Jan 5, 2023

How companies decide to lay off workers

WillSelarep/Getty Images

Amazon and Salesforce have announced major staff cuts. But how do companies decide who stays and who goes? Plus, a threat to Google's search engine dominance.

Segments From this episode

How companies decide to lay off workers

by Kristin Schwab

Jan 5, 2023

Layoffs are often one of the first ways companies cut costs. But they don’t take them lightly because there’s a lot at stake, not least employee goodwill and public image.

Amazon is beginning layoffs again after starting staff cuts in November. The layoffs are impacting roughly 5% of Amazon's workforce.

Justin Sullivan/Getty Images

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New trade data shows weakening demand

by Mitchell Hartman

Jan 5, 2023

Imports fell more than exports.

"One of the things I think is a commonality across both imports and exports is a weakening of new orders,” said Eric Freedman at U.S. Bank.

Gregor Fischer/Getty Images

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Can AI chatbots like ChatGPT compete with Google search?

by Matt Levin

Jan 5, 2023

AI-powered chatbots like ChatGPT could threaten Google's bread and butter.

Google currently has more than 90% of the search engine market.

Carsten Koall/Getty Images

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Corporations are still borrowing, despite high interest rates

by Justin Ho

Jan 5, 2023

Many companies are borrowing now — if they can — in a bid to get ahead of further rate hikes this year.

Some companies are borrowing now to build a rainy day fund heading into 2023.

Luis Robayo/AFP via Getty Images

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COVID-19

China's zero-COVID whiplash

by Jennifer Pak

Jan 5, 2023

China has abandoned its sweeping restrictions after nearly three years. Heads are spinning from the speed of the change, and infections are spreading quickly.

A disinfection squad enters a residential building in Shanghai, responding to a confirmed COVID case. Under China's zero-COVID policy, these teams could forcibly disinfect the homes of people who contracted the virus.

Charles Zhang/Marketplace

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Over the holidays, retailers faced inventory woes and harsh winter weather

by Sean McHenry

Jan 5, 2023

Three retailers from across the country share how they did over the holiday shopping season.

"We definitely saw more late shoppers this year than in previous years, especially the week before Christmas," said Eric Champlin, co-owner of Trailful Outdoor Company in Hiawassee, Georgia.

Mario Tama/Getty Images

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Music from the episode

Just a Memory Dirty Art Club

death bed (coffee for your head) Powfu, beabadoobee

Dynamite BTS

Chevalier Bulltoe Totorro

I've Been Wating Lil Peep, iLoveMakonnen and Fall Out Boy

About Damn Time Lizzo

The team

Nancy Farghalli Executive Producer

Maria Hollenhorst Producer II

Andie Corban Producer I

Sarah Leeson Producer I

Sean McHenry Director & Associate Producer II

Richard Cunningham Associate Producer I

Dylan Miettinen Associate Digital Producer

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