share what rising jobless claims and strong consumer spending means for the economy. Plus, Carmax and FedEx are expected to release their earnings report this week. While the two companies may seem disconnected, they now share a common competitor: Amazon. The e-commerce giant has recently announced plans to begin selling cars online, and just weeks before, officially became the largest delivery company in the U.S. WSJ’s Amazon reporter Dana Mattioli joins to share what Amazon’s business moves mean for companies like Carmax and FedEx.

Further Reading

Inflation Edges Lower, but Still Too High for the Fed

How Inflation Can Keep Falling

Hyundai to Be First Automaker to Sell New Cars on Amazon

The Biggest Delivery Business in the U.S. Is No Longer UPS or FedEx

For more coverage of the markets and your investments, head to WSJ.com.

How The Fed Is Moving the Markets Beyond Interest Rate Hikes Dec 10, 2023

This week, we’re getting the fourth-quarter earnings from Photoshop creator, Adobe. The company’s announcement in October of new AI tools and services led to a five-percent jump in its stock, solidifying the investor excitement still surrounding AI technology. Dan Gallagher, a technology columnist for WSJ’s Heard on the Street, joins to explain how these new services will affect Adobe’s business and what investors should be looking for in its latest earnings report. Then, we’re turning our attention to the Federal Reserve. We’ll be getting another interest rate decision from the Federal Reserve this week and while investors will be looking to see if those rates finally begin to come down, we’re examining a few of the other levers the Federal Reserve pulls to move the markets. Mark Cabana, head of US Rates Strategy at BofA Securities, joins us to share what are those other levers and how they determine the direction of the markets, the economy and the cost to borrow money. Don’t worry, we still left room for dessert. Darden Restaurants, the parent company of Olive Garden, is also expected to report earnings this week. The restaurant sector has seen a slower decline than other sectors when it comes to consumer spending. WSJ reporter Heather Haddon joins us to share why that is and how Gen-Z is influencing restaurants’ marketing strategy.

We want to know what you’ve been wondering about the economy, companies, stocks, bonds, or markets in general. Send us a note or a voice-memo recording to takeontheweek@wsj.com or leave a voicemail at (212) 416-3489.

Further Reading

A New Way to Tell Deepfakes From Real Photos: Can It Work?

Adobe May Be Tech’s Biggest AI Bet Yet

Fed’s Interest Rate Hikes Are Probably Over, but Officials Are Reluctant to Say So

Investors See Interest-Rate Cuts Coming Soon, Recession or Not

For more coverage of the markets and your investments, head to WSJ.com.

What the Jobs Report and Consumer Spending Tell Us About the Economy Dec 03, 2023

This week, we’re turning our attention to the jobs report. The Labor Department is expected to release their monthly jobs report this Friday. The report is arriving at a crucial time as recession concerns still loom for many investors and consumers. According to last month’s consumer confidence index, released by The Conference Board, a business research organization that oversees the monthly confidence survey, around two-thirds of consumers said a recession was “somewhat” or “very likely” in the next 12 months. We're chatting with Dana Peterson, chief economist at The Conference Board, about why consumers and investors are a bit unnerved right now and what that tells us about the economy and markets. To take the conversation even further, we’re then talking to Heather Boushey, a member of the White House’s Council of Economic Advisors. Heather joins us to share how the Biden administration is handling low confidence levels and slowing job gains. Plus, we get a temperature check on the status of Covid-19 vaccine makers, Moderna and Pfizer. Both companies have had significant stock losses since their highs in 2021. How does that affect the overall health of the pharmaceutical and drug sectors and how do drugs that aid weight loss, like Ozempic, factor into all of this? Jared Hopkins, a WSJ reporter covering healthcare and pharmaceuticals, joins us to explain.

Further Reading

Investors See Interest-Rate Cuts Coming Soon, Recession or Not

For more coverage of the markets and your investments, head to WSJ.com.

What Third-Quarter Earnings Tell Us About What’s Next for Markets Nov 26, 2023

About 95% of companies in the S&P 500 have reported third-quarter earnings. So this week, we’re having a roundtable conversation to discuss what we learned from the latest quarter and what the earnings reports tell us about where the market is and where it’s heading. WSJ’s Heard on the Street editor Spencer Jakab and reporter Justin Lahart join us to explore those ideas and more. Then, we’re turning our attention to Dubai where the 28th annual United Nations Conference of the Parties, or COP 28, is kicking off this Thursday. The conference is all about governments coming together to agree on policies to address climate change. WSJ climate finance reporter Amrith Ramkumar explains why this year's conference is welcoming oil giants like Exxon Mobil and Chevron, and why you could see some big market moves for the next two weeks.

We want to know what you’ve been wondering about the economy, companies, stocks, bonds, or markets in general. Send us a note or a voice-memo recording to takeontheweek@wsj.com or leave a voicemail at (212) 416-3489.

Further Reading

Breaking Down the Best Earnings Quarter in a Year

Big Oil Producer Lines Up African Carbon Deals Ahead of Climate Talks

Nations Keep Upping Fossil-Fuel Production Despite Climate Pledge

For more coverage of the markets and your investments, head to WSJ.com.

Why Consumers Are Buying Flights Instead of Gifts This Holiday Season Nov 19, 2023

This week is Black Friday, which means it’s the unofficial kickoff of the holiday shopping season. The big question many economists want to know is will consumer spending be strong? WSJ retail reporter Sarah Nassauer joins us as we look ahead to earnings reports this week from retailers, like Best Buy and Dick’s Sporting Goods, to find out if the holiday spirit is enough to boost sales. Then, we’re turning our attention to artificial intelligence. Nvidia, the technology company known for designing and manufacturing computer graphic chips, is expected to report earnings this week. After the AI boom helped fuel gains for the company, investors are looking to see what recent U.S. restrictions limiting exports to China will mean for the company and its stock. Brenda Vingiello, the chief investment officer of Silicon Valley-based Sand Hill Global Advisors, joins us to explain what investors should be looking for in Nvidia’s earnings report. Lastly, we’re queuing up for holiday travel. With a record number of consumers expected to travel in the next six months, we’re checking in with WSJ’s travel reporter, Jacob Passy, to find out if this sky-high travel is reaching a descent anytime soon.

Further Reading

Five Economic Signs You’re Smart to Procrastinate on Holiday Shopping This Year

Nvidia’s $5 Billion of China Orders in Limbo After Latest U.S. Curbs

For more coverage of the markets and your investments, head to WSJ.com.

Taking the Measure of Consumer Spending at Home Depot Nov 12, 2023

This week, we're grabbing our toolboxes and heading to Home Depot. The home improvement retailer is expected to report earnings on Tuesday. Jinjoo Lee, who covers big retailers for The Wall Street Journal’s Heard on the Street column, joins guest host Telis Demos to talk about how the housing market, consumer spending and supply chains all play an integral role in Home Depot’s success. We’re also turning our attention to two upcoming reports on inflation to take a deeper look at what they mean for corporate profits. Nick Colas, co-founder of market analysis services company DataTrek Research, joins us to talk about how the potential of slowing inflation can affect a company's spending and earnings. Plus, we’ve also got expected earnings from Target and Walmart this week. We'll examine what their different stock journeys tell us about the American consumer.

Further Reading

U.S. Home Prices Rose to Record in August

How Slowing Inflation Can Hit Corporate Profits

For more coverage of the markets and your investments, head to WSJ.com.

Why Mohamed El-Erian Is Worried About a 2024 Recession Nov 08, 2023

Mohamed El-Erian is one of the world’s most respected economists and he has growing concerns about a recession in 2024. El-Erian previously served as the chief executive and chief investment officer at financial services company Pimco, and now is the chief economic advisor at Pimco’s parent company, Allianz, one of the world’s largest insurance and financial services firms. He is also the president of Queens’ College at the University of Cambridge. In this special episode of WSJ's Take On the Week, El-Erian discusses the policy mistakes he says the Federal Reserve has made and why he's hopeful about potential solutions that could keep the economy robust and resilient.

Further Reading

The Improbably Strong Economy

Fed Takes Heart in a Supply-Side Boom

The Economy Was Supposed to Slow by Now. Instead It’s Revving Up.

For more coverage of the markets and your investments, head to WSJ.com.

Snap, Crackle, Drop. What Kellogg's Split Says About the Snack Business. Nov 05, 2023

This week, we’re turning our attention to breakfast cereals and snacks. Kellogg, the company responsible for cereals like Frosted Flakes and snacks like Pringles, in early October split into two companies: WK Kellogg and Kellanova. WK Kellogg maintained the company’s cereal products, while Kellanova kept snacks. Snacks have been big business for companies, but with changes to eating habits brought on by obesity drugs like Ozempic and Mounjaro, these companies may face some struggles ahead. WK Kellogg and Kellanova are expected to report earnings this week, so we’re speaking with Pamela Kaufman, a Morgan Stanley equity analyst who covers the packaged goods industry, to find out if the separation of the snacks and cereal businesses will prove to be a winning combination and what reduced appetites may mean for investors. Then, we’re queuing up for Disney’s earnings report. Merriment has gotten significantly more expensive with costs for admission to places like Disney’s theme parks rising faster than prices for food and gasoline. What will this week’s earnings from Disney tell us about the cost of having fun? Robbie Whelan, who covers Disney for WSJ, joins us to discuss how Disney’s higher-than-ever amusement park prices and declining television business will affect the company’s bottom line. Lastly, we’re looking at China’s upcoming consumer and producer price index reports to learn how a slowed economy in China impacts investors here in the states.

Further Reading

America Is Binging on Snacks, and Food Companies Are Eating It Up

The Ozempic Craze Could Put These Companies on a Crash Diet

Ozempic: How the Diabetes Drug Works and Why It’s Such a Big Deal for Weight Loss

It’s Getting Too Expensive to Have Fun

Disney Raises Prices at Its Theme Parks

Disney Sheds New Light on ESPN’s Financial Challenges

For more coverage of the markets and your investments, head to WSJ.com.

Looking Ahead to This Week’s Fed Meeting and the Future of Crypto Oct 29, 2023

This week, we’re opening up our digital wallets and examining the current state of crypto. Wall Street hasn’t been talking much about crypto this year, and that silence has been golden for digital assets. The price of bitcoin has jumped by more than 100% year to date. Cryptocurrency exchange platform, Coinbase, is expected to report earnings this week so we’re chatting with Jeff Dorman, the chief investment officer of Arca, a crypto-focused asset manager, to find out why he thinks crypto will still come out on top despite bankruptcies, money laundering risks, and alleged fraud. It’s also Fed week. Members of the Fed’s rate-setting committee have been hard at work in recent weeks, making the case that moves in financial markets have done some of the Fed’s work for them, by tightening financial conditions. WSJ reporters Gunjan Banerji and Harriet Torry join us for a roundtable discussion on whether we should be expecting one final rate hike before the year’s end and how that could affect the market and investment portfolios. We wrap up with Starbucks. The popular coffee chain is also reporting earnings this week and we’ll be looking to see what their new CEO Laxman Narasihmhan has to share with investors about the health of retail, food service and U.S. consumers.

Further Reading

U.S. Targets Crypto Mixers Over Money Laundering Risks

Crypto Lender Genesis Prepares to Liquidate Without Deal With Parent Company

Sam Bankman-Fried to Take the Stand in Fraud Trial

The Fed Is Putting Too Much Faith in Markets

For more coverage of the markets and your investments, head to WSJ.com.

From Recession Fears to Too Good? What This Week’s GDP Data Will Tell Us Oct 22, 2023

This week, we're looking ahead to the GDP data for the third quarter of 2023 to find out how much the American economy grew from July to September. Thanks to higher than expected numbers from the latest retail sales and jobs reports, economists have lowered the probability of a recession occurring next year to below 50 percent, the lowest it's been since summer 2022. With recession worries now taking a back seat, attention has shifted to the economy’s surprising growth and why it just might be too good to be true. KPMG chief economist Diane Swonk joins us to talk about that and what investors need to look for in this week’s GDP report. Then, we're talking Visa ahead of its expected earnings. WSJ reporter Angel Au-Yeung is here to explore how changes in the credit card fees charged to merchants could change how Visa and Mastercard do business, and what you pay at the store. We wrap things up getting Meta in Mark Zuckerberg’s metaverse to see what the company’s expected earnings report this week could tell us about Meta’s social media platform Threads and whether it’s giving Elon Musk’s X (formerly Twitter) a run for its money.

Further Reading

A Recession Is No Longer the Consensus

Resilient U.S. Economy Defies Expectations

Visa, Mastercard Prepare to Raise Credit-Card Fees

For more coverage of the markets and your investments, head to WSJ.com.

A Key Fed Official on What’s Next for Interest Rate Hikes Oct 15, 2023

This week, we’re looking at what the Federal Reserve is watching as it plots the course of interest rate hikes. In their most recent meeting, last month, minutes revealed that a majority of Fed members say one more rate hike would be appropriate. We’re two weeks away from the next Fed meeting, and investors are paying close attention as the decisions made will play a significant role on consumer spending and banks’ deposits. Mary Daly, the president of the San Francisco Federal Reserve, joins us with her take on where the economy stands, and what people are telling her about their personal economic outlooks. With stalled progress in slowing inflation revealed in September’s consumer-price index report, the road to two percent may take longer than investors would like. Plus, we’re looking ahead to earnings reports coming this week from Goldman Sachs, Netflix, and Johnson & Johnson. Michael Farr, CEO of investment advisory firm Farr, Miller, & Washington, tells us why those are the companies he’ll have his eye on this week and what their earnings reports can tell investors about how consumers are spending their money.

Further Reading

Fed Minutes Show Officials Divided on Future Rate Rise

How Banks’ Deposit Pressures Could Get Worse, in Three Charts

Why Consumers Are Mad About Inflation Even Though It Has Fallen

This Inflation Report Won’t Let the Fed Declare Victory

For more coverage of the markets and your investments, head to WSJ.com.

Big Banks, Big Yield and a Big Release for Taylor Swift Oct 08, 2023

This week, we have banking and the recent rise in government bond yields in focus. Mary Daly, president of the San Francisco Federal Reserve, tells us that the run-up in bond yields means the need for another interest rate hike is “diminished.” But with the September jobs report showing job growth remaining stronger than expected, and the Fed seemingly committed to keep interest rates high, what could that mean for three of the biggest banks, JPMorgan Chase, Wells Fargo and Citigroup, who are set to report earnings this week? And what could it mean for how they handle our money? Then, we’re flying into Delta’s earnings report, also expected this week, with analyst Sheila Kahyaoglu, who covers the stock for the investment bank Jefferies. How is Delta navigating through the rough skies of high fuel and maintenance costs and the recent controversial changes to its Skymiles program, and what does that say about the state of travel and consumer spending? Plus, we’re looking ahead to this week’s release of the new Taylor Swift “Eras Tour” concert movie. The movie industry has problems. Could the record-breaking artist’s film – and a deal to distribute Beyonce’s Renaissance concert movie too – help solve them, and provide AMC shareholders with a blockbuster profit?

Further Reading

It’s a Good Time to Buy Bonds. Just Know What You’re Getting Into.

Fed Holds Rates Steady but Pencils In One More Hike This Year

Costlier Fuel and Labor Cut Into Corporate Profit

Taylor Swift Concert Film Brings ‘Eras Tour’ to Movie Theaters

Will Taylor Swift’s ‘Eras Tour’ Become the First $1 Billion Tour?

For more coverage of the markets and your investments, head to WSJ.com.

Jobs Report and Student Loans and Strikes. Oh My! Oct 01, 2023

It’s a new month and quarter, and this week, we’re talking about three big pieces of economic news that could impact your money: the September jobs report, the turnover or JOLTS report, and the return of student loan payments. Last month, we saw job gains easing and unemployment ticking higher. Now, as student loan payments resume, economist Danielle DiMartino Booth makes the case that we’re heading for recession. We’re also previewing earnings from Constellation Brands, the company that made Modelo the top selling beer in America, besting Bud Light. Aaron Back, deputy editor for WSJ’s Heard on the Street, explains why that makes Constellation a stock to watch. Plus, ahead of Ford’s monthly sales report, we’re looking at a surprising sticking point in the UAW strike against the Big Three Detroit automakers: stock buybacks and CEO pay.

Further Reading

The Big Employer Still Adding Jobs and Boosting Pay: The Government

The Job-Market Boom Is Over. Here’s Why and What It Means.

Job Market Cools but Is Far From Freezing

Unions Flex Power When Workers Are in Short Supply

UAW Goes on Strike Against GM, Ford and Stellantis

For more coverage of the markets and your investments, head to WSJ.com.

What Nike Earnings Tell Us About the State of Retail Sep 24, 2023

This week, we have our eye on the sneaker giant Nike. The company behind the Lebron 21, Air Force 1 and Air Jordans is expected to report its first quarter earnings, and it comes at a pivotal time. Nike stock is down around 20% year to date, as it faces a glut of inventory and a rash of thefts. Ahead of the holiday shopping season, Barclays analyst Adrienne Yih explains why she thinks it’s time to Just Do It and bet on Nike stock going higher. We’re also adjusting our collars as we gear up for Paris Fashion Week. What does the semiannual designer presentation tell us about how luxury brands are doing in the market? WSJ reporter Nick Kostov will let us know. And with the release of the new movie “Dumb Money” about the GameStop saga, we’re going to talk meme stocks with WSJ’s Gunjan Banerji.

Further Reading

How Nike Sneakers Get Stolen at Every Turn

Nike Broke Up With Retailers. Now It’s Trying to Win Them Back.

It’s Not Your Imagination—Shopping in Person Is Getting Worse

Americans Are Buying Less Bling

The World’s Richest Person Auditions His Five Children to Run LVMH, the Luxury Empire

For more coverage of the markets and your investments, head to WSJ.com.

What the Fed’s September Meeting Means for Your Investments Sep 17, 2023

This week, the Federal Reserve is gathering to make its latest interest rate decision. The central bank is widely expected to hold rates steady, but the FOMC September meeting will give us a lot of clues about the future of the economy and the direction of the stock market. Former Fed official Vincent Reinhart, now chief economist at Dreyfus and Mellon, talks about how a new approach from the central bank could affect our money. We’ve also got our eyes on FedEx. The shipping giant is expected to report earnings this week, and WSJ reporter Esther Fung is here to explain its recent struggles, how it is competing with UPS and what this means for shareholders. And we’re talking about ESG. It’s one of the most talked-about terms in investing, but what do those letters actually mean? Take a listen to get a better grip on the markets for the week of September 17.

Further Reading

An Important Shift in Fed Officials’ Rate Stance Is Under Way

Pushing Inflation to Fed Target Will Run Into Tight Labor Market, Researcher Says

FedEx Quarterly Sales Fall 10% as Shipping Struggles Continue

Looking for an Alternative to ESG Investing? Here’s One Possibility

You’re Paying More for Your Home. Yes, That’s Inflation Sep 10, 2023

The market’s next move will be determined by what happens with inflation, and this week, we’re looking ahead to the latest Consumer Price Index inflation report. One of the biggest drivers of inflation right now is housing costs. Chief economist at Zillow, Skylar Olsen, helps break down how the housing and rental markets are contributing to high inflation. Plus, WSJ’s Deputy Editor in Chief Charles Forelle joins to discuss Charles Schwab’s recent financial troubles and what those could mean for retail investors.

Introducing WSJ's Take On the Week Sep 05, 2023

WSJ’s Take On the Week is a new weekly podcast that looks ahead at the events on the economic and business calendar to explain what they mean for your money and investments. With straightforward analysis and insight from guests who know what matters, this show provides you with what you need to know to take on the week. Episode 1 will be available September 10.

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