Jobs Report Off By 800K!? & Ford’s $1.9B Pivot Away From EV SUVs
Aug 22, 2024
30:19
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A huge job revision reveals the U.S. economy lost 800,000 jobs last year, raising concerns about the labor market. Meanwhile, Ford is pivoting away from its electric vehicle plans due to production challenges. The FTC faces a legal setback regarding non-compete agreements, impacting employee mobility. The podcast also dives into cultural trends like older adults becoming 'boommates' for affordability, and Starbucks revives sales with its beloved Pumpkin Spice Latte. Plus, a look at the banking fallout from Elon Musk’s Twitter deal keeps things intriguing!
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Quick takeaways
The revision of U.S. job growth estimates reveals a concerning trend of a weakening labor market, with 800,000 jobs removed from previous reports.
Ford's strategic pivot away from electric vehicles towards gas-electric hybrids reflects its need to adapt to rising production costs and changing consumer demand.
Deep dives
Ford's Electric Vehicle Strategy Reversal
Ford is drastically changing its electric vehicle (EV) approach by canceling plans for two upcoming electric models and reducing its overall EV investment. The company is facing substantial losses within its EV sector, predicting a loss of $5.5 billion this year alone due to high production costs and decreased consumer demand. Ford is shifting its strategy to focus on gas-electric hybrid vehicles, which have proven more popular and profitable in the current market. This pivot reflects Ford's realization that it must adapt to economic pressures while still providing options that cater to consumer preferences.
Revised U.S. Job Growth Estimates
Recent adjustments to U.S. job growth estimates reveal a significant discrepancy, showing that the economy added about 810,000 fewer jobs than previously reported over the last year. This downward revision, the largest since 2009, indicates that average monthly job additions were approximately 174,000, substantially lower than the previously claimed 242,000. While such revisions are not uncommon for the Labor Department, this adjustment highlights a weakening labor market that had previously seemed robust. Coupled with a Fed survey indicating rising concerns about unemployment, this suggests a potential turning point for economic growth and labor conditions.
FTC's Noncompete Clause Ban Overturned
A Texas judge has ruled against the Federal Trade Commission's (FTC) plan to ban noncompete clauses, asserting that the agency overstepped its authority. The FTC aimed to eliminate these clauses, arguing they suppress wages and hinder economic growth, affecting about 30 million American workers. This ruling emphasizes the tug-of-war between protecting business interests and promoting employee mobility, as companies often cite noncompete agreements as essential for safeguarding their intellectual property. The judge's decision reflects complex legal battles that may continue as similar lawsuits emerge in different jurisdictions.
Starbucks Taps into Pumpkin Spice Latte Tradition
Starbucks has introduced its iconic Pumpkin Spice Latte earlier than ever, aiming to reignite sales amid a notable decline in growth. Historically, the return of this seasonal drink has marked a significant sales boost for the company, and its early launch is a strategic move to capture consumer attention and revitalize flagging sales figures. While the pumpkin spice phenomenon continues to hold its charm, consumer interest has shown signs of fatigue, prompting discussions about whether alternative seasonal favorites might become more popular. With a competitive market landscape, Starbucks is banking on nostalgia and tradition to drive customer traffic and engagement.
Episode 393: Neal and Toby discuss the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ anticipated revision which removed 800,000 jobs from last year’s jobs report. The largest in the last 15 years. Then, the FTC’s plan to ban noncompete agreements in the US has run into a roadblock as a federal judge says, not so fast. Next, Ford once pledged to make big investments in all-electric vehicles but has since reversed course as it scraps its latest EV model plans. Plus, Neal shares his favorite numbers from big banks’ bad deal with Elon Musk, the rise of ‘boommates’, and the super long wait time for US visas. Meanwhile, Starbucks is using its secret weapon that might be able to save slumping sales: the Pumpkin Spice Latte, betch.