This Week in Business

David Hsu, Wharton Management Professor, discusses SpaceX’s $2 trillion valuation, the role of Starlink, launch services, and AI in driving investor enthusiasm, the influence of Elon Musk’s leadership, and what the company’s success means for the future of the global space economy.

Courtney Wiegand, Wharton Assistant Professor of Finance, explains her research on how fiscal policy shocks and shifting deficit expectations affect bond markets, inflation, monetary policy interactions, and the long-term implications of congressional budget decisions for financial markets.

Michael Platt, Wharton Professor of Marketing, Psychology & Neuroscience, discusses his research on brain-based performance metrics, explaining how focus, confidence, and mental fatigue can be measured to improve athlete selection, training, and development, while also revealing applications for business leadership, cybersecurity, and other high-pressure professions.

Ken Shropshire, Wharton Emeritus Prof. of Legal Studies & Business Ethics and Strategic Advisor to 76 Capital, examines the NFL’s history of racial equity in hiring, assess the successes and shortcomings of the Rooney Rule, and explore how Brian Flores’ discrimination lawsuit could influence the future of coaching opportunities and hiring practices across the league.

Stefano Puntoni, Wharton Marketing Professor, discusses the biggest AI developments of the past year, including advances in model capabilities, the emergence of AI agents, growing enterprise investment, regulatory considerations, and the technology’s potential impact on business, consumers, and society.

Jeremy Siegel, Wharton Emeritus Professor of Finance and Chief Economist at WisdomTree, examines the market rally fueled by AI stocks, the economic impact of rising oil prices and tensions with Iran, the outlook for Federal Reserve policy under Kevin Warsh, and the mixed legacy of Fed Chair Jerome Powell.

Patrick Harker, Wharton Professor of Operations, Information, and Decisions, and former President of the Philadelphia Federal Reserve Bank, reflects on Jerome Powell’s tenure leading the Federal Reserve through the pandemic, inflation concerns, and political pressure, while also examining what Kevin Warsh’s leadership could mean for monetary policy, Fed independence, and the U.S. economy moving forward.

Dr. Americus Reed, II, Wharton Marketing Professor, discusses the principles of identity marketing, explaining how brands can navigate aspiration, authenticity, generational differences, and consumer self-expression in a culture increasingly influenced by social media, wearable technology, and evolving personal identities.

Kevin Kaiser, Wharton Adjunct Full Professor of Finance, explores how cities like Philadelphia are preparing for the influx of global soccer fans during the World Cup, examining transportation, hospitality, public safety, sports culture, and the long-term branding impact for the United States and its host cities.