Sep 19, 2024

Is it cheaper to borrow now?

Mario Tama/Getty Images

Not really. Most lenders preemptively lowered rates when it became clear the Fed would cut this month. But more business investment and stepped-up hiring may be on the horizon.

Segments From this episode

Fed's rate cut influenced lending in advance. But hiring may pick up down the road.

by Kristin Schwab

Sep 19, 2024

Some effects of cheaper money won't be visible until next year, and smaller, more risk-averse businesses may be slower to respond.

Lenders were expecting a cut and had priced it into their business, says former Federal Reserve economist Karlyn Mitchell.

Chase Castor for The Washington Post via Getty Images

LISTEN

EMBED

Skills Gap

Schools warm to AI

by Matt Levin

Sep 19, 2024

"They've kind of come around," says a school superintendent in Fargo, North Dakota.

More companies are seeing an opportunity to expand AI into schools.

Fabrice Coffrini/AFP via Getty Images

LISTEN

EMBED

Demand for smartphones is down, even with the lure of new technology

by Samantha Fields

Sep 19, 2024

Early pre-order and shipment data indicates demand is not that strong for the iPhone 16. Smartphone sales overall have fallen in the U.S.

The first iteration of Apple's iPhone on display in 2007. In the early years of smartphones, some consumers were getting new phones every two years.

David Paul Morris/Getty Images

LISTEN

EMBED

The Bills hope Buffalonians will buy bonds to back the team's new stadium. Some fans aren't happy.

by Henry Epp

Sep 19, 2024

Area taxpayers will foot the bill for the debt.

Erie County, New York, will soon offer Buffalo Bills fans the chance to buy some $125 million in bonds to help pay for a new stadium. A rendering is above.

Courtesy Buffalo Bills

LISTEN

EMBED

Music from the episode

Origins Tennis

Long Lost Lord Huron

Manhattan Cat Power

Joao Carabide

Let's Love Crown City Rockers

Perfect Circle Nujabes

The team

Nancy Farghalli Executive Producer

Maria Hollenhorst Producer II

Andie Corban Producer I

Sarah Leeson Producer I

Sean McHenry Director & Associate Producer II

Sofia Terenzio Associate Producer I

Jordan Mangi Assistant Digital Producer

Latest Episodes From Our Shows

4:23 PM PST