Amazon Exploits Workers' Hardships

Market Sizzle: US Debt Fears, Soaring Hospital Prices, Nuclear Retirees, Amazon Worker Woes ͏   ­͏   ­͏   ­͏   ­͏   ­͏   ­͏   ­͏   ­͏   ­͏   ­͏   ­͏   ­͏   ­͏   ­͏   ­͏   ­͏   ­͏   ­͏   ­͏   ­͏   ­͏   ­͏   ­͏   ­͏   ­͏   ­͏   ­͏   ­͏   ­͏   ­͏   ­͏   ­͏   ­͏   ­͏   ­͏   ­͏   ­͏   ­͏   ­͏   ­͏   ­͏   ­͏   ­͏   ­͏   ­͏   ­͏   ­͏   ­͏   ­͏   ­͏   ­͏   ­͏   ­͏   ­͏   ­͏   ­͏   ­͏   ­͏   ­͏   ­͏   ­͏   ­͏   ­͏   ­͏   ­͏   ­͏   ­͏   ­͏   ­͏   ­͏   ­͏   ­͏   ­͏   ­͏   ­͏   ­͏   ­͏   ­͏   ­͏   ­͏   ­͏   ­͏   ­͏   ­͏   ­͏   ­͏   ­͏   ­͏   ­͏   ­͏   ­͏   ­͏   ­͏   ­͏   ­͏   ­͏   ­͏   ­͏   ­͏   ­͏   ­͏   ­͏   ­͏   ­͏   ­͏   ­͏   ­͏   ­͏   ­͏   ­͏   ­͏   ­͏   ­͏   ­͏   ­͏   ­͏   ­͏   ­͏   ­͏   ­͏   ­͏   ­͏   ­͏   ­͏   ­͏   ­͏   ­͏   ­͏   ­͏   ­͏   ­͏   ­͏   ­͏   ­͏   ­͏   ­͏   ­͏   ­͏   ­͏   ­͏   ­͏   ­͏   ­͏   ­͏   ­͏   ­͏   ­͏   ­͏   ­͏   ­͏   ­͏   ­͏   ­͏   ­͏   ­͏   ­͏   ­͏   ­͏   ­͏   ­͏   ­͏   ­͏   ­͏   ­͏   ­͏   ­͏   ­͏   ­͏   ­͏   ­͏   ­͏   ­͏   ­͏   ­͏   ­͏   ­͏   ­͏   ­͏   ­͏   ­͏   ­͏   ­͏   ­͏   ­͏   ­͏   ­͏   ­͏   ­͏   ­͏   ­͏   ­͏   ­͏   ­͏   ­͏   ­͏   ­͏   ­͏   ­͏   ­͏   ­ Forwarded this email? [Subscribe here]() for more [Amazon Exploits Workers' Hardships]( Market Sizzle: US Debt Fears, Soaring Hospital Prices, Nuclear Retirees, Amazon Worker Woes [Josh Belanger]( May 18   [READ IN APP](   Ever wonder if that 5 a.m. email from a co-worker is a power move or just insomnia? Today's buzz is all about the new 5-9 shift that's turning regular Joes into office legends. Let’s see if early birds really catch the promotion worm or just need more coffee! US Debt Danger Ray Dalio, the billionaire founder of Bridgewater Associates, warns that the US’s rising debt is a big problem. He thinks it could hurt Treasury bonds and suggests investing in foreign markets. Dalio also worries about a potential "civil war" and the US getting into more conflicts. These issues could make foreign investors avoid US bonds. Dalio says high interest rates are adding to the debt, and fewer people might buy US bonds. If the US puts sanctions on more countries, it could get worse. He advises investors to consider other countries, like India and Singapore. He also likes gold as a safe bet. Dalio sees a growing risk of serious political fights in the US, but still finds hope in unity, like at a Taylor Swift concert. Hospital Prices Soar Hospital prices jumped 7.7% last month, the highest in 13 years. This increase is keeping U.S. inflation high. Costs for procedures like artery stents and newborn intensive care have risen sharply. Hospitals didn’t raise prices early in the pandemic, but they’re catching up now. These higher prices are making health insurance premiums go up, too. The price hikes add to inflation worries and limit wage increases for workers. Experts say hospital prices will stay high due to past disruptions from COVID-19. Rising hospital costs mean higher bills for everyone and make it hard for businesses to expand and hire. Silver Tsunami Fills Skills Gap The nuclear power industry is hiring retired engineers. They need these experienced workers to fill a skills gap. New projects are starting as interest in low-carbon energy rises. Countries like the US, UK, and France are building new reactors. Retirees with decades of experience are in demand again. They bring valuable knowledge to help train new employees. High demand is due to past disruptions like the Chernobyl and Fukushima disasters. Now, the industry is booming again. Older workers help bridge the gap while young engineers learn the ropes. This mix of old and new talent is essential for future success. Amazon Workers Struggling Half of Amazon warehouse workers can’t afford enough food or housing. This is five years after Amazon raised wages to $15 an hour. A study by the University of Illinois surveyed workers. It found 53% had food insecurity and 48% had housing insecurity. Injured workers who took unpaid leave faced more financial troubles. Amazon disputes the study’s methods but says it has raised average pay to $20.50 an hour. Despite better pay, many workers still struggle. A third use food stamps or Medicaid. Most earn between $16 and $20 an hour. Amazon employs 29% of US warehouse workers, setting standards in the industry. Many workers get higher pay than their previous jobs but rarely get promoted. The situation highlights the financial struggles faced by Amazon workers. Quick Sizzles - Clean-Energy Tax Credits: Private equity firms are betting big on clean-energy tax credits, helping developers get better deals and boosting project returns. - China's Spending Slows: China's retail sales and investment growth slow in April, while industrial output beats expectations. More policies may be needed to boost demand. - Reddit's AI Deal: Reddit shares jump 14% after partnering with OpenAI for ChatGPT content, aiming to monetize through high-quality data use. - GameStop's Stock Surge: GameStop plans to sell 45 million new shares amid a meme stock rally, despite declining sales and expected losses. - US Companies Go Euro: US firms issue euro-denominated bonds to benefit from lower borrowing costs in Europe, with issuance nearing record levels. That’s your Market Sizzle; good trading, good life! Invite your friends and earn rewards If you enjoy Josh Belanger, share it with your friends and earn rewards when they subscribe. [Invite Friends](   [Like]( [Comment]( [Restack](   © 2024 Josh Belanger 548 Market Street PMB 72296, San Francisco, CA 94104 [Unsubscribe]() [Get the app]( writing]()