WSJ What’s News

Join Jonathan Weil, a Heard-on columnist focusing on financial analysis, and Kim Mackrael, a Brussels-based reporter covering European regulations. They dive into the recent uptick in U.S. unemployment and the implications for the economy and the Fed. Weil highlights troubling trends in IPO scams following eased regulations under the JOBS Act. Meanwhile, Mackrael discusses the EU's surprising decision to relax its ban on combustion-engine car sales, revealing the complexities of transitioning to electric vehicles in Europe.

Suzanne Vrenica, Advertising editor at The Wall Street Journal, dives into the evolving landscape of holiday advertising. She discusses how concerns over tariffs and inflation led to an earlier start for holiday campaigns, marking a rise in TV and digital ad spending. Major players like Amazon, Walmart, and Target emerged as dominant advertisers. Vrenica also shares insight into consumer responses, revealing mixed feelings about holiday ads—some love them, while others are put off by early placements. Tune in for a fresh perspective on marketing strategies this festive season!

Rebecca Picciotto, a housing policy journalist for The Wall Street Journal, dives into the contrasting housing strategies of Minneapolis and St. Paul. She explains how St. Paul's 2022 rent control measures backfired, stalling development. In contrast, Minneapolis has seen a growth surge by easing zoning laws, attracting new renters. Additionally, Picciotto discusses Ford's staggering $19.5 billion withdrawal from EV plans and its pivot toward hybrids, revealing the impact on the market and industry.

Hannah Miao, an Economics reporter for The Wall Street Journal, provides insights into China's economic slowdown, revealing troubling trends in retail sales and the property market. She emphasizes the challenges faced by policymakers who are hesitant to enact demand-boosting measures. The podcast also covers Australia's response to a tragic Hanukkah shooting, with Prime Minister Albanese pledging stricter gun laws and discusses the implications of Chile's right-wing presidential election for regional politics.

China's tech revolution is booming alongside its economic struggles, making for a fascinating juxtaposition. The discussion dives into China's advances in AI, autonomous driving, and smart cities, showcasing how it could set global standards. Experts explore the implications of recent Nvidia chip sales to China and the potential for divergent tech systems. Finally, the challenges of journalism in China highlight the difficulty of uncovering the truth in a tightly controlled environment. This dynamic situation could redefine the global tech landscape.

Investors are getting jittery over AI concerns, particularly following Oracle's disappointing earnings and Broadcom's slowdown worries. Meanwhile, Campbell's soup is facing challenges due to tariffs, hitting their sales hard. In brighter news, Lululemon might be staging a comeback despite CEO turmoil, sparking excitement among traders. Dive into the week’s major stock shifts and the events driving them!

David Benoit, Wall Street editor at The Wall Street Journal, reveals what’s fueling a record year for banks like JPMorgan Chase and Bank of America. He discusses M&A activity, trading volatility, and the push for AI investments. Greg Ip, chief economics commentator, explores the surprising shift in political rhetoric on climate change, moving from urgency to a more measured approach. Together, they provide insights into the evolving landscape of finance and environmental policy, highlighting key shifts that are shaping the current economic climate.

The U.S. intensifies sanctions against Nicolás Maduro's regime, targeting his family and oil tankers that fuel his government. Discussions shift to an executive order aiming to limit state-level AI regulations, stirring industry reactions. Tech improvements in OpenAI’s GPT‑5.2 are compared to competitors like Google and Anthropic, focusing on advancements in business applications. Additionally, a major crypto figure is sentenced in relation to the Terra collapse, while a surge in debt-financed mega deals raises concerns about market risks.

Ben Fritz, a Wall Street Journal entertainment reporter, and Heather Somerville, a tech and national security reporter, dive into Disney’s surprising $1 billion investment in OpenAI. Fritz shares insights on how this deal allows users to feature Disney characters in AI-generated videos while weighing the risks of unregulated content. Somerville discusses the U.S. initiative to develop its own critical minerals industry, highlighting Silicon Valley's enthusiastic support amidst challenges in labor and scalability.

Benoît Faucon, a security correspondent for The Wall Street Journal, brings insights into the U.S. plans for Ukraine that favor business interests, potentially reshaping Europe's economy. He discusses the clash over energy priorities and joint power plants amidst rising tensions. Siobhan Hughes, covering legislative developments, reveals the fierce competition among Republicans and Democrats regarding Affordable Care Act subsidies and the high stakes involved if they lapse. Together, they delve into the complexities of U.S. policy impacts on both sides of the Atlantic.