Diane Swonk

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.

Diane Swonk, Chief Economist at KPMG, dissects the latest job market data revealing a gain of 119,000 jobs but a worrying rise in the unemployment rate to 4.4%. She highlights shifts in labor participation, particularly among college grads and teens. The conversation touches on Walmart's impressive quarterly results and its venture into AI to boost e-commerce. Swonk also points out the paradox of declining consumer sentiment amidst sustained spending and notes a concerning 17% drop in new international student enrollment.

Diane Swonk, Chief Economist at KPMG, and Emma Wall, Chief Investment Strategist at Hargreaves Lansdowne, dive into the consequences of the recent US government shutdown. Diane highlights the potential void in critical October jobs and inflation data, jeopardizing the Federal Reserve’s decision-making. Emma discusses the global ripple effects of missing US economic indicators and wayward corporate results. They also touch on striking Starbucks workers and Scotland's quirky 'kilt bonds', showcasing a unique intersection of economics and culture.

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.

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.

Diane Swonk, Chief Economist at KPMG, discusses the Federal Reserve's potential dilemmas with rising inflation amidst a cooling labor market, hinting at contentious rate decisions ahead. Michael Chui, Senior Fellow at QuantumBlack, reveals insights from McKinsey on how companies are experimenting with AI but struggle to scale it meaningfully. They explore how this technology might disrupt the workforce and emphasize the importance of reskilling for employees affected by these changes.

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.