Marketplace How the economy went "K-shaped"
43 snips
Oct 31, 2025 
Courtney Brown, a reporter at Axios specializing in the Federal Reserve, and Katharine Rampell, an economist and columnist, delve into the growing K-shaped economy where wealth disparities are stark. They discuss how big tech thrives while smaller firms struggle and the implications of government policies on growth. Will Quam, a tour guide from Brick of Chicago, shares insights about his unique walking tours, illustrating the personal impacts of economic trends. Topics like agrivoltaics also highlight innovative farming solutions amid economic challenges.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Fed 'Flying Blind' Amid Conflicting Signals
- The Fed faces 'flying blind' conditions amid tariff-driven price and employment uncertainty.
- That uncertainty complicates decisions on inflation versus labor-market risks.
Fed Is Split Over Policy Tightness
- Fed divisions reflect differing views on whether policy is tight given strong financial conditions.
- Some officials worry market strength argues against further cuts while others favor easing.
Don't Cut Rates Based Solely On Anecdotes
- Avoid relying solely on anecdotes when setting monetary policy during data gaps.
- Prioritize hard economic data to justify rate changes and maintain credibility.