Chapter 1: What are the current expectations for Federal Reserve interest rates?
I think the potential of agentic is to rethink how work gets done overall. It challenges all sorts of traditional orthodoxies around how organizations execute the work at hand.
That's Jason Gerzades, CEO of Deloitte US, talking about the transformational potential of agentic AI. Join him later to learn why agents are a game changer for businesses across industries.
Here's your midday brief for Friday, March 27th.
Chapter 2: Why is Savannah Guthrie returning to the 'Today' show?
I'm Pierre Bien-Aimé for The Wall Street Journal. Traders see no chance the Federal Reserve will cut interest rates this year. According to CME Group data, derivatives markets show zero odds of a cut, down from a 1.3% chance yesterday. And markets are pricing a 54% chance of at least one interest rate hike.
The war in the Middle East has changed the outlook for central banks around the world, which now face both higher inflation and slower growth. Today's show co-anchor Savannah Guthrie will return to the morning program on Monday, April 6th. She's been off the show since her mother, Nancy Guthrie, was reported missing from her home in Arizona on February 1st. No arrests have been made in the case.
Savannah Guthrie joined today as a co-host in 2011 and has been a staple presence in the homes of millions across America. And Meta Platforms has agreed to fund the massive energy infrastructure needed for a $27 billion data center project under construction in Louisiana.
Chapter 3: How is Meta Platforms addressing energy needs for its new data center?
It'll pay for seven new natural gas power plants, 240 miles of transmission lines, and battery energy storage. Across much of the U.S., the growth of data centers has led to taxed energy grids and surging electricity prices, prompting calls for tech companies to provide for their own energy needs.
Heads Up, an artificial intelligence tool, helped us make this episode by creating summaries that were based on WSJ reporting and then reviewed and adapted by an editor. We'll have more coverage of the day's news on the WSJ's What's News podcast. You can add it to your playlist on your smart speaker or listen and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts.
Access to affordable credit helps me pay my employees, but I don't really need it.
The inflation is killing me. But who cares? Big retailers are making record profits. That's why we support the Durbin Marshall credit card bill.
Chapter 4: What impact does the Middle East conflict have on global central banks?
See?
Banks and credit unions help small businesses make payroll. This bill would cut the vital resources they need.
While increasing megastore profits. They deserve it, don't they?
Chapter 5: How can listeners stay updated with WSJ's news coverage?
Tell Congress, stop the Durbin Marshall money grab for corporate megastores. Paid for by the Electronic Payments Coalition.