Marketplace All-in-One "Buy Canadian" boycott takes off
May 19, 2025
Nina Ihecker, an economics professor at the University of Rhode Island, shares insights on shifting consumer trends in Canada. Canadian shoppers are rallying behind the 'Buy Canadian' movement, intentionally avoiding U.S. products due to economic concerns. The discussion also highlights the implications of recent U.S. credit rating downgrades and how AI developments threaten software engineering jobs. Additionally, community investments by banks are transforming lives, underscoring the significance of local support in challenging times.
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U.S. Credit Downgrade Implications
- The U.S. credit rating downgrade reflects growing political turmoil and fiscal challenges.
- This erosion of confidence threatens the U.S.'s historical stability as a place to invest and conduct business.
AI's Impact on Coding Jobs
- AI is increasingly capable of writing computer code, now composing up to 30% of code at Microsoft.
- This shift signals a potential disruption for software engineering jobs and skill development.
Turning Office Space into Housing
- Transitions Homeless Center in South Carolina bought a vacant office building and converted it into affordable apartments.
- With a $4 million loan from Optus Bank, they provide housing and jobs for formerly unhoused people like Hillary Hollerman.