The Business Model Behind Buy Now, Pay Later Apps

Buy now, pay later companies like Affirm, Klarna and Afterpay boomed during the pandemic as consumers looked for an accessible alternative to credit cards. But even as their customer bases grow, these companies are struggling to turn a profit. 

PayPal, Apple and even credit card companies themselves are trying to get in on the action. 

WSJ explains how these services work, how they differ from traditional credit card payments and why some consumers have concerns.

The future of war

New technology is transforming the way wars are fought, and not just in Ukraine. 

As tension increases between China and America over Taiwan, what does the future of war look like?

How AI Is Already Reshaping White-Collar Work

Artificial intelligence doesn’t just make fantastical images. 

For white-collar workers, generative AI like ChatGPT can make jobs easier by creating drafts of documents or presentations. Initial images, video and product designs could be taken over by machine learning tech. 

In fact, one report says nearly 4,000 workers lost their jobs in May to AI. 

Dropbox cut 16% of its workforce in part to invest more in the tech, while IBM sees a future where 30% of clerical work could be taken over by AI. 

WSJ explains why AI may take some white-collar jobs – but also add new ones.

How George Soros Broke the Bank of England

In The UK, September 16, 1992, is known as Black Wednesday, the day when speculators including George Soros and Stanley Druckenmiller "broke the pound." 

This expression is used to describe the moment in time where market forces coalesced to force the British government to exit the European Exchange Rate Mechanism (ERM) by removing its currency from that agreement. 

Joining the ERM was part of Britain's effort participate in a single European Currency.

Why Banks Want to Know Your Salary So Badly

Banks are sending out more requests to customers for their annual salary information. 

WSJ personal-finance reporter Imani Moise joins host J.R. Whalen to discuss why, and whether customers are obligated to reveal their earnings.

Tesla Stock Up 40% Since May: Why Clean-Energy Shares Are Surging

Shares of clean-energy companies are rising after an 18-month downturn. 

Companies and investors are now watching to see if the rally will help sustain them until climate-law subsidies kick in. 

WSJ climate-finance reporter Amrith Ramkumar joins host Julie Chang to explain how Tesla is leading the surge.

Markets Not Buying Into Central Bank Talk

“Markets are not really buying into what all of these major central banks are talking about.” 

Ben Luk, senior multi asset strategist at State Street Global Markets, discusses market sentiment and Federal Reserve policy. He speaks on Bloomberg Television.