This Week in Business

Dan Taylor, Professor of Accounting at the Wharton School, discusses how his research helped shape new legislation requiring foreign company executives to disclose stock trades and protect U.S. investors from opportunistic insider selling. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Susan M. Wachter, Albert Sussman Professor of Real Estate at the Wharton School, discusses the outlook for housing and commercial real estate, focusing on inflation trends, interest rates, inventory challenges, and what these forces mean for markets in the year ahead. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jeremy Siegel, Wharton Emeritus Professor of Finance and Senior Economist at WisdomTree, shares his perspective on the state of the U.S. economy, analyzing recent rate cuts, inflation progress, employment data, tariff uncertainty, and what they could mean for markets and growth in 2026. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Matthew Bidwell, Wharton Professor of Management, reflects on the cooling labor market, the influence of artificial intelligence, hybrid work dynamics, and what workers and graduates should expect as the economy heads toward 2026. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 Drechsler, Wharton School Professor of Finance and Co-Director of the Rodney L. White Center for Financial Research, explains the economic forces behind high credit card interest rates, highlighting the roles of defaults, operating costs, marketing expenditures, and market power in shaping what consumers ultimately pay. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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, Wharton Professor of Legal Studies and Business Ethics, explores the goals, limits, and broader national context of California’s newly enacted AI child-protection bill and what it signals for future regulation and industry responsibility. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ezekiel Hernandez, Wharton Management Professor, explains new research co-authored with Britta Glennon revealing how limits in the H-1B visa program push companies toward targeted M&A activity as a strategic response to skilled labor shortages. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Itay Goldstein, Wharton Professor of Economics and Finance, analyzes Coinbase’s $375 million acquisition of blockchain capital-raising platform Echo, exploring how reduced regulatory uncertainty, renewed interest in Initial Coin Offerings, and innovations like stablecoins are influencing the next stage of crypto market evolution. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Kent Smetters, Wharton Professor of Business Economics and Public Policy and Faculty Director of the Penn Wharton Budget Model, explains the economic realities behind the United States’ $38 trillion national debt, discussing options for increasing revenue, reforming entitlements, and fostering bipartisan approaches to secure the nation’s fiscal future. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Stefano Puntoni, Wharton marketing professor and co-director of Wharton Human AI Research, discusses findings from a multi-year study on how companies are implementing generative AI, examining its impact on entry-level jobs, return on investment, and the growing intersection between human expertise and emerging technology. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jeremy Siegel, Emeritus Professor of Finance at the Wharton School and Senior Economist at WisdomTree, analyzes the Federal Reserve’s latest rate decisions, the evolving U.S. labor market amid AI-driven changes, and the global economic implications of renewed U.S.-China trade negotiations. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Rob DiGisi, Lecturer in Legal Studies and Business Ethics at the Wharton School, joins the show to discuss how recent gambling indictments involving NBA figures reveal the complex intersection of legality, ethics, and integrity in professional sports—and why issues like prop bets, player vulnerability, and federal cooperation continue to shape the future of regulated sports wagering. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ben Keys, Wharton Real Estate Professor, discusses the renewed interest in adjustable-rate mortgages, outlining how these products can offer short-term savings for homebuyers facing steep housing costs and elevated interest rates, while also exploring the long-term risks and strategic considerations involved. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Gad Allon, Wharton Professor of Operations, Information, and Decisions, explores the current state of global supply chains—from the lingering effects of the pandemic and industrial disruptions to the trade-offs between cost efficiency and resilience—and explains how emerging technologies like AI and digital twins are reshaping how companies prepare for and manage risk in an increasingly volatile world. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Judd Kessler, Wharton Professor of Business Economics and Public Policy, discusses his research examining how the framing of organ donor registration questions—such as opt-in versus yes/no formats—impacts real-world donor sign-ups, revealing surprising insights about what truly drives people to say “yes” to saving lives. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Angela Duckworth, Wharton Professor of Operations, Information and Decisions, shares findings from her national Phones in Focus survey, revealing how stricter school cell phone policies correlate with improved student attention, teacher satisfaction, and social engagement while exploring the broader implications for learning and youth well-being. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Philip Nichols, Wharton Professor of Legal Studies, Business Ethics, and Social Responsibility in Business, discusses how growing executive authority and government involvement in companies like Intel reflect a historic transformation in the U.S. business landscape—one that leaves corporate leaders navigating unprecedented legal and social uncertainty. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Burcu Esmer, Senior Lecturer in Finance at the Wharton School and Co-Director of the Harris Family Alternative Investment Program, joins to discuss Electronic Arts’ proposed $55 billion acquisition involving Silver Lake, Affinity Partners, and the Saudi Public Investment Fund—exploring its implications for private equity, the gaming industry, and the future of global entertainment investments. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

David Zaring, Wharton Professor of Legal Studies and Business Ethics, explores the legal complexities, historical precedents, and potential reforms shaping the Federal Reserve’s independence as tensions grow between central bank autonomy and presidential authority. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Stefano Puntoni, Wharton Marketing Professor and Co-Director of Wharton Human AI Research, explores the latest developments in artificial intelligence, including massive vertical integration deals, high-profile copyright settlements, and new frontiers in synthetic data that are transforming how businesses understand consumers. 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, discusses the Federal Reserve’s latest rate cuts, divisions within monetary policy, inflation and employment trends, and how artificial intelligence is shaping long-term economic growth and market performance. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Cait Lamberton, Wharton School Vice Dean and Professor of Marketing, explains how businesses can balance enthusiasm for new technologies, such as AI, with historical lessons, market fundamentals, and strategic analysis to identify sustainable innovation and avoid costly missteps. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Kent Smetters, Faculty Director of the Penn Wharton Budget Model and Professor of Business Economics and Public Policy at the Wharton School, explores the potential impacts of artificial intelligence on productivity, GDP, and federal debt, offering data-driven insights that challenge assumptions about AI as a fiscal solution. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Herbert Hovenkamp, Wharton Professor of Legal Studies and Business Ethics, discusses the recent antitrust decision requiring Google to share its search index data, exploring how this ruling may impact market competition, consumer behavior, and the evolving role of artificial intelligence in shaping the future of online search. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Burcu Esmer, Senior Lecturer in Finance and Academic Director of the Harris Family Alternative Investments Program at the Wharton School, explores the policy, regulatory, and investor considerations surrounding the White House’s proposal to introduce private equity and other alternative assets into 401(k) retirement portfolios. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Joseph Gyourko, Wharton Professor of Real Estate, Finance, and Business Economics and Public Policy, explores 50 years of housing market data, highlighting how local regulation, slowing construction, and regional demand shifts are reshaping affordability across the U.S., particularly in high-growth Sunbelt cities. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Patrick Harker, former Philadelphia Federal Reserve President, and current Rowan Distinguished Professor at the Wharton School, shares his perspective on interest rates, inflation risks, labor force dynamics, and the critical role of maintaining Fed independence in shaping the U.S. economy. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Stefano Puntoni, Wharton Marketing Professor and Co-Director of the Wharton Human AI Research Program, explores the evolving strategies behind monetizing AI platforms, the implications of sponsored chatbots for consumer trust, and the critical role of energy efficiency in ensuring AI’s sustainable future. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jeremy Siegel, Wharton Emeritus Professor of Finance and WisdomTree Chief Economist, shares his perspective on the Federal Reserve’s policy direction, the potential for rate cuts, the impact of tariffs, labor market dynamics, and the critical importance of central bank independence. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

David Musto, Wharton Finance Professor and Director of the Stevens Center for Innovation in Finance, explores the importance of teaching financial literacy to students, the progress made in recent years, and why early education in personal finance is essential for preparing future citizens and voters. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Gideon Nave, Wharton Associate Professor of Marketing, discusses his research on the role of AI tools like ChatGPT in creative problem-solving, examining how they can boost individual innovation while also raising concerns about homogenization of ideas across society. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Lori Rosenkopf, Management Professor and Vice Dean of Entrepreneurship at the Wharton School, discusses the value of introducing entrepreneurship in high school curricula, highlighting how it builds critical thinking, problem-solving, and leadership skills that prepare students for future challenges in business and beyond. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Lindsey Cameron, Wharton Assistant Professor of Management, examines Uber’s pilot program allowing women drivers and passengers to avoid pairing with men, exploring its implications for safety, driver availability, consumer trust, and the future of ride-hailing services. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hamsa Bastani, Associate Professor of Operations, Information, and Decisions at the Wharton School, examines the opportunities and risks of integrating AI into K–12 education, emphasizing the need for foundational skills, guardrails, and human connection to ensure technology enhances—rather than undermines—student learning and motivation. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Kent Smetters, Faculty Director of the Penn Wharton Budget Model, discusses recent research revealing how deportation—especially over long periods—can lower GDP and reduce wages for high-skilled workers, challenging assumptions about who truly benefits or suffers from such policies. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Maurice Schweitzer, Wharton Professor of Operations, Information and Decisions, joins the show to explore the challenges organizations face when high-performing employees clash with leadership, drawing on real-world examples from sports and business including Steve Jobs, Jamie Dimon, and Sheryl Sandberg. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Emilie Feldman, Wharton Professor of Management, explores how recent M&A activity—such as Ferrero’s acquisition of WK Kellogg—reflects a recurring trend where companies separate high-and low-growth assets only to later reintegrate them, drawing parallels to past moves by Kraft, Heinz, and other consumer goods giants.Ask ChatGPT Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Manav Raj, Wharton Assistant Professor of Management, shares insights on how AI is transforming job roles, challenging traditional degree models, and pushing both students and educators to rethink skills development in a shifting labor market. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jeremy Siegel, Wharton Emeritus Professor of Finance and WisdomTree Chief Economist, shares his outlook on economic growth, inflation, interest rates, and market resilience, addressing the impact of tariffs, the rise of AI, and the uncertain future of Federal Reserve leadership. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

John Zhang, Wharton Professor of Business Economics and Public Policy, discusses how firms use tariff-induced economic conditions to raise prices and explore dynamic pricing strategies, balancing profit motives with consumer perceptions and competition. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Peter Cappelli, Management Professor at the Wharton School and Director of the Center on Human Resources, explains why bold predictions about AI-driven job loss often miss the mark, how financial pressures are influencing executive behavior, and why uncertainty—not automation—should be guiding future workforce strategies. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Greg Shea, Adjunct Professor of Management and Senior Fellow at the Wharton Center for Leadership and Change, outlines how Boeing’s long-term shift away from its engineering roots has led to widespread reputational damage and organizational dysfunction—and what its leadership must do to repair both internal culture and external credibility. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.