EP 249: Why the Fed’s Policy Paralysis Threatens BTS and Holiday

The Federal Reserve's policy paralysis is creating a perfect storm for retailers heading into the most critical selling season of the year. Inflation is still threatening, labor markets are more fragile than they appear, and tariff-driven price increases are hitting apparel and durables precisely when consumers need to make back-to-school and holiday purchases, Join Shelley and economist Daniel Altman as they discuss how smaller retailers are being systematically squeezed out as they lack the capital to absorb tariff costs at the border, potentially creating inventory shortages during peak selling periods. Their conversation reveals the dangerous disconnect between Washington's focus on Wall Street metrics and the harsh reality facing retailers on Main Street. The timing couldn't be worse—with trade negotiations understaffed and reciprocal tariffs potentially hitting in October or November, retailers may face simultaneous stock market volatility and consumer spending uncertainty during their most profitable quarter.

Special Guest: Economist Daniel Altman, author of the ‘High Yield Economics’ newsletter

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