Here's Why Here's Why Uncertainty Is An Economic Killer
Apr 17, 2025
Joe Weisenthal, co-host of Bloomberg's Odd Lots podcast, shares insights on the turbulent impact of economic uncertainty on businesses and consumers. He discusses how fluctuating trade policies create chaos in market stability and decision-making. The conversation highlights the detrimental effects of inconsistent messaging from policymakers and dives into the challenges companies face while trying to remain flexible in a volatile landscape. This exploration raises critical questions about whether we can adapt to such unpredictability in the long run.
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Policy Uncertainty and Decision Fatigue
- DHL CEO Tobias Meyer says decision-makers are fatigued by the constant policy shifts.
- They struggle to plan when rules change daily, hindering investment and growth.
Two Layers of Uncertainty
- There's uncertainty about the future US trade environment and how profitable different arrangements will be.
- Deeper uncertainty stems from unclear White House messaging and inconsistent policy goals.
Unclear Goals
- Unlike past crises with clear goals (stopping COVID or bank runs), the current policy uncertainty lacks a defined objective.
- This makes it difficult to predict the future and respond effectively.