Dollars & Sense with Pam Cook

In this episode of Dollars and Sense, Pam breaks down a sharp market dip as investors shift from stocks to bonds alongside disappointing earnings from Walmart. Financial advisor Clark Geranen joins to discuss Home Depot’s earnings, sticky inflation, and how a "K-shaped" economy is forcing consumers to prioritize necessary home repairs over major renovations. Plus, coverage on a major Cyclospora lettuce outbreak, an AI manager that fired a human retail employee, new FTC rules targeting secret dynamic pricing, and Amazon’s rapid drone delivery expansion. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In today's Dollars & Sense, Pam kicks things off with opening bell highlights, stock index performance, and Nvidia invests 1.5 billion in energy. Also, Serve Robotics partners with DoorDash & GrubHub and UberEats partners with Zipline for drone deliveries. Next, the Trump Administration is pushing Apple to avoid purchasing from China, and construction companies seeing boom from data centers. Finally, financial advisor Jason Matthews is in to discuss the basics of having a pension. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In today's Dollars & Sense, Pam starts with a Producer Price Index (PPI) update and the daily stock market watch. Then U.S. home sales hit a 2-year low, while San Francisco sees an 8.5% increase. We hear from Redfin's Chief Economist on how AI wealth creation and limited supply are driving Bay Area real estate prices up. The Mornings on 2 anchor also chats with financial advisor Clark Geranen on Nvidia's mega-financing deal with major finance firms and its impact on the industry and dives into prescription drug costs, Tik Tok's return to office mandate, the McDonald-Red Bull partnership as well ad business deals and travel updates. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In today's Dollars & Sense, Pam kicks things off with opening bell highlights, stock index performance, and a new AI start-up has a valuation of $550 million in a new funding round. A San Francisco company "Blacksmith" currently powers more than 5,000 clients. Also, SpaceX AI launches "Grok Bot" and a new AI data center proposal has its eyes set for Downtown Oakland. Next, California is behind on its goal to build two and a half million new homes by 2030. Finally, financial advisor Jason Matthews is in to discuss the basics of having the necessary financial conversations with your parents. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In today's Dollars & Sense, Pam kicks things off with opening bell highlights, stock index performance, and climbing mortgage rates. First, July home sales across the country drop as prices hit a record high and Governor Newsom's "My First EV" program. Next, Open AI gets one step closer to an IPO as they complete a $7 billion secondary share sale, Amazon removes purchases details from confirmation e-mails, and Domino's will roll out a single serve pizza at the end of the month. Pam interviews financial advisor Jason Matthews, as he goes over annuities. Later in the show, Pam speaks with Real Estate agent Erika Carrasco about insight on the housing market. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In today's Dollars & Sense, Pam kicks things off with opening bell highlights, stock index performance, and Black Rock wants to help train Americans for skilled trade jobs, they're investing $100 million. Plus, major announcements are expected at Disney's D23 event. Finally, Jason Matthews explains the future of social security. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In today's Dollars & Sense, Pam kicks things off with opening bell highlights, stock index performance, and AirBnB shares hit a four year high. Plus, Vogue's High Fashion event is coming to San Francisco next year and a billionaire offers $150 million to "fix" San Francisco. Next, huge backlogs hit the EDD office, putting citizens of the East Bay in a tough spot. Finally, Jason Matthews explains the mortgage rates, and how they've hit the highest level in more than a year. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In today's Dollars & Sense, Pam kicks things off with opening bell highlights, stock index performance, and some big news for SpaceX shareholders. Plus, record quarter boosts for EBay, Disney, and Nintendo. Also, Google Maps adds an AI agent for food ordering, and Grand Theft Auto Six is FINALLY on its way. Finally, the Trump Administration refunds 100 billion in tariffs, host of Watchdog on Wall Street podcast Chris Markowski explains. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In today's Dollars & Sense, Pam kicks things off with opening bell highlights, stock index performance, and Paypal lays out revenue goals. Also, Robinhood launches a new venture fund for retail investors and Disney & TikTok signs a content sharing deal. Then, scientists believe part of SpaceX's rocket crashed into the moon, Neil Armstrong's childhood home is up for sale in Ohio. Finally, Steve Noviello has some tech options for parents doing back-to-school shopping this year. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In today's Dollars & Sense, Pam kicks things off with opening bell highlights, stock index performance, and Space X's reported earnings. Then, a new report shows the housing market and the surge and dip between luxury homes and starter homes. A recent report in the SF Chronicle says that tech wealth and affluent buyers are using upfront capital to bypass interest rates and eliminate any monthly payment. Finally, before you head out to the mall for back-to-school shopping, financial advisor Jason Matthews provides some tips to save you a few dollars. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In today's Dollars & Sense, Pam kicks things off with opening bell highlights, stock index performance, and sustainable fashion brand Reformation’s public debut, before discussing record-breaking quarterly profits for major oil companies, while Amazon and other corporate giants navigate tariff refunds. Then, a new reports shows the U.S. economy is slowing, leaving consumers feeling the pressure of back-to-school expenses and rising living costs. Here in the Bay Area, Pam highlights housing trade-offs for former residents and an 80-year-old cyclist completing 50,000 miles on a 50-year-old bike. Financial advisor Clark Geranen breaks down the SEC’s proposed 23/5 trading model, analyzing the pros, cons, and psychological risk. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In today's Dollars & Sense, Pam kicks off this Zip Trip Friday with an update covering volatile global stock markets influenced by new international tariffs alongside strong earnings from Intel driven by the AI boom. Then, major tech announcements, including OpenAI’s desktop voice mode rollout and Meta’s dedicated app for Facebook Marketplace sellers before transitioning to planned workforce cuts at Pixar Animation Studios in Emeryville. The Mornings on 2 anchor shifts to a "Fox Local Zip Trip" segment highlighting community-driven small businesses in Sonoma, featuring the historic local shop The Chocolate Cow and discusses the upcoming 30th anniversary of the Sonoma International Film Festival with Director Emeritus Kevin McNeely. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In today’s Dollars & Sense, Pam covers major developments across Wall Street, consumer technology, corporate deals, and regional business updates. Samsung revealed new AI-powered smart eyewear featuring Google’s Gemini AI, while Intel announced job cuts to streamline its data center operations. Netflix also made moves in the tech space by acquiring Ben Affleck's AI startup. The Mornings on 2 anchor also discusses Kraft Heinz partnering with Disney to feature popular products in Disney media, and Walmart announced its upcoming nationwide Wellness Day. Finally, San Francisco Mayor Daniel Lurie confirmed the July 31st opening date for a long-awaited Jollibee location, followed by expert advice on navigating rising home costs in an inflationary market. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In today's Dollars & Sense, Pam opens with the anniversary of the Wall Street Journal and the Dow dropping over 400 points following President Trump's NATO summit comments. The Mornings on 2 host also talks about Apple's $30 billion partnership with Broadcom for domestic chip manufacturing and San Francisco's record-breaking apartment rent prices. Then, Walmart became a tourist destination for soccer fans before Pam and Gaisa chatted about the competitive $1.5 to $2 billion network bidding war for the 2030 and 2034 World Cup broadcast rights. Finally, Pam and financial advisor Chris Markowski get into the geopolitical impact on oil prices, shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, and long-term inflation. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In today’s Dollars & Sense, Pam highlights Rivian's second-quarter earnings projections and a tech-led decline in the Nasdaq alongside IBM's positive performance. She also details Chinese AI startup DeepSeek's new custom chip development and a report revealing Netflix's recent viewership drop-offs for its second-season original shows. Then,the segment addresses 7-Eleven's trademark lawsuit against Nike regarding an upcoming sneaker release, alongside a former Tesla scientist's new humanoid robot project and the resurgence of traditional brick-and-mortar bookstores and independent movie theaters before financial advisor Chris Markowski joins the show to give an expert analysis the Trump administration's newly proposed 12.5% import tariffs and their true impact on everyday consumers. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In today’s Dollars and Cents, Pam highlights a weaker-than-expected June jobs report alongside strong second-quarter delivery numbers from Tesla and Rivian. The segment also covers Microsoft's massive new $2.5 billion investment into artificial intelligence, a surge in soccer ball imports ahead of the North American World Cup, a multi-million dollar price-fixing settlement with major egg producers and a federal discrimination lawsuit against 99 Ranch Market. Then financial advisor Chris Markowski joins the program to dive into President Trump's lucrative cryptocurrency ventures and share his skeptical perspective on crypto investing. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In today’s Dollars and Sense, Pam takes a look at upcoming student loan repayment deadlines and Target's strict new attendance policy for employees. The segment also explores the tech industry's impact on San Francisco's soaring rent prices, rising costs of Fourth of July cookouts and legislative efforts to curb price gouging in California before financial advisor Chris Markowski joins to discuss the reality of the K-shaped economy and the importance of long-term investing for everyday Americans. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In Today’s Dollars & Sense, Pam dives into reports that OpenAI may postpone its highly anticipated IPO until next year due to soft tech stocks. The segment also highlights regional developments, including California's upcoming billionaire tax ballot measure and San Francisco's $3 million initiative to revitalize empty storefronts. In consumer news, YouTube is introducing new user features like a two-times playback speed shortcut, while a $50 million Disney settlement offers potential payouts to certain streaming subscribers. Pam also tells how experts are warning against the rising tide of imposter scams, which topped the Federal Trade Commission's fraud list after stealing billions from consumers before financial advisor Clark Geranen joins the show to analyze the current strength of the U.S. dollar amid shifting Federal Reserve leadership and falling oil prices. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In today’s Dollars & Sense, Pam discusses Meta’s controversial executive bonuses post-layoffs, and Apple's price hikes on MacBooks. Then the Mornings on 2 host discusses Adobe buying Topaz Labs for AI video tech, Amazon's Zoox ramps up production on its redesigned robo-taxi. Pam also gets into the national healthcare spending hitting $5.7 trillion and a drop in the U.S. child population before a financial deep dive with financial advisor Chris Markowski. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In Today’s Dollars & Sense, Pam talks about the record-breaking $8 billion in sales on the first day of Amazon Prime,  rebounding tech stocks, lower oil prices, and Micron’s upcoming earnings report. Then, the Mornings on 2 anchor dives into Open AI and Broadcom’s new AI accelerator chip to make ChatGPT faster and more accurate, California's renewable energy expansion,  Delta Airlines reasons why ticket prices remain high before sharing financial advice on the power of compounding interest and eliminating credit card debt. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In today’s Dollars & Sense, Pam opens things up with the overnight tech sell-off, major index drops, and Twilio ringing the opening bell. Then the Mornings on host gets into how corporations are turning former employees into brand ambassadors for their companies before highlighting Meta’s New Smart Glasses, Lucid Motors' staff layoff and the sudden shutdown of Left Bank restaurants before an analysis and discussion of mortgage rates, low housing inventory, and rising rental costs with Gasia. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In today’s Dollars & Sense, Pam discusses the rising trend of young adults living with parents and the potential economic impact of upcoming tech IPOs like SpaceX, Anthropic, and OpenAI in California. The Mornings on 2 anchor also talked about Apple and Intel's microchip manufacturing collaboration, social media scams, and theme park updates before Clark Geranen discusses buy/sell disciplines for DIY investors and evaluating stock fundamentals. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In today’s Dollars & Sense, Pam dives into how companies are using AI platforms to identify toxic managers and improve internal communication. Then the Mornings on 2 anchor gets into hardware limitations for  older iPhones incompatible with the new Siri Apple AI upgrade, Adobe's expanded creative AI studio, Waymo's autonomous vehicle recall, and discusses the future of smart glasses with Gasia before financial advisor Chris Markowski joins the segment to break down how to find the right financial guidance, regardless of your net worth. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In today's Dollars & Sense, Pam begins with Abercrombie & Fitch’s expansion into the shoe category amid massive year-over-year growth. The Mornings on 2 anchor also dives into Uber announcing a partnership with Lucid, Nuro launching driverless robo-taxis, Pinterest introducing new AI-powered tools, Snapchat’s latest $2,200 AR glasses, and Jersey Mike's dethroning Chick-fil-A as the top-rated fast-food restaurant. Then Pam and Gasia chat about consumer preferences before financial advisor Chris Markowski joins the segment to discuss a skeptical outlook on future interest rate relief, advising consumers to pay off high-interest credit card debt. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In today’s Dollars & Sense, Pam opens with an analysis of the positive momentum on Wall Street, driven by optimism surrounding a tentative agreement with Iran and the commencement of the Federal Reserve Chair's first policy meeting. Then, the Mornings on 2 host dives into tech news with SpaceX's milestone of surpassing Microsoft in market cap and how AI companies are expanding into New York City office spaces. Pam also broke down a new report showing workers dipping into retirement funds, followed by Comcast Xfinity's rollout of same-day equipment delivery before talking to financial advisor Chris Markalski about the realities of the tentative Iran deal, high insurance costs, and the cautious approach of shipping companies in the Strait of Hormuz. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In today’s Dollars & Sense, Pam dives into the anticipation surrounding the massive SpaceX IPO. The Mornings on 2 anchor also gives a World Cup ticket update and discusses declining global oil reserves before talking to financial advisor Clark Gararan about Bitcoin. Pam also highlights a local culinary and chef Renee Johnson of Blackberry Soul Fine Catering in Oakland ahead of Zip Trips. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In today’s Dollars & Sense, Pam kicks things off with new updates from Cash App and Door Dash and Wall Street's response to inflation data and the recovery of tech stocks across the Dow, S&P 500, and Nasdaq. Then, the Mornings on 2 anchor discusses Starbucks' World Cup promotion, Anthropic's $200 million investment into AI job impact research, and DoorDash's rollout of an AI chatbot for grocery shopping and restaurant reservations before talking with financial advisor Chris Markowski regarding the reality of rising "bare necessities" costs and consumer credit card debt. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In today’s Dollars & Sense, Pam dives deep into the announcement of SpaceX’s upcoming initial public offering (IPO). Financial advisor Chris Markowski joins the show with tips for potential investors. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In today’s Dollars & Sense, Pam discusses California-based Applied Aerospace and Defense celebrating its IPO at the New York Stock Exchange, and a new travel survey reveals that more than 50% of Americans plan to splurge on summer vacations. Then the Mornings on 2 anchor dives into technology updates about WhatsApp expanding its AI and TikTok launching a FIFA World Cup-inspired app before diving into the Trump administration proposes new tariffs on countries accused of utilizing forced labor, data center delays slowing down artificial intelligence expansion, and some major brands have pulled sponsorship from Pride events due to economic and diversity policy shifts. Pam also talks to financial advisor Chris Markowski about the nuances of the current labor market, the rise of work-from-home trends, and the realities behind unemployment calculations. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In today’s Dollars and Sense, Pam starts with Alphabet's plans to sell $80 billion in stock to meet surging customer demand for AI. Then, San Francisco-based AI company Anthropic is moving toward a historic public debut following a recent $65 billion private funding round before discussing how tech expansion is driving San Francisco real estate prices to record highs. The Mornings on 2 hosts also dives into Apple's development of a new bill-splitting feature for group expenses, a study linking remote work to rising unemployment among new college graduates, aviation industry updates, and Lego’s tech-upgraded Pokémon sets. Financial advisor Chris Markowski joins the show to share his skeptical perspective on political proposals for economic stimulus checks and updates on businesses reclaiming tariff money. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In today's Dollars & Sense, Pam breaks down a newly released report on inflation with financial advisor Chris Markowski. The conversation highlights rising prices are forcing Americans to dip into their personal savings to maintain their standard of living. Markowski warns that credit card stress is at its highest level since the Great Recession, indicating that consumers are becoming dangerously overextended. Then Pam transitions to Oakley for another Made in the Bay segment where she interviews multi-generational grape growers who shares the unique history of a120-year-old vine business. The owner explains how Oakley's sandy soil and perfect delta breeze create ideal conditions for growing intense, flavorful wine grapes. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In today’s Dollars and Cents, Pam highlights the financial pressures everyday Americans are currently facing before giving an update on the financial market. The Mornings on 2 anchor also covers the sudden shutdown of the AI audio app Hux. Over at Disney, several exciting park updates are unveiled, including the integration of the Muppets into a Hollywood Studios coaster and a special discounted summer ticket offer for kids. Then, a buried treasure hunt in the Bay Area concluded with a twist, as two college best friends successfully uncovered a $10,000 chest hidden in the Marin Headlands. Finally, Pam talks to financial advisor Clark Geranen about the California housing market. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In today’s Dollars & Sense, Pam dives into how Nvidia outpaced Wall Street expectations despite facing increased competition in the AI chip industry and why the general stock market opened lower today before discussing first quarter sales updates for major retailers like Walmart and Target Stellantis is partnering with AI startup Wave to bring hands-free automated driving technology to more cars by 2028. She also gets into park-hopping restriction changes at Disneyland, Governor Newsom’s proposed $3,500 tax credit for new electric vehicle purchases, Planet Fitness’ free pass for teens this summer, and federal investigation into sports gambling. Pam also talks to financial advisor Chris Marcowski about the upcoming leadership transition at the Federal Reserve. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In today’s Dollars and Sense, Pam kicks things off with the closure of one of America’s oldest beer brands before getting into the highly anticipated earnings reports from Nvidia. She also focuses on Google's massive AI overhaul of its search engine gas prices, healthcare plans and the rising popularity of "Buy Now, Pay Later" plans. Pam and Gasia also discussed the growing trend of single Gen Z women outstripping men in homeownership before financial advisor Chris Markowski joins the show to share his insights on AI, recent tech layoffs, and its growing in corporate restructuring. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In today’s Dollars and Sense, Pam covers the latest shifts in Wall Street earnings, legal battles in Silicon Valley, and structural changes in tech. The Mornings on 2 anchor also touches on OpenAI’s legal victory against Elon Musk, massive class-action lawsuits facing social media giants and Disney, and Meta's massive resource shift toward AI before financial advisor Chris Markowski joins the program to provide insight into how inflation is pushing homeowners away from large scale projects and why the average age of first-time homebuyers has climbed to 40. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In today’s Dollars and Sense, Pam discusses Wall Street’s response to the Trump administration’s hints at a deal with Iran and Bay Area-based AMD’s 19% stock surge following record revenue driven by its expanding role in AI data centers. The segment also details the $250 million Apple settlement and how iPhone 15 and 16 owners can claim their $95 payout and Meta’s safety initiatives to verify user ages and monitor online safety for teens using AI. Then, Chris Markowski joins Pam to dive further into the economic risks of war, oil prices, and domestic inflation. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In today's Dollars & Sense, Pam discusses record highs for S&P 500 and Nasdaq, driven by strong tech earnings from the "Magnificent Seven," before diving into a mix of other developments: Bay Area Childcare: San Francisco expands subsidies for families, adding 750 new childcare seats. Tech & Safety News: Roblox faces lawsuits over child exploitation; Reddit sees growth through AI search features. Financial & Federal Policy: New graduate student loan limits; FedEx and UPS to refund $170 billion in tariffs. Military AI Initiatives: The Pentagon partners with Big Tech (Google, Amazon, SpaceX) to accelerate data processing. Economic Relief & Promotions: President Trump lifts Scotch whisky tariffs; Ford launches "American Value" employee pricing for all. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In today's Dollars & Sense, Pam kicks things off with the major earnings day for tech giants like Alphabet, Amazon, Meta, and Microsoft and the recent success of Yum Brands, driven largely by new menu items at Taco Bell. The conversation shifts to the impact of AI and how celebrities like Taylor Swift are taking steps to protect their name, image, and likeness from deepfakes. Financial expert Chris Markowski joins to discuss whether individuals should have the right to sell their digital likeness even after death. Then Pam shares her “Made in the Bay” feature on the Marin French Cheese Company, the oldest cheese manufacturer in the United States and explores the artisanal process of cheesemaking. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Disney is implementing biometric technology at park entrances to verify tickets and reduce fraud. Meanwhile, the financial sector is reacting to OpenAI’s lower-than-expected revenue and user growth, causing a dip in chip stocks and the Nasdaq. In the aviation industry, Santa Cruz-based Joby Aviation celebrated a milestone with its first electric air taxi test flight from JFK to Manhattan. Then, the United Arab Emirates announces its withdrawal from OPEC. Social media scams reached a record $2 billion in losses last year, with cybercriminals increasingly using AI to manipulate victims, and, the Treasury Department is set to take over student loan collections as the administration works to dismantle the Department of Education. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode of Dollars & Sense, Pam Cook kicks this segment off with a dive into Intel’s strong first-quarter earnings and ambitious revenue forecast that gave Nasdaq a boost. Then the conversation turns to the spring housing market before touching on Trump's oil transport waivers and China’s crackdown on US tech investment. Dollars & Sense also discusses Nike’s global layoffs as it pivots toward advanced automation, Instacart’s co-founder launches an AI hedge fund and Uber’s massive AI development push. To wrap, financial advisor Clark Gerenin joins Pam to talk about cratering consumer sentiment and the 6% year-over-year spending increase and offers expert advice on auditing subscriptions, gas savings, and the value of supporting local businesses. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Pam gets into the potential government bailouts of Spirit Airlines before diving into the $81 billion Warner Bros. Discovery and Skydance-Paramount deal. Dollars & Sense also discusses LuluLemon’s appointment of a new CEO, the $81 billion mega-merger between Warner Bros. Discovery and Skydance-Paramount. Meta’s latest transparency features for parents. Then Pam talks about adults "pre-gaming" alcohol to avoid high prices and ride-share drivers struggling with soaring gas costs before talking to financial advisor Chris Markowski about Spirit Airlines. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In today’s Dollars and Cents, Pam dives into Google’s new $750 million fund to educate partners on "agentic AI" and SpaceX’s massive $50 billion acquisition of the coding startup Cursor. She also discusses Duolingo’s app expansion, a new feature on Snapchat, a potential real estate bargain for Netflix in Studio City and the launch of Coco Robotics’ autonomous delivery service via Uber Eats in San Jose. Then Pam talks to financial advisor Chris Markowski who explains why casual tourism is suffering. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In today's Dollars & Sense, Pam begins with a significant stock market rally following the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. Then Dollars & Sense discusses major corporate shifts, including Reed Hastings' departure from Netflix and Trader Joe’s recent legal settlement regarding receipt privacy. Pam also touches on travel innovations like Air New Zealand’s new sleep pods and the record-breaking payroll of the Los Angeles Dodgers. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In today's Dollars & Sense, Pam covers shifting consumer strategies at major brands, potential economic hurdles in Europe, and the evolving leadership at the Federal Reserve. ------------- - Starbucks, Pepsi, and Walmart - Europe warns jet fuel shortage could impact flights - Ford’s Leadership Shift - Federal Reserve Confirmation Controversies Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In today's Dollars & Sense, Pam discusses San Francisco-based Allbirds pivots from sustainable footwear to the AI sector under the new moniker NewBird AI. Then she gets into a wave of corporate restructuring at industry giants Disney and Snapchat as they lean into AI to streamline operations. Dollars & Sense also dives into an investigation into Lululemon’s use of "forever chemicals," a major investment for EV maker Lucid Group, and a new survey on tax fairness and government benefits. Pam, Gasia and Andre explore Spotify's surprising move into the physical book market. Financial analyst Chris Markowski joins us to debate the future of the airline industry and whether a United-American merger would actually benefit the modern travelers. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Pam dives into the economic ripples caused by ongoing tensions in the Middle East and its impact on the price of oil. As fuel costs soar, major airlines like Delta and Southwest are raising checked bag fees to as high as $200 for a third bag to offset expenses. Beyond travel, the Dollars & Sense host discusses the record-high average cost of raising a child in the U.S. The conversation then shifts to corporate culture, exploring a "satisfaction gap" where high-level managers report more stress and loneliness than their staff, yet feel more engaged and satisfied with their work. Listeners also get a nostalgic tech update as younger generations flock to the discontinued iPod to reduce social media dependence. Then, financial advisor Chris Markowski joins the show to urge investors not to gamble with their portfolios based on headlines, advocating instead for an "anti-fragile" strategy that can withstand market shocks. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In today's Dollars & Sense, Pam dives into: Global Markets & The Iran CeasefireThe announcement of a two-week ceasefire between the US and Iran triggered a massive global relief rally, including a 1,000-point jump for the Dow. Despite the optimism, experts warn that oil remains stubbornly high at $95 a barrel, threatening long-term economic stimulus.Airlines & Energy Supply StrainsDelta Airlines anticipates a $2 billion surge in fuel costs due to the war and the recent closure of the Strait of Hormuz. Meanwhile, energy recovery remains slow as Qatar struggles to restart a major LNG plant following a missile attack. Tech & Innovation: Apple, Uber, and VWApple shares faced pressure following reports that the first foldable iPhone may be delayed until after September due to supply chain snags. In contrast, Uber and Volkswagen are moving forward with a new autonomous ID Buzz fleet currently testing on the streets of Los Angeles. Entertainment & "Jump Scare" TechThe anchors discuss "Binge," a new app designed to warn viewers of upcoming jump scares in movies, which triggers a lighthearted debate on horror films. The segment ends with a live prank on Pam Cook, who admits she prefers comedies and happy endings over high-intensity thrills. Expert Analysis: The Global "Ripple Effect"Financial advisor Chris Markowski explains how the Iran conflict has crippled Asian manufacturing and industries, comparing the impact to the COVID-19 pandemic. He warns that if the ceasefire fails and Saudi oil infrastructure is targeted, crude prices could realistically spike to $250 a barrel. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In today’s Dollars & Sense: The Anniversary of Gmail Google launched Gmail on April 1, 2004, a move that was initially mistaken for an April Fool’s joke due to its then-unprecedented 1GB of storage. Market Reactions and Nike’s Forecast Nike stock dropped by 14% following a disappointing forecast that included a projected 20% sales decline in China. Federal Spending on Retirees A report from the Penn Wharton Budget Model reveals the federal government spent $2.7 trillion on Americans aged 65 and older last year. Surging Mortgage Rates Mortgage applications have declined as the 30-year fixed rate average jumped to 14.65%, marking a seven-month high. Lucid Motors Safety Recall Lucid Motors is recalling 4,000 Gravity SUVs due to improperly installed seatbelts in the second row that may break during a crash. Threats Against US Tech Companies Iranian military officials have issued threats to attack 18 US tech companies with Middle Eastern operations, including Nvidia, Apple, Microsoft, and Google. OpenAI’s Massive Valuation Boost OpenAI reached a valuation of $852 billion after a new funding round raised $122 billion from investors like Amazon, Nvidia, and SoftBank. Oracle’s AI Transition and Layoffs Oracle is reportedly laying off thousands of employees globally as it pivots its focus and capital toward AI development. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Pam explores the current state of the global economy as G7 leaders meet to discuss the impact of the war in Iraq. The discussion covers the recent dip in consumer sentiment and the stock market, as well as the bold investments by billionaires like Elon Musk and Jeff Bezos into humanoid robotics. Listeners will also hear about historic changes to U.S. currency, new stock trading opportunities for teenagers, and a generous bonus for Five Guys employees. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In today's Dollars & Sense, Pam discusses WhatsApp is rolling out new AI-powered "Writing Help" and photo editing tools. Dollars & Sense also look at the real-world impact of the Iran conflict, from Qatar Airways grounding thousands of flights to a global fertilizer shortage that is driving up grocery bills. For the next generation, Charles Schwab is launching a teen investor account aimed at boosting financial literacy with a unique "learn-to-earn" bonus. Then, Pam examines a potential trade breakthrough between the EU and the U.S. that aims to lower tariffs and stabilize global business relations. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices