Diane Swonk

Diane Swonk, Chief Economist at KPMG, shares her insights on the U.S. economy amidst fluctuating trends. She explains how AI investments and wealth effects sustain growth despite a K-shaped recovery where affluence skews benefits. Diane highlights that childcare costs push skilled women out of the workforce and discusses the challenges posed by recent government shutdowns. With a forecast of 3.2% CPI, she warns that wage growth isn't keeping up with inflation, complicating consumer budgets during the holiday season.

Diane Swonk, Chief Economist at KPMG, discusses the current labor market challenges, highlighting a freeze in hiring and increased layoffs. She analyzes the struggles of job seekers, including a new graduate facing a mountain of applications and an educator resorting to supermarket work. Swonk explains how various demographic groups are disproportionately affected, particularly Black women. The conversation touches on recession indicators and the impact of AI on entry-level jobs, raising concerns about the economy's future and practical advice for those job hunting.

Exploring free speech in America with a diverse group of guests, the podcast discusses legal actions against Trump allies, campus protests, student activism, controversies over Palestinian rights, and the delicate balance of the Federal Reserve's independence. It delves into the challenges of maintaining professionalism in election administration, the importance of upholding due process, and the complexities of advocating for diverse viewpoints while upholding organizational values.

Nancy Marshall-Genzer, a Marketplace correspondent, analyzes the significant leadership transition at Berkshire Hathaway as Greg Abel steps in for Warren Buffett. She highlights Abel's conservative cash management approach amid broader market gains. Diane Swonk, Chief Economist at KPMG, contrasts robust stock performances with a troubling job market, describing the economy as 'Janus' due to mixed signals of acceleration and weak employment. Their discussion also touches on the diminishing role of traditional film critics in today's digital age.

Rich Clarida, former Vice Chairman of the Federal Reserve, Diane Swonk, Chief Economist at KPMG, and Bob Michael, Columbia economics professor, analyze the Fed's recent decision to lower interest rates. They delve into the implications for inflation and job markets while discussing historical challenges the Fed faces. The trio highlights the intricate balance between achieving price stability and addressing diverse economic needs. Additionally, they examine the effects of U.S. monetary policies on global capital flows and bond markets, adding depth to the ongoing economic discourse.

Nancy Marshall-Genzer, a veteran Marketplace reporter, discusses Greg Abel stepping into the CEO role at Berkshire Hathaway, exploring his cautious cash strategy and its implications. Diane Swonk, KPMG's chief economist, highlights the paradox of a strong stock market contrasted with job market weaknesses and firms' reluctance to hire, affecting new job seekers. The conversation shifts to the evolving landscape of movie criticism in the era of social media, raising questions about the relevance of traditional critics.

Diane Swonk, Chief Economist at KPMG, dives into the latest labor-market insights. She discusses the surprising addition of 119,000 jobs coupled with a rising unemployment rate, shedding light on job security issues. Swonk also evaluates how the Federal Reserve's decisions may be impacted by this delayed data, predicting they will likely maintain steady rates in December. The conversation delves into consumer behavior, revealing that despite declining sentiment, spending remains robust, and highlights a concerning 17% drop in international student enrollments.

Join economist Diane Swonk from KPMG as she explores the Federal Reserve's challenging position amid rising inflation and a slowing job market. She reveals the potential for a 'dueling mandate' where conflicting pressures may impact rate decisions. Meanwhile, Michael Chui, a senior fellow at QuantumBlack, shares intriguing insights on corporate AI adoption, noting that while nearly 90% of companies use AI, many are still in pilot phases. He emphasizes the importance of redesigning workflows for growth and addressing the human impact of automation.

Diane Swonk, Chief Economist at KPMG with expertise in US monetary policy, joins Matt Lozetti from Deutsche Bank, who analyzes macroeconomic trends, and Bob Michael, a financial expert focused on the bond market. They delve into the Federal Reserve's decision to cut interest rates by 25 basis points, exploring its implications for inflation and the labor market. The discussion also covers investment strategies in the bond market, challenges from a weaker dollar, and the importance of clear communication during Fed announcements.

Rich Clarida, former Federal Reserve Vice Chair, shares his deep insights into monetary policy, while Diane Swonk, chief economist at KPMG, discusses the complexities of inflation and labor market conditions. Matt Lozetti from Deutsche Bank forecasts economic trends, and Bob Michael delves into the strategic challenges the Fed faces. They humorously explore the predictability of Fed press conferences and analyze the impact of global capital flows on the U.S. bond market, addressing how European debt scenarios add to the economic puzzle.