04/24/2018: Who’s up, who’s down
Apr 24, 2018

04/24/2018: Who’s up, who’s down

HTML EMBED:
COPY

Quick: Are rising interest rates good or bad? What about oil prices? Home prices? It's kind of a trick question. Those are all signs of an economy that's growing quite nicely — when wages are going up. That's where we're starting today. Then: If you're talking about wages, it's worth mentioning that some of the biggest companies in this country are sitting on mountains of cash: $102 billion at Google's parent company, more than double that at Apple. So what are companies doing with all that money? We'll explain. Plus: Back in the '60s, traffic in Los Angeles was so light you could get across town in 20 minutes. We know firsthand that's impossible now. So what happened? And what's that say about the economy?

Segments From this episode

Back in the '60s traffic in LA was so light a traveling circus clown could cross town in 20 minutes. So what happened?

Apr 24, 2018
In LA, sitting in and complaining about traffic is a way of life. But the congestion is also a sign of a thriving economy.
Arroyo Seco Parkway soon after opening, 1940.
Automobile Club of Southern California Archives

Advertisers are not leaving Facebook any time soon

Apr 24, 2018
Ads and consumer data are Facebook’s financial lifeblood. Yet, after all of the recent controversies  and #deletefacebook campaigns, are advertisers concerned that users will abandon the platform for greener — and more reputable — pastures? “At the end of the day, there’s no change,” said Sandra Upson, senior editor at Wired magazine. She reported on […]

EU is unhappy with U.S. steel and aluminum tariffs

Apr 24, 2018
When the United States imposed tariffs on steel and aluminum imports last month, the European Union and a handful of other key allies got a temporarily exemption that expires next week. China was not granted an exemption and took its case to the World Trade Organization. This week, the EU has decided to join that […]

Quick: Are rising interest rates good or bad? What about oil prices? Home prices? It’s kind of a trick question. Those are all signs of an economy that’s growing quite nicely — when wages are going up. That’s where we’re starting today. Then: If you’re talking about wages, it’s worth mentioning that some of the biggest companies in this country are sitting on mountains of cash: $102 billion at Google’s parent company, more than double that at Apple. So what are companies doing with all that money? We’ll explain. Plus: Back in the ’60s, traffic in Los Angeles was so light you could get across town in 20 minutes. We know firsthand that’s impossible now. So what happened? And what’s that say about the economy?

Music from the episode

A Great Snake The Lemon Twigs
Gold Silver Diamond Generationals
At Night In Dreams White Denim