Logo
    Search

    JPMorgan got fooled by the ‘nickel’ rocks that it bought

    enMarch 25, 2023

    Podcast Summary

    • Exploring the fashion and financial industriesStay informed about the fashion and financial industries through podcasts and live events to understand the economy and the world around us.

      Behind the glamour of the fashion industry lies a complex and dynamic business landscape. In the new podcast "Fashion People," industry insiders discuss the latest news and trends, from creative director changes to financial challenges. Meanwhile, the Economics on Tap team shares important financial lessons, including budgeting and investing, in an interactive live tour. Despite the challenges of the past few weeks, including heavy rain in Los Angeles, both the fashion and financial worlds continue to evolve and adapt. Whether it's through podcasts or live events, staying informed about these industries is key to understanding the economy and the world around us. So grab a drink, relax, and join the conversation. Cheers!

    • Impact of Sunshine on Mood and Well-BeingLiving in a sunny place positively affects mood and well-being, while limited sunshine can negatively impact it. Personal experiences and shared enjoyment of new things can also lift spirits.

      Living in a place with limited sunshine can have a significant impact on one's mood and overall well-being. The speaker shared her personal experience of living in a place with infrequent sunshine and the effect it had on her. She also mentioned the recent experience of encountering snow in the mountains around Los Angeles, which brought her joy and lifted her spirits. The conversation then shifted to various beverages people were consuming, with the speaker expressing her admiration for a mocktail and sharing stories about energy drinks and cheer wine. The conversation also included reminiscing about a former colleague and how they had different experiences and tastes when it came to beverages. Overall, the conversation highlighted the impact of weather and personal experiences on mood and well-being, as well as the shared enjoyment of trying new things.

    • An Unusual Discovery in Commodity Trading: Bags of Rocks Instead of NickelCommodity trading relies on trust and record-keeping, but an instance of misrepresentation highlights the potential risks.

      Commodity trading involves the exchange of ownership of commodities through logbook entries rather than physical delivery. JPMorgan discovered this firsthand when they found out that $2,000,000 worth of nickel they believed they had was actually bags of rocks in a London Mercantile Exchange warehouse. This is an unusual occurrence in the world of commodity trading, where transactions are based on trust and record-keeping. While this story doesn't involve any current banking, Fed, or Janet Yellen news, it's an intriguing reminder of how the commodity market functions. In other news, the House recently passed a Parents Bill of Rights Act, but it's unlikely to become law due to its lack of support in the Senate and from President Biden. Despite its unlikely passage, it's important to pay attention to proposed legislation as it can indicate broader trends and issues.

    • The Parents' Bill of Rights Act: A Potential Precedent in the Culture WarsThis bill, though not yet federal law, could influence state legislation, increasing transparency in school curriculum and access to policies regarding LGBTQ students for parents.

      The Parents' Bill of Rights Act, though it may not become federal law, is still worth paying attention to due to its potential influence on state legislation. The bill aims to increase transparency in school curriculum and make policies regarding LGBTQ students more publicly accessible to parents. While opposition is strong, it's crucial to acknowledge that this legislation represents the views of some constituencies and could set a precedent for future debates in the culture wars. Ignoring it completely might be tempting, but staying informed about such issues is essential for understanding the ongoing political landscape.

    • Disappointment with Twitter's Current State and High Vaccine PricesThe speaker laments Twitter's loss of blue checkmarks, rise in hate speech, and for-profit model, while expressing skepticism towards the high cost of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine

      The speaker expresses disappointment towards the current state of Twitter, with the disappearance of blue checkmarks, an increase in hate speech, and a decrease in its usefulness. Additionally, they share their frustration with the for-profit nature of the platform and the upcoming charge for blue checkmarks by Elon Musk. Furthermore, they highlight the irony of being able to hide a paid blue checkmark. Lastly, they share their skepticism towards the high price of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine, criticizing the for-profit healthcare system that allows such pricing.

    • People's perspectives on subscriptions and brandingIndividual perspectives on subscriptions and branding can differ greatly, influenced by personal experiences and preferences.

      People's perspectives on subscriptions and branding can vary greatly based on personal experiences and preferences. Kimbery's perspective on being "half empty" can apply to various situations, such as restaurant subscriptions and new logos. In the case of restaurant subscriptions, some people may see it as a way to support local businesses and enjoy perks, while others may view it as another way society tiers benefits based on affordability. As for the new NYC logo, some may hold nostalgia for the old design and see the new one as less appealing, while others may appreciate the flexibility and inclusivity the new design offers. Ultimately, it's essential to consider individual perspectives and experiences when evaluating these types of situations.

    • The limits of loving just New York CityRecognizing the diversity and complexity of experiences beyond NYC is important, as focusing solely on the city can be exclusionary and limiting.

      The distinction between "I love New York" and "we love NYC" can be limiting and exclusionary, particularly when it comes to considering the experiences and affections of those outside of New York City itself. This was a topic of discussion during a recent conversation, with some expressing skepticism towards the idea that New York City represents the entirety of New York state. This skepticism was fueled by the recognition that the city is just one part of the state, and that the experiences and affections of those living in the suburbs or upstate areas can be just as valid. This conversation touched on various topics, including the iconic Gateway Arch in St. Louis, Missouri, and the potential for AI to write movie scripts based on existing content. Ultimately, the conversation underscored the importance of recognizing the diversity and complexity of experiences within a larger geographic region, and the potential limitations of focusing solely on one part of it.

    • Hollywood's formulaic movies and AI scriptsAI might write predictable Hollywood scripts, but this could push humans to focus on more creative projects and lead to an increased emphasis on original content

      According to Tony Scott, film critic, Hollywood movies have become formulaic and predictable, leading to the possibility of AI writing standard sequel scripts. However, this could potentially push humans to focus on more creative projects. Despite being a business that follows what works, Hollywood's reliance on formulaic movies might change, leading to a greater emphasis on original and innovative content. As Daniel Shin filled in for Kim and Ben, they discussed various topics including the economy, business, tech, and culture. Listeners can leave questions for Kim and Ben for What's on Your Mind Wednesdays by leaving a voice mail at 508-UBSmart or emailing makemesmart@marketplace.org. Make Me Smart is produced by Courtney Bergseeker, engineered by Jake Cherry, and written by Drew Jostad. The team includes Antonio Barreras as an intern and Mel Rosenberg helping with the chat and spelling. The Friday game team remains a mystery.

    • Disagreement on AI in movie scriptsAcknowledging different perspectives and approaches, even when they lead to disagreements, is crucial for productive collaboration and growth.

      Importance of acknowledging different perspectives and approaches, even when they lead to differing opinions. Suzanna Romick and her team discussed the potential of AI in writing movie scripts, with Romick expressing skepticism and the audience expressing optimism. Despite this disagreement, they all agreed on the importance of giving credit to everyone involved in the project. Romick also shared her concern about the state of literacy education in the United States, particularly in Wisconsin, and called for a renewed focus on improving reading skills. She attributed this issue to the way teaching methods have evolved and expressed her belief that the podcast "Sold A Story" had a significant impact on her perspective. Overall, this conversation highlighted the value of open-mindedness, collaboration, and the power of storytelling to bring about change.

    Recent Episodes from Make Me Smart

    Our take on the debate (and drone light shows)

    Our take on the debate (and drone light shows)

    There were no fireworks for the Democratic Party during last night’s debate between President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump. While Trump made false claims throughout the night, Biden did little to assuage fears that he’s not up to the job. We’ll get into how the Biden campaign’s fundraising strategy is already shifting and what it might mean for downballot races. Then, we’ll weigh in on Fourth of July travel and drone light shows during a game of Half Full/Half Empty!

    Here’s everything we talked about today:

    We love to hear from you. Send your questions and comments to makemesmart@marketplace.org or leave us a voicemail at 508-U-B-SMART.

    Make Me Smart
    enJune 29, 2024

    SCOTUS shakes up SEC

    SCOTUS shakes up SEC

    The U.S. Supreme Court dealt a huge blow to the Securities and Exchange Commission today when it ruled against its use of in-house judges to enforce securities fraud laws. We’ll get into why the decision will make the SEC’s job harder and what it could mean for other federal agencies. Plus, we’ll bust a common myth about Social Security and explain why homeownership is key factor in how Americans are faring in this economy.

    Here’s everything we talked about today:

    We love to hear from you. Send your questions and comments to makemesmart@marketplace.org or leave us a voicemail at 508-U-B-SMART.

    Make Me Smart
    enJune 27, 2024

    Keeping up with the Supreme Court

    Keeping up with the Supreme Court

    This year’s Supreme Court decision season has been a busy one, and it’s not over yet. We’ll get into the court’s leaked opinion on emergency abortions and two other expected decisions that have the business world watching. Plus, another round of Cybertruck recalls and why it’s fine to keep referring to X as Twitter (per one Supreme Court justice).

    Here’s everything we talked about today:

    We love to hear from you. Send your questions and comments to makemesmart@marketplace.org or leave us a voicemail at 508-U-B-SMART.

    Make Me Smart
    enJune 26, 2024

    Are we living in a K-shaped economy?

    Are we living in a K-shaped economy?

    In the wake of the COVID-19 recession, many economists were describing the United States’ economic recovery as K-shaped. Basically, high-income Americans bounced back quicker than those at the lower end of the income scale. So, did we ever ditch that K shape? The person who coined the phrase “K-shaped recovery” back then, says no. On the show today, Peter Atwater, president of Financial Insyghts and adjunct professor at the College of William & Mary, explains why he believes economic inequality has grown since the pandemic recovery, why considerable wage gains for low-wage workers tell only part of the story and the risks of letting a K-shaped economy run wild.

    Then, we’ll get into how the fragility of global shipping supply chains could be playing into Federal Reserve decisions on interest rates. And, happy wedding anniversary, Susanna!

    Here’s everything we talked about today:

    We love to hear from you. Send your questions and comments to makemesmart@marketplace.org or leave us a voicemail at 508-U-B-SMART.

    Make Me Smart
    enJune 26, 2024

    The conservative push to weed out anti-Trump federal workers

    The conservative push to weed out anti-Trump federal workers

    Groups aligned with former President Trump are hunting through information to come up with a list of federal employees who might be resistant to a second Trump administration. We’ll discuss the push to reshape government. Plus, is the urban/rural divide a myth? And, a viral voicemail pep talk from a testing center worker makes us smile.

    Here’s everything we talked about today:

    We love to hear from you. Send your questions and comments to makemesmart@marketplace.org or leave us a voicemail at 508-U-B-SMART.

    Make Me Smart
    enJune 24, 2024

    The IRS battles a fraud-plagued tax credit

    The IRS battles a fraud-plagued tax credit

    Four years after the Internal Revenue Service created a tax credit to help struggling businesses get through the pandemic, the agency ultimately plans to reject the majority of claims filed under the program. We’ll explain how it became swamped with fraud. And, Major League Baseball legend Reggie Jackson opened up about the racism he and other Black players faced in the ’60s. We’ll get into it. And, we’ll play a round of Half Full / Half Empty!

    Here’s everything we talked about today:

    We love to hear from you. Send your questions and comments to makemesmart@marketplace.org or leave us a voicemail at 508-U-B-SMART.

    Make Me Smart
    enJune 22, 2024

    Turbulent times at Boeing

    Turbulent times at Boeing

    This week, senators grilled Boeing CEO Dave Calhoun about the aviation company’s safety culture and its retaliation against whistleblowers. But these problems are just the tip of the iceberg for Boeing. We’ll explain. Plus, why President Joe Biden’s new immigration plan is a big deal. And, who knew there were this many cricket fans in the U.S.?

    Here’s everything we talked about today:

    Join us tomorrow for Economics on Tap! The YouTube livestream starts at 3:30 p.m. Pacific time, 6:30 p.m. Eastern. We’ll have news, drinks and play a round of Half Full/Half Empty!

    Make Me Smart
    enJune 21, 2024

    From “What Happened in Alabama?”: The history of Black land loss

    From “What Happened in Alabama?”: The history of Black land loss

    In honor of Juneteenth, we’re bringing you an episode of a new podcast from APM Studios that’s especially relevant on this holiday. In the podcast, “What Happened in Alabama?” host Lee Hawkins unpacks his family history, confronts cycles of trauma and grapples with an issue many Black families face: how to keep land in the family.

    This episode is about Black land loss. In 1910, Black farmers collectively owned over 16 million acres of farmland. A century later, over 90% of that land is no longer owned by Black farmers. Lee explores that tumultuous history and what Black families can do to hold on to their property.

    If you’d like to hear more episodes from the series, you can find “What Happened in Alabama?” wherever you get podcasts.

    Make Me Smart
    enJune 19, 2024

    The economics of building a life around friends

    The economics of building a life around friends

    A recent survey found that almost 15% of Americans have co-bought a home with someone other than a romantic partner, and almost half said they’d consider it. This is part of a larger trend — many Americans are choosing to structure their lives around friends as opposed to a spouse or romantic partner. On the show today, Rhaina Cohen, author of “The Other Significant Others: Reimagining Life with Friendship at the Center,” explains what it really means to build your life around friends and the financial costs and benefits that come with it. Plus, how the LGBTQ+ community has shaped the conversation around the  issue.

    Then, we’ll unpack what baby boomers’ retirement readiness says about the wealth gap in the United States. And, the endless possibilities for crab emojis and why our intern, Thalia, was wrong about her curly hair.

    Here’s everything we talked about today:

    We love to hear from you. Send your questions and comments to makemesmart@marketplace.org or leave us a voicemail at 508-U-B-SMART.

    Make Me Smart
    enJune 19, 2024

    The false economic narratives continue

    The false economic narratives continue

    With the elections for president, the Senate and the House just 4½ months away, misinformation is on the rise. We’ll get into the kind of false narratives to look for on the campaign trail. Plus, how loopholes in medical billing underscore the importance of change at the state and local levels. And, the story of a remote-controlled robot that rescues swimmers in distress.

    Here’s everything we talked about today:

    We love to hear from you. Send your questions and comments to makemesmart@marketplace.org or leave us a voicemail at 508-U-B-SMART.

    Make Me Smart
    enJune 18, 2024

    Related Episodes

    Insurers retreat from the coasts

    Insurers retreat from the coasts

    Farmers Insurance is the latest to call it quits in Florida as more frequent hurricanes ramp up risk for insurance companies. We’ll get into what coastal states like Florida might do to prevent residents from moving to more insurable parts of the country. And, inflation has settled down to 3%, but don’t be too quick to celebrate. Plus, we’ll commemorate the first anniversary of the James Webb Space Telescope with some unbelievable new photos.

    Here’s everything we talked about today:

    Got a question about the economy, business or technology for the hosts? Leave us a voicemail at 508-U-B-SMART or email us at makemesmart@marketplace.org.