King Banaian

Local manufacturers are bracing for a shake-up as tariffs loom over essential materials. What does that mean for everyday products we rely on?

Tariffs and the impact of those in the United States have been talked about quite a bit in recent months. St. Cloud State Economist King Banaian joined me on WJON to explain what has happened so far and what it means.

President Trump is expected to hand down extensive tariffs on numerous countries throughout the world starting today. St. Cloud State Economist King Banaian joined me on WJON. He expects the products that will be immediately affected include automobiles, electronics (cell phone, computers, etc..) and pharmaceuticals.

The holiday shopping season is underway. St. Cloud State Economist King Banaian joined me on WJON. He says Central Minnesota shoppers are looking for savings and name brands are not as important to many.

The St. Cloud area is seeing labor growth. That according to St. Cloud Economist King Banaian, who joined me on WJON today. He says the St. Cloud area has seen a number of workers come into the area through migration.

It was a tough week on Wall Street last week and there have been numerous reports of job cuts. St. Cloud State Economist King Banaian joined me on WJON. He explains the recent troubles with the job market isn't a sign of a recession quite yet. Banaian says the job market is weaker and slower but he's not ready to say a recession is coming.

The cost of goods and services have been on the steady increase. St. Cloud State University Economist King Banaian joined me on WJON. He says wages are catching up with inflation but that also carries consequences. Banaian believes if wages go up too much it will cause interest rates to stay higher for longer because the Federal Reserve will feel like inflation hasn't made enough progress and they won't cut rates.

Most of us above the age of 16 are drivers in Minnesota and the majority of those above 16 keep an eye on gas prices. Who is really making money on gas in Minnesota? That is a question I posed to St. Cloud State Economist King Banaian.

Shopping Malls have undergone some challenges and changes recently. St. Cloud State Economist King Banaian joined me on WJON. He says the malls of the 70s and 80s often included movie theaters, restaurants and shops. People would make a day of their experience.

Americans are incurring more debt. St. Cloud State Economist King Banaian explained on WJON Monday that debts levels are returning to 2019 levels. He says the pandemic of 2020 influenced many people's spending.