Marketplace The 'K' in 'K-shaped economy' stands for 'kitchen'
19 snips
Oct 3, 2025 Emily Baker-White, a Forbes reporter and author of 'Every Screen on the Planet', dives into the striking K-shaped economy, highlighting the disparity between fast food struggles and booming sit-down dining. She discusses the geopolitical implications of TikTok's U.S.-China relations and the app's controversial algorithm. As negotiations evolve, Baker-White reveals how TikTok is becoming a significant player in global politics, while also touching on the future of solar energy in America with the impending end of tax credits.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
Shutdowns Create Economic Blind Spots
- The government shutdown creates operational blind spots for economists tracking the economy.
- Heather Long compares it to flying blind and highlights real human impacts like furloughed workers.
Fed Faces Inflation vs. Jobs Trade-Off
- Fed officials balance inflation control against labor-market strength when forming policy.
- Persistent inflation means the Fed must keep watching price stability even if jobs remain stable.
Diverging Restaurant Trends
- Fast-food spending has stagnated since 2023, reflecting strain among ordinary workers.
- Full-service restaurants have held up better because their clientele skews higher-income.
