The Journal.

Tariffs, inflation and an energy crisis have driven up the cost of nearly every consumer good. Despite those economic headwinds, IKEA has tried to keep its furniture affordable. Juvencio Maeztu is the CEO of the Ingka Group, IKEA’s largest franchise, and he explains how the company is making the numbers work. Ryan Knutson hosts. 

Further Listening:


Can Burger King Regain Its Crown?


The Battle to Be the King of Retail: Walmart vs. Amazon


Etsy: Big Commerce or Crafters' Community?

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In China, humanoid robots are on the rise. Robots with heads and torsos have been spotted staffing the front desk at hotels, working factory floors, and serving lattes. It's all thanks to an investment boom and subsidies from the Chinese government, which is betting on "embodied AI" as the next frontier in a global arms race. WSJ's Yoko Kubota explains how China's robots got so good, and what the US is doing to catch up. Ryan Knutson hosts.

Further Listening:

- China and the U.S. Are in a Race for AI Supremacy

- The Man Leading Trump’s AI Charge Against China

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Meta is kicking its AI transformation into high gear. The Facebook, WhatsApp, and Instagram parent is getting aggressive about AI talent, integrating AI technology into employees’ workflows and even developing an AI agent to help its CEO Mark Zuckerberg. Last week, the company announced a 10% cut in its global workforce. WSJ’s Meghan Bobrowsky unpacks what the pivot means for the AI race and the company’s employees. Ryan Knutson hosts.

Further Listening:

Why Meta Is Offering $100 Million for AI Geniuses

The Battle Within Meta Over Chatbot Safety

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The war in Iran has sparked a global jet fuel crunch, sending prices soaring. Now, airlines are passing costs onto travelers, with higher ticket prices and additional fees. WSJ’s Matthew Dalton and Alison Sider explain how jet fuel has been caught up in the crisis and why airlines aren't planning to lower prices anytime soon. Jessica Mendoza hosts.

Further Listening:

- How China Keeps Iran's Oil Industry Afloat

- The Airline Industry Has a Toxic Fume Problem

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Four days before Donald Trump’s second inauguration, an Emirati royal known as the “spy sheikh” secretly purchased a stake in Trump's cryptocurrency venture World Liberty Financial for half a billion dollars.

In the second of two episodes about World Liberty Financial, WSJ’s Rebecca Ballhaus details what the Sheikh received from the Trump Administration following his deal with the Trump family’s crypto company. Hosted by Jessica Mendoza.

Further Listening:

- The Crypto President: Part 1

- Private Equity and Crypto Could Be Coming for Your 401k

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