Kathy and Liz Ann discuss this week's expectations around the upcoming jobs report and its influence on the Fed. Their discussion highlights the importance of full employment and wage growth for the Fed. The conversation also mentions other important metrics like long-term unemployment, part-time versus full-time employment, and hours worked. The recent data on service-sector activity, initial unemployment claims, and continuing claims suggest a weakening job market.

Then, Kathy Jones is joined by Joe Brusuelas, who is an economist with RSM. He has expertise in U.S. monetary policy and labor markets. They discuss the potential for rate cuts, the impact of technology on productivity, the rising budget deficit, and geopolitical risks—as well as the specific challenges faced by middle-market companies, such as elevated financing costs and labor shortages.

Finally, Kathy and Liz Ann offer their outlook on the week's upcoming economic indicators.

On Investing is an original podcast from Charles Schwab. For more on the show, visit schwab.com/OnInvesting.

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