Good News & Bad Vibes: Jobs, EVs, & American Sentiment 01/05/24

The last jobs report of 2023 came in much better than economists expected, but former Fed Vice Chair Roger Ferguson projects a cautious road forward. Other good economic news: America’s burgeoning electric vehicle industry. U.S Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm is seeing the “diminishment of demand” for gasoline in America, but she’s confident in the country’s EV manufacturing future, from charging stations to battery supply chains. Despite good economic news, American sentiment remains low. Harvard Professor and happiness scholar Arthur Brooks explains the mismatch between ‘good news’ and unhappy Americans; he’s calling for more optimistic leadership in Washington. Plus, the NCAA and ESPN have inked an 8-year, $920m deal, and Pepsi is in a price war with Carrefour.

 

Roger Ferguson - 3:10

Jennifer Granholm - 14:25

Arthur Brooks - 28:50

 

In this episode:

Jennifer Granholm, @SecGranholm

Arthur Brooks, @arthurbrooks

Becky Quick, @BeckyQuick

Michael Santoli, @michaelsantoli

Steve Liesman, @steveliesman

Katie Kramer, @Kramer_Katie