Retail

The Business News Headlines 23 September 2021

Day two of the rebound on Wall Street but that's not the only big story from today and, make sure you stick around for an interesting conversation featuring author Beth Hoffman and her remarkable journey from the East and West Coasts...to a tiny town in Iowa.  But, first the news:
Amazon, AI Cameras and Unhappy Drivers;
Texas, Israel and Ben & Jerry's Ice Crème;
More retail concerns for the holidays;
Chips...we're talking chips again;
No shortage of unemployed workers...new numbers;
The Wall Street Report
The "Snowbirds" are once again headed south.
For the interview you'll meet educator, reporter, farmer and now author Beth Hoffman and the story of her remarkable journey. And her new book "Bet the Farm: The Dollars and Sense of Growing Food in America".
We think you'll enjoy our conversation and to listen...click here.
Thanks for coming by!
 
 

The Business News Headlines 22 September 2021

Back in the studio from a very informative and helpful event known as the Okoboji Writers Retreat. 2.5 days with writers, publishers, agents doing all kinds of work. Plus a screening of Storm Lake a movie about a small town newspaper and its amazing staff one, Art Cullen, who won a Pulitzer. Here's what we've got for you today:
What a difference a day makes;
Kmart, Sears & J.C. Penny; an update;
Google and back at the office;
Changes in the restaurant industry;
The new Federal Reserve report;
The Debt Ceiling and the Child Tax Credit;
The Wall Street Report;
The fizz is out of the hard seltzer business.
Those stories plus a very passionate Desmund Adams the founder of Focus and Find a socially responsible recruitment firm. He says his mission is to change the direction of Corporate America and doing so by helping them find a way to drive profit while creating a better world for folks not yet born.  Strong stuff right here.
Thanks for listening! 
The award winning Insight on Business the News Hour with Michael Libbie is the only weekday business news podcast in the Midwest. The national, regional and some local business news along with long-form business interviews can be heard Monday - Friday. You can subscribe on PlayerFM, Podbean, iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher or TuneIn Radio. And you can catch The Business News Hour Week in Review each Sunday Noon on News/Talk 1540 KXEL. The Business News Hour is a production of Insight Advertising, Marketing & Communications. You can follow us on Twitter @IoB_NewsHour.
 
 
 

The Business News Headlines 21September 2021

Back with you on day two of the Okoboji Writers Retreat where roughly 150 people from across the country have come together to learn how to better communicate or how to get their work published. After the news stick around for my conversation with journalist Ty Rushing.  Here's what we've got for you today:
Almost Wall Street...all most;
Commodities in for a rough session?
Takata airbags back in the news;
More companies say goodbye to the office;
Danger looming in Washington;
Crypto Currencies under investigation;
The Wall Street Report;
Talking "near beer" and the come back.
Those stories plus you'll hear from journalist Ty Rushing who is making a name for him self in Iowa.  We'll talk about journalist journeys, agriculture, wages, business and more plus his new gig with the Iowa Starting Line.  To listen click here.
Thanks for being with us...
 

The Business News Headlines 16 September 2021

It is the Thursday Edition of the business news headlines. Our host, Michael Libbie, has the day off so you're getting Chap Ramsey and the written version of the headlines.  Here is what's been going on:
August Retail Surprise - It was a complete surprise as data showed retail sales grew by .7% in August. Economists had projected retail sales would fall by .8%.  Meanwhile if auto sales are excluded sales jumped by 1.8%. It was a solid report.
Wall Street - You would think that those kinds of numbers would boost Wall Street and while they did for a bit the markets ended the day mixed. Those numbers in just a bit.
New Jobless Numbers - This is what may have muted the markets. New jobless numbers came in 20,000 higher than the week before. Ending September 11. 332,000 Americans filed new unemployment claims.
Just Inhale - Despite opposition from health groups Phillip Morris (think cigarettes) announced that it had taken control of the U.K. inhaler company Vectura. Phillip Morris is hoping to see over half of it's revenue come from non-smoking products by 2025.
Guaranteed Income Test - What was non-existent just just six years ago is now catching on in 20 U.S. cities test the idea of guaranteed income. Most of the programs are paid for by using donations. But they all have one thing in common: they give some of society’s poorest and most marginalized people cold-hard cash, and then let them spend it however they want. And, it's catching on with some 45% of Americans favoring some type of guaranteed income program. 
Rents - Rents nationwide are rising at a fast pace, according to a new analysis from Realtor.com. The median rent for all sizes of rentals nationwide was $1,607 as of August, representing an increase of 11.5% from a year ago.
Wall Street - Stocks ended the day mixed with the Dow falling by 63 points the close at 34,751. The S&P 500 was down by nearly 7 points closing at 4,473. The Nasdaq outperformed getting 20 points above the flat-line to end the trade at 15,181.
Bye Bye - And, finally there is this: HBO abruptly lost 5 million subscribers this week, after its agreement with Amazon to sell digital subscriptions through its Prime service ended. Prime members have long been able to subscribe to HBO for $15 per month. HBO says they are willing to lose customers, in the short term, as they attempt to build their own relationship with consumers.
That's a wrap.  Thanks for reading!  Michael will be back in tomorrow.
The award winning Insight on Business the News Hour with Michael Libbie is the only weekday business news podcast in the Midwest. The national, regional and some local business news along with long-form business interviews can be heard Monday - Friday. You can subscribe on PlayerFM, Podbean, iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher or TuneIn Radio. And you can catch The Business News Hour Week in Review each Sunday Noon on News/Talk 1540 KXEL. The Business News Hour is a production of Insight Advertising, Marketing & Communications. You can follow us on Twitter @IoB_NewsHour.
 

The Business News Headlines 15 September 2021

Welcome to the business news headlines for Wednesday the 15th of September and for those of you who are about to celebrate the Jewish Holiday of Yom Kippur may you have a meaningful day. Here's what we've got for you today:
Get Social Security? A raise is in store;
A "Witching Friday" for stocks...what?
Heard about the Great Chicken Settlement;
Seems Dutch Brothers have a winner;
The Wall Street Report
The "Savage Summer" of air travel.
Those stories, a programming note and we'll take you back a month or so and get you up to speed on the Okoboji Writers Retreat with Julie Gammack. It kicks off this Sunday and yep, I'm going. Want to listen to what it's about?  Here you go!
Thanks for being here!
The award winning Insight on Business the News Hour with Michael Libbie is the only weekday business news podcast in the Midwest. The national, regional and some local business news along with long-form business interviews can be heard Monday - Friday. You can subscribe on PlayerFM, Podbean, iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher or TuneIn Radio. And you can catch The Business News Hour Week in Review each Sunday Noon on News/Talk 1540 KXEL. The Business News Hour is a production of Insight Advertising, Marketing & Communications. You can follow us on Twitter @IoB_NewsHour.

The Business News Headlines 13 September 2021

Welcome back to a new business week and we've got some of the top business news headlines of the day along with a peek at what happened on Wall Street. Here's what we've got:
That "Religious Exemption" thing;
U.S. inflation. What's behind it?
Better ramp up your holiday spending & why;
New tax rates are proposed;
How about a taco a day...yeah!
The Wall Street Report;
Private business failing at...diversity/
Thanks for being here!
The award winning Insight on Business the News Hour with Michael Libbie is the only weekday business news podcast in the Midwest. The national, regional and some local business news along with long-form business interviews can be heard Monday - Friday. You can subscribe on PlayerFM, Podbean, iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher or TuneIn Radio. And you can catch The Business News Hour Week in Review each Sunday Noon on News/Talk 1540 KXEL. The Business News Hour is a production of Insight Advertising, Marketing & Communications. You can follow us on Twitter @IoB_NewsHour.

The Business News Headlines 10 September 2021

Today a slightly different Friday Edition of the business news headlines. Sure we've got the news but then two conversations. In the first you'll hear about some critical information dealing with small businesses and the Small Business Administration. My guest is Veronica Pugin the Senior Advisor to the Office of Capital Access...think money. Then, as is always the case, Jeff Pitts is in from Cityview with "Stuff to DO" in the Greater Des Moines Metro...but, first the news:
The Biden Vaccine Mandate and...business;
A new CDC vaccine study is out and it's important;
Mississippi farm workers sue their employer and why;
Pregnant and working at Amazon;
You would think Wells Fargo would...learn;
The Wall Street Report;
Say it ain't so: Facebook and Ray-Ban.
Then click through for this important conversation for small business owners/managers. My guest is Veronica Pugin and we're talking about a small business virtual seminar and new changes that will make it easier for small businesses to access much needed capital. To listen in, click here.
Then we're having some Friday Fun with Jeff Pitts from Cityview and "Stuff to DO" in the greater Des Moines Metro...yes, it is...Friday.  To listen to that riff click here.
Thanks for listening! 

The Business News Headlines 8 September 2021

Grateful to be back with you again today.  September has been, traditionally, a lousy month for the stock market...and we may be seeing that happening yet again. Here are the business news headlines and stick around for the conversation about jobs, workers and the economy with Iowa State University Economist Dave Swenson. But first the news:
COVID misinformation being sold where?
Sen. Elizabeth Warren is asking questions;
Sen. Ted Cruz says, "Uhm, get a job!"
Some pilots have concerns about their job;
The "September Curse" is it real?
It could be a "Financial Armageddon";
So, that EV and 2035...hmmmm;
The Wall Street Report;
Working past age 60? Maybe not.
Those stories and as promised a conversation about ending unemployment benefits, workers, the economy, the labor participation rate, what employers need to better understand and more.  My guest is Iowa State Economist Dave Swenson and he's got some answers to, "Where have all the workers gone?"  To listen click here.
Thanks for coming by!
The award winning Insight on Business the News Hour with Michael Libbie is the only weekday business news podcast in the Midwest. The national, regional and some local business news along with long-form business interviews can be heard Monday - Friday. You can subscribe on PlayerFM, Podbean, iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher or TuneIn Radio. And you can catch The Business News Hour Week in Review each Sunday Noon on News/Talk 1540 KXEL. The Business News Hour is a production of Insight Advertising, Marketing & Communications. You can follow us on Twitter @IoB_NewsHour.

Where Have All The Workers Gone? Meet Economist Dave Swenson

It it top of mind for every industry in America...not only where are the workers but many thought that once enhanced unemployment benefits were cut workers would flock to jobs that have been open for months.  But, that's not happening. With us for the conversation if Iowa State University Economist Dave Swenson. He's not only looked at the issue in Iowa but also nationally. So, where have all the workers gone?  Click through to learn more. 
Thanks for listening.
The award winning Insight on Business the News Hour with Michael Libbie is the only weekday business news podcast in the Midwest. The national, regional and some local business news along with long-form business interviews can be heard Monday - Friday. You can subscribe on PlayerFM, Podbean, iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher or TuneIn Radio. And you can catch The Business News Hour Week in Review each Sunday Noon on News/Talk 1540 KXEL. The Business News Hour is a production of Insight Advertising, Marketing & Communications. You can follow us on Twitter @IoB_NewsHour.

Business News & Bruce Tretter from Breitz! 7 September 2021

Feels like a Monday for many of us...right? Welcome to the business news headlines for Tuesday the 7th of September. Our host, Michael Libbie, has the day off so we're trying something a bit different. Rather than voicing the stories we're delivering the top business news in written form. Michael will be back tomorrow. And, make sure you listen in to our business interview featuring Bruce Tretter from Breitz active wear that let's you be seen.  Here's what we have for you:
The Housing Market - When the pandemic was in full swing more than 7 million homeowners were in a program of forbearance which allowed them to pause their mortgage payments. That number is now down to 1.7 million borrowers. Fortune in reporting that  The Biden-Harris administration has made it clear there are no plans for an extension which is set to lapse on 30 September.  Borrowers won’t all get removed at once, instead they’ll be phased out over a period of several months. We've reported in the past how the lack of homes for sale has impacted pricing. Should even one-half of borrowers decide to sell, rather than catch up on their payments that would mean hundreds of thousands of homes would be on the market and that could drop prices. Stay tuned.
Americans & Canada - Crossing data shows that travel to Canada by American businesses and tourists has dropped. The reason? Stiff restrictions for entry into Canada. Business Insider is reporting that Vaccinated American citizens looking to travel north need a negative COVID-19 PCR test taken no more than 72 hours from a flight's scheduled departure or arrival at a land border crossing. Travelers that have recently recovered from COVID-19 can show a positive test from between 14 and 180 days prior to entry.  And before arriving in Canada - whether by air, land, or sea - travelers must have completed an online form called "ArriveCan." Its requirements include providing an address in Canada at which visitors could quarantine should they test positive and providing the exact dates of a traveler's vaccination. So, yes, visits north have dropped.
But, It's Good for Business -  Mike Lindell the "My Pillow Guy" who is being sued by Dominion Voting Systems says telling lies about the 2020 election and that President Trump really won but Dominion switched votes is, wait for it, good for business. Salon is reporting that he said business is so good he has had to hire 200 more workers.  So, it's a jobs program?
Wall Street - The day after Labor Day was not a good day for the markets. The Dow tanked by 269 points to settle at 35,100 while the S&P 500 lost 15 points ending the trade at 4,520. The Nasdaq outperformed picking up 10 points (and change) to finish at 15,374 which is a new record close.  The weak jobs report and fears of rising COVID cases kept Wall Street in check.
Open Houses - They were once the prime way to get people into houses for sale...and nosey neighbors could also come by for a peek. But COVID has changed that age-old way of putting buyers and sellers together. Realtors are now turning to high-tech ways to show off homes from virtual tours  to live video tours where potential buyers can communicate directly with the realtor. 
$100,000 Sign On Bonuses - Not long ago we shared the story about some trucking firms giving out $50,000 sign on bonuses. That was so...yesterday. Market Watch is reporting that according to research firm Global Data Sign-on bonus have increased across all sectors by 454%, rising to 57,123 advertised positions in August 2021 from 10,312 in August 2020.  Data says the health-care field has the most expensive bonus offers. An advertisement for a “physician of neurology multiple sclerosis” and also for a “general dentist” last month both had a sign-on bonus of up to $100,000. 
Returning to the Office - How about next year? Uber is the latest company to push back office time.  The New York Times is reporting more firms are pushing their returns out as far as next September in efforts to keep employees safe and mitigate whiplash from anticipated return dates and further delays. But that’s not stopping everyone — Wall Street is still  "limping ahead  with plans to bring back more bank employees this week.
For the Interview - Here you'll meet entrepreneur Bruce Tretter who several years ago started "Gotta Eat, Can't Cook". It was all about simple ways to make food and he did it with books and video.  Fast forward several years and he has recently launched Breitz a company that produces high quality cycling and running gear.  He has married social distancing with colorful bright gear...pushing a "six foot" distance to keep runners and cyclists safe.  Here he visits with Michael at an event earlier in the week.  You should know that while Michael and Bruce have been friends for well over a decade this is a first time...face to face meeting.  Enjoy.
Thanks for reading and for listening! Michael will be back in studio tomorrow.  Have a great evening!