

Who's got the pricing power?
41 snips Sep 22, 2025
Inflation continues to soar, yet consumer spending remains robust, allowing businesses to raise prices. The impact of proposed GOP changes to the H-1B visa program could jeopardize U.S. firms in the long run. Meanwhile, home sellers are becoming more cautious as listings decline. The new farm bill is grappling with age-old challenges, and initiatives to train high school apprentices are striving to fill the gap in manufacturing jobs. Every topic unveils a fascinating economic angle.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
High H-1B Fee Risks Shrinking Innovation
- A proposed $100,000 H-1B fee would discourage many companies from hiring foreign skilled workers.
- Reduced H-1B hiring can shrink firms, lower productivity, and harm startups' growth and innovation.
Blocking H-1Bs Shifts Jobs Overseas
- Firms that can't hire H-1B workers often slow productivity or hire abroad instead of hiring more U.S. workers.
- This shift can reduce U.S. firms' domestic employment and innovation outcomes.
Why Businesses Have Pricing Power Now
- Many businesses can keep raising prices because customers keep paying, which strengthens pricing power.
- Stronger demand gives firms room to pass rising costs onto consumers without losing sales.