This Week in Business

Burcu Esmer, Senior Lecturer in Finance and Academic Director of the Harris Family Alternative Investments Program at the Wharton School, explores the policy, regulatory, and investor considerations surrounding the White House’s proposal to introduce private equity and other alternative assets into 401(k) retirement portfolios. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Joseph Gyourko, Wharton Professor of Real Estate, Finance, and Business Economics and Public Policy, explores 50 years of housing market data, highlighting how local regulation, slowing construction, and regional demand shifts are reshaping affordability across the U.S., particularly in high-growth Sunbelt cities. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Patrick Harker, former Philadelphia Federal Reserve President, and current Rowan Distinguished Professor at the Wharton School, shares his perspective on interest rates, inflation risks, labor force dynamics, and the critical role of maintaining Fed independence in shaping the U.S. economy. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Stefano Puntoni, a Wharton Marketing Professor and Co-Director of the Wharton Human AI Research Program, shares insights on the evolving monetization strategies for AI platforms. He discusses the freemium model and its challenges in balancing user attraction and revenue generation. The conversation shifts to sponsored chatbots, exploring their impact on consumer trust. Finally, Puntoni highlights the importance of energy efficiency in ensuring the sustainable future of AI technology.

Jeremy Siegel, Wharton Emeritus Professor of Finance and WisdomTree Chief Economist, shares his perspective on the Federal Reserve’s policy direction, the potential for rate cuts, the impact of tariffs, labor market dynamics, and the critical importance of central bank independence. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

David Musto, Wharton Finance Professor and Director of the Stevens Center for Innovation in Finance, explores the importance of teaching financial literacy to students, the progress made in recent years, and why early education in personal finance is essential for preparing future citizens and voters. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Gideon Nave, a Wharton Associate Professor of Marketing, dives into the intricacies of AI tools like ChatGPT and their impact on creative problem-solving. He discusses how these technologies can boost individual innovation while raising important concerns about idea homogenization in society. The conversation highlights both the enormous potential for enhanced creativity and the necessity for caution, emphasizing a balanced approach to engaging with AI in order to safeguard diverse ideas and unique perspectives.

Lori Rosenkopf, Management Professor and Vice Dean of Entrepreneurship at the Wharton School, discusses the value of introducing entrepreneurship in high school curricula, highlighting how it builds critical thinking, problem-solving, and leadership skills that prepare students for future challenges in business and beyond. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Lindsey Cameron, Wharton Assistant Professor of Management, examines Uber’s pilot program allowing women drivers and passengers to avoid pairing with men, exploring its implications for safety, driver availability, consumer trust, and the future of ride-hailing services. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hamsa Bastani, Associate Professor of Operations, Information, and Decisions at the Wharton School, examines the opportunities and risks of integrating AI into K–12 education, emphasizing the need for foundational skills, guardrails, and human connection to ensure technology enhances—rather than undermines—student learning and motivation. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.