This Week in Business

Ethan Mollick, Co- Director of Wharton Generative AI Labs, examines how artificial intelligence continues to advance without slowing, highlighting its growing business adoption, potential labor market effects, and the importance of guardrails as organizations prepare for 2026. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

John Zhang, Wharton Marketing Professor, discusses his recent analysis of free versus fair trade, explaining the economic assumptions, political incentives, and distributional consequences of tariffs in today’s global trading system. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Lynn Wu, Wharton Associate Professor of Operations, Information and Decisions, explains why today’s AI investment frenzy, while exhibiting bubble-like characteristics, represents a vital phase of technological evolution—driving infrastructure development, enabling future economic spillovers, and laying the groundwork for transformative advancements across industries. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Itamar Drexler, a Wharton finance professor and expert in consumer credit, dives into the complexities of credit card lending. He reveals how high interest rates stem from a mix of defaults, soaring marketing costs, and the market power of issuers. Interestingly, he points out that consumer rewards are largely paid for by retailers, not interest rates. Itamar also offers practical tips for securing lower rates, like exploring credit unions or personal loans to manage debt more effectively.

Serguei Netessine, Professor of Operations, Information and Decisions and Senior Vice Dean for Innovation and Global Initiatives at the Wharton School, discusses new research analyzing how Amazon fulfillment centers affect county-level employment, median household income, and poverty rates. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Stefano Puntoni, Wharton Marketing Professor and co-director of the Wharton Human AI Research Project, discusses emerging research on AI companionship, its effects on loneliness and mental health, and the complex safety, ethical, and legal considerations shaping this rapidly evolving space. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jeremy Siegel, Professor Emeritus of Finance at the Wharton School and Senior Economist at WisdomTree, offers his perspective on Fed decision-making amid data gaps, evolving consumer trends, AI-driven market competition, and the broader economic implications of shifting U.S.–China relations. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mark Pauly, Professor Emeritus of Healthcare Management at the Wharton School, examines Senator Bill Cassidy’s new health savings account–based proposal, evaluates its relationship to existing ACA tax credits, and offers broader insights into the persistent economic and political challenges of U.S. health care reform. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mina Fader, Managing Director of the Baker Retailing Center at the Wharton School, offers insights on how inflation, inventory strategy, consumer spending habits, and the renewed importance of in-store experiences are shaping the outlook for holiday retail performance. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Kevin Werbach, a professor at the Wharton School specializing in technology policy, dives deep into California's new AI child-protection bill. He discusses the bill's intent and limitations, highlighting the focus on companies actively serving children. The conversation explores the role of state versus federal regulation and the need for tailored protections due to children's online vulnerabilities. Kevin emphasizes that legal liability will push companies to prioritize child safety, countering fears that such regulations stifle innovation.