WSJ What’s News

P.M. Edition for April 18. Some U.S. businesses are tacking an extra fee onto customer orders—and attributing them specifically to the man in the Oval Office. WSJ business reporter Natasha Khan tells us about the “this tariff isn’t our fault” fee. And as financial stress mounts, chains that cater to the budget-conscious are seeing more of a new class of shoppers. CFO Journal reporter Jennifer Williams tells us how that’s reflecting shifts for shoppers at all income levels. Plus, President Trump has replaced the acting IRS commissioner he appointed earlier this week. Pierre Bienaimé hosts. Sign up for the WSJ's free What's News newsletter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dan Gallagher, a tech columnist for the Wall Street Journal, shares insights on Netflix's impressive record profits and growth, highlighting its resilience in a competitive streaming market. With over 300 million subscribers, Netflix is focusing on revenue growth and maintaining an edge over rivals like Disney. The discussion also touches on urgent U.S. diplomatic efforts regarding Ukraine, trade negotiations with China, the EU, and Japan, and their potential impacts on global markets amid ongoing economic uncertainty.

P.M. Edition for April 17. In a post on social media and in comments from the Oval Office, President Trump expressed his displeasure with Fed Chair Jerome Powell. But can Trump actually fire him? WSJ chief economics commentator Greg Ip discusses an upcoming Supreme Court decision that might tilt the scales. Plus, a federal judge has ruled that Alphabet’s Google created an illegal monopoly that allowed it to control parts of the online advertising industry. And private equity, one of Wall Street’s most consistent fee generators, is in danger. Reporter Miriam Gottfried tells us what’s going on, and what it would take to get private equity back on track. Alex Ossola hosts. Sign up for the WSJ's free What's News newsletter.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

TSMC's impressive 60% profit surge raises questions about sustaining momentum amid potential U.S. export restrictions to China. Japan and Italy are seeking alignment with the White House on trade matters. The podcast also discusses the ripple effects of recent dollar fluctuations impacting international trade. Emphasis is placed on Taiwan's vital role in semiconductor exports and the strategies companies like NVIDIA are adopting to navigate tech tariffs. Political alignments in Europe further underline the complexities of global trade dynamics.

Jerome Powell warns of tough choices ahead for the Fed amid the trade war, sparking a downturn in tech stocks like Nvidia, which faces challenges from U.S. government bans. Harvard struggles with a federal funding freeze that threatens critical research projects, provoking concern among scientists. The implications are profound, with halted studies and potential layoffs looming. Discussions also highlight the tricky relationship between U.S. manufacturing and dependence on Chinese suppliers amid geopolitical tensions.

The Trump administration aims to leverage tariff negotiations with over 70 countries to limit China's economic influence. This strategy poses challenges for nations like Vietnam, caught between U.S. and Chinese interests. Tariffs are also disrupting global oil markets, with falling crude prices raising concerns for U.S. energy producers. A significant legal case is unfolding regarding a Maryland man’s wrongful deportation, highlighting the judiciary's role in balancing government actions. Expect intriguing insights about global trade dynamics and geopolitical tensions.

A new federal task force aims to combat anti-Semitism at elite U.S. universities, pushing for significant accountability. Discover how colleges are reacting to this unprecedented government pressure. Meanwhile, tensions in U.S.-China trade could impact Boeing, as airlines are advised against new orders. Financial insights reveal that despite economic uncertainty, U.S. consumer spending remains strong, reflecting resilience in big bank earnings. Tune in for an engaging discussion of these pressing issues!

The Trump administration's freeze on billions for Harvard creates a stir over governance and antisemitism concerns. In Detroit, automakers face hurdles in claiming tariff relief on local products. Meanwhile, Xi Jinping ventures abroad, proposing stability to Asian nations dealing with U.S. tariffs. The discussion also covers China’s diplomatic strategies in Southeast Asia, highlighting relationships with countries like Vietnam amidst shifting trade dynamics. Plus, insights into military developments and international trade tensions add to the geopolitical complexity.

The U.S. administration is stepping back from prosecuting foreign bribery and money laundering, reshaping perceptions of white-collar crime. This change raises questions about what qualifies as illegal business conduct. Meanwhile, tariffs threaten a recovery in the office market post-Covid, complicating leasing activities. Additionally, an antitrust trial looms for Meta Platforms, potentially influencing the future of Instagram and WhatsApp. The conversation highlights how economic decisions can have far-reaching legal and market consequences.

Global stock markets are on the rise as tariffs on tech products, like smartphones and computers, are rolled back. This has raised hopes among investors and sparked discussions on the future of major companies like Apple. Meanwhile, economists are grappling with mixed forecasts on U.S. growth, inflation, and unemployment, indicating rising uncertainties. Additionally, a significant shift in U.S. foreign policy and potential recession risks adds to the evolving economic landscape.