Marketplace All-in-One A sluggish spin cycle
Oct 27, 2025
Daniel Ackerman, a Marketplace reporter, provides insight into the ongoing regional banking consolidation driven by market demands and regulatory shifts. He discusses how these mergers, like that of Huntington and Cadence, could reshape banking for consumers. The conversation touches on Whirlpool's lackluster earnings and their implications for housing and tariffs, setting the stage for broader economic themes. Finally, Ackerman explores the rising stakes for small businesses navigating hiring challenges in an uncertain economy.
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Appliance Sales Mirror Housing Health
- Whirlpool's sales weakness reflects a sluggish housing market more than tariffs or foreign competition.
- Appliance demand ties closely to home sales and new construction, which reduce big-ticket purchases.
Remodels Fuel High-End Appliance Sales
- Mackenzie Dahl at Kitchen Kings says high-end brands are selling while cheaper models lag.
- She attributes it to remodels rather than home purchases, with buyers choosing premium appliances.
Tariffs Haven't Shifted Market Share Yet
- Tariffs haven't yet forced major market-share shifts for appliance makers.
- U.S.-based manufacturing for Whirlpool vs. Asian production for rivals hasn't translated into clear tariff advantage.