Banks borrowed less from the Federal Reserves emergency lending programs this week than the week before, a sign that the threat of additional bank runs could be waning. One of those programs is called the discount window, and banks really t
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The Inflation Reduction Act channels hundreds of billions of dollars into clean energy projects. But “electrifying America” could be short-circuited by the nationwide shortage of electricians. Today, well hear from the companies and program
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Spring is when flowers, and For Sale signs, tend to start popping up. Today we learned that pending home sales rose for the third straight month in February, which seems puzzling given climbing interest rates. Could it signal a thawing housing mar
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On this program, weve discussed a somewhat confusing dynamic: Consumers are sour on the economy despite a job market thats historically strong. Today, were joined by Washington Post columnist Catherine Rampell to help piece th
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Bank regulators will be heading to Capitol Hill this week, where theyre likely to be grilled by lawmakers over the recent banking turmoil. But they also have to reassure markets and the public that everythings going to be all right —
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The Federal Reserve will release a report by May 1 on what happened at Silicon Valley Bank. A key part will be how bank examiners, the government employees who monitor a bank’s safety and soundness, supervised SVB. Today, well look at what
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Long gone are the good ol days when inflation was described as transitory. This month marks one year since the Federal Reserve started raising interest rates to curb inflation, and we chart the relationship between rates and p
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One way the Federal Reserve oversees the banking system is through stress tests, which help determine whether banks can withstand economic disasters. But only the biggest banks are required to undergo these tests. Could Silicon Valle
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A simple economic phenomenon — that rising interest rates push bond values down — is part of what has weighed on financial companies like Silicon Valley Bank. Well take a closer look at the relationship and examine how the Federal Reserve&#
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The debacles that engulfed Silicon Valley Bank and other precarious financial institutions have sparked debates over who dropped the ball. Was it a regulatory failure, a supervisory failure, or both? On todays show, well parse out th
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Back in the 30s, news of bank collapses traveled slowly. But in the early hours of Silicon Valley Bank’s collapse, the news spread like wildfire through startup messaging chains on WhatsApp, Slack, Signal and Telegram. Today, how rumors and
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Financial conditions influence the cost of money, and theyre being made much more complicated by recent bank collapses. Today, well delve into how tightening financial conditions influence the Federal Reserves ne
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Following the meltdowns of Silicon Valley Bank and Signature Bank, Europe’s Credit Suisse is now in trouble. Though the Swiss banks problems predate the recent U.S. bank failures, some economists are asking whether the malady at Credit Suis
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As we follow the implosion of Silicon Valley Bank, well examine the parties involved in regulating finance — both state and federal — and what changes may emerge from the meltdown. Well also check in with a former Federal Reserve off
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Add the spectacular collapses of Silicon Valley Bank and Signature Bank to the lengthy list of consumer concerns. Bank failures like these dont just rattle their depositors, they stoke anxiety in everyone who hears about them. Today, weR
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Silicon Valley Bank, where many startups got their funding, is now in the hands of the FDIC after a collapse. On todays program, well take a closer look at the factors that spelled disaster for the bank and if other financial institu
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The Federal Reserve has unleashed eight interest rate hikes in the past year, yet the economy doesn’t seem to be taking the hint. With unemployment at historic lows and consumer spending still robust, is monetary policy able to slow the economy an
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Thats how one economist described todays job openings report. The number of available jobs remains high but is on the decline, as is the number of people whove quit their gigs. It indicates that the Federal Reserves eff
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Can we rein in inflation without unemployment surging? Though its an open question, one route to avoiding layoffs is for companies to accept lower profit margins and absorb additional costs. But whether they will is a whole nother qu
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A new study finds that gender inequality costs the global economy $7 trillion per year. Today, well take a closer look at the roadblocks that persist for women and how addressing them could benefit everyone. Well also hear what’
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A special game license allowed Dungeons Dragons fans to create additional storylines and characters — and make money off of them. But when parent company Hasbro looked to change DDs license to get a cut of third-party profits, fa
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This week, Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen visited Kyiv to underscore U.S. support for Ukraine. Today, Yellen joined Marketplace host Kai Ryssdal to chat about her trip, the moral obligation” to aid Ukraine and the impact of s
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Theres a running assumption that a strong labor market and wage growth will make it harder to slow rising prices. But how much does wage growth need to slow to get us to normal levels of inflation? Today, well do the numbers on what
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The average consumer is hungry — to go out, that is. Sales at restaurants and bars are up nearly 25% since last January, but that spending surge coincides with dimming consumer confidence. What can all that going out tell us about the economy more
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The Federal Reserves original job was to help the U.S. avert financial meltdowns. But propping up the pandemic economy forced the central bank to do some soul searching. Today, were joined by The New York Times J
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The United States and European nations have committed billions of dollars in military and humanitarian aid to Ukraine since Russias invasion one year ago. But theres also a cultural dimension to the conflict. Today, well hear
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The American civil rights movement was about more than attitudes around racism. It also fought to expand workers rights and access to housing and good jobs. Well chart the economic agenda the movement outlined decades ago, which is s
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Interest rates on government debts are set by where the market thinks the economy is headed. Fed rate hikes and a disappointing inflation report have pushed bond yields higher. Today, well look at what theyre telling us about the fut
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Economists have been placing bets on how bad a recession might be — if there is one. But retailers have to decide what to buy and how much based on where they think the economy is headed. How are sellers coping with the unknown? Also, what the Sup
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American consumers are spending lots — and putting it on plastic. Credit card debt has climbed to a record of $986 billion, according to the New York Fed. Is this a return to pre-pandemic, normal spending habits or a worrying sign ab
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Surveys show that Americans are concerned about the economy and inflation, yet retail sales remain strong. Whats behind the mismatch between what people are saying and how theyre spending? We, like the American consumer, try to make
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The debt ceiling dance is well underway in Washington and the Treasury is taking extraordinary measures to avoid a default. House Speaker Kevin McCarthy has compared the federal budget to a households credit limit, but that
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“Succession, The Menu, The White Lotus — Hollywood is producing plenty of films and shows that let viewers watch rich people suffer. America has always been obsessed with wealth, but those portrayals are changing
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Whats in your shopping basket may not be the same as whats in the metaphorical basket of goods used to calculate the consumer price index. But the Bureau of Labor Statistics is updating its formula to more accurately capture changing
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Well get the consumer price index for January tomorrow. Though inflation appeared to ease at the end of last year, the report comes at a really critical time for the Federal Reserve, the markets and consumer expectations. Will
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Surveys of Americans economic outlooks are coming up with contradictory conclusions. Some consumers report being worse off than they were a year ago, while others are feeling optimistic. Whats behind the split? Well also break
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Wellness has became an even bigger concern during the pandemic, as well as a bigger business. The last couple of years have been good for sales of vitamins, supplements and apps to help us sleep, stick to our diets and be more mindful. With hype r
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The American labor market has been on a roller coaster in the past few years. While what we do for work looks different today from pre-COVID times, its not done changing. Well do the numbers on the industries that saw the biggest job
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Today, Microsoft unveiled how it will incorporate ChatGPTs generative AI tech into its search engine, Bing. That could spell trouble for publishers and content creators, as well as the advertisers that rely on searches and page views. We
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Despite the Federal Reserves interest rate hikes, the U.S. economy hasnt soured as much as many forecasters expected. And with falling energy prices, slowing inflation and the waning economic impact of COVID, the global economy’
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Last year was hard on cryptocurrency, with scandals and plummeting prices rocking the industry. Those losses were particularly keen for Black Americans, who are more likely to get into crypto than their white peers. Today, well explore how
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Last week, office occupancy rates in major cities hit a milestone, reaching half of their pre-pandemic levels. While most places feel just as crowded as they did before, offices are an exception. Today, a closer look at the sluggish return to offi
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Weve frequently discussed the great resignation on this program over the past year as people have sought new jobs with better pay and benefits. But as recession worries loom and wage growth moderates, quitting and hiring rates
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New Labor Department data shows that wage growth slowed to 1% last quarter. That may not sound too rosy for workers, but its welcome news to Federal Reserve officials, who are mulling additional interest rate hikes as they try to deflate wa
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Many CEOs and economists anticipate a recession this year. But their predictions, based on economic data and historical trends, are part art and part science. Today, well dig into how those forecasts are made. Plus, why inflation varies dep
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The American consumer saved more and spent less in December, cutting back on restaurants, movies and sporting events. Will that slow inflation? Well talk about that on todays show. Plus, the confusing economy, who holds U.S. debt, a
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Economists often see both good and bad news in economic data. Todays gross domestic product report was no different. The economy grew by 2.9% last quarter, which was more than expected, but there are some signs of a slowdown. Today, we̵
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Today, the White House announced a slew of actions aimed at helping renters. Though weve seen recent glimmers of a cooling rent market, the national median has shot up more than 20% since 2020. So how do landlords set rents in the first pla
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After being fueled by a surge in pandemic demand, the manufacturing sector is showing signs of cooling off. Production and hiring in the industry slowed toward the end of last year. Today, well take a look at what’s driving the manufacturin
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Tech and finance companies have announced major job cuts recently, yet the unemployment rate hit at a 50-year low in December. What gives? The answer lies in the still-tight job market and the hassles of dealing with outdated unemployment systems.
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Immigration to the U.S. dropped dramatically in recent years as a result of the pandemic and policy at the border. That immigration slowdown translates into lost workers, and that workforce shortage has contributed to inflation. On todays s
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Its a question that the Federal Reserves board of governors is weighing. Backing off too soon means prices could keep rising, but continuing to raise interest rates aggressively could spawn a recession. Today, how the Fed is thinking
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A new report from the New York Fed shows that inflation makes a bigger impact on the budgets of people of color and low-income workers. Today, we dig into why inflation and the higher interest rates used to tame it feel different depending on who
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Consumers are expected to spend more cautiously in the year ahead as they contend with rising prices and a potential looming recession. Today, a look at where shoppers are willing to put their money and how businesses are adapting to a changing co
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Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated in 1968 after speaking with striking sanitation workers. Since then, union activity had waned — until recently. On todays show, we explain why. Also: The rich got richer during the pandemic, and authe
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On Thursday, the Securities and Exchange Commission announced it’s suing two crypto exchanges. The move marks the latest in the federal governments continued effort to crack down on the cryptocurrency industry. But without comprehensive rul
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Its inflation day here at Marketplace HQ, and were taking stock of the latest consumer price index. We start with the big picture and look at how the pace of rising prices slowed in December. Then, well get into the granular d
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The World Economic Forum is warning of a polycrisis, with major geopolitical and economic threats compounding one another. Talk about a gloomy picture, huh? On todays show, well unpack the predictions. Also, a tale of t
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Russia’s primary export grade of crude oil is trading at less than half the global benchmark price, thanks to a price cap and European embargo. But whether those sanctions will work in the long run remains an open question. Today, we dive in. We&#
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This week, well get Q4 earning reports for big banks, like JPMorgan Chase and Wells Fargo. Economists will be eyeing those balance sheets for hints of where the economy is and where it may be headed. Then, what a proposed noncompete ban wou
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Workers have enjoyed healthy earnings increases in the past year, but tucked into todays jobs report was data showing that the pace of those gains is moderating. Though its welcome news for the Federal Reserves inflation fight
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Amazon and Salesforce are among the companies to recently announce major staff cuts. Layoffs are often one of the first ways employers curb costs, but they can jeopardize a companys public image and employee goodwill. Today, well loo
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On New Year’s Day, 23 states raised their minimum wage, benefiting an estimated 8 million workers. But pay scales have already been rising in a tight labor market. Today, a look at where minimum wages stand in a job market that economists expect t
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A tight labor market is always a positive thing, right? While it can be good for wages, those unfilled jobs can limit productivity and economic growth. Today, a look at the risks of an economy with missing parts. Then, whats in store for Bi
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Yesterday, California expanded a privacy law requiring companies to disclose the data they collect from consumers, how its used and who its shared with. Those requirements now apply to employers too. Today, a look at what it means fo
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Today, well look back at the major economic stories of the year and lay down some predictions for 2023. The biggest throughline? Inflation, the Federal Reserves interest rate hikes and the ripple effects of both. Well also see
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The housing market is ending 2022 on a pretty sour note. Mortgage rates are still high and the threat of a recession looms. Today, well outline what to expect for the housing market in the coming year. Plus, the federal student aid office h
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The National Labor Relations Board is tasked with overseeing union activity, but its resources have been stretched over the past decade or so. Today, a look at what a funding increase means during an important moment in labor organizing. Plus, the
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Today, we dive into two components of the omnibus spending bill Congress passed last week. Well examine how a funding advance for the Indian Health Service could help serve Indigenous communities and how a bundle of reforms could help bridg
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In the coming year, roughly 1 in 5 Americans will live in a state that requires employers to disclose salaries in job postings. While the laws cover a small number of jurisdictions, the impact could be far-reaching. Could this be a tipping point i
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According to the Federal Reserves preferred inflation measure, prices crept up for services in November but ticked down for goods. Its a story of shifting consumer demand and rising wages in the service sector. Also on todays
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Todays revised gross domestic product report includes a tally of corporate profits, which were up 10% over the same time a year ago. Even companies that are selling fewer products are reaping higher profits. Those businesses are passing alo
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When it comes to managing international trade deals and relationships, the Biden administration has been tireless in 2022. Today, were joined by U.S. Trade Representative Katherine Tai to hear about achievements, challenges and why trade ma
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Prominent economist Mohamed El-Erian was among the early critics of the Federal Reserve for its failure to raise interest rates in 2021. Today, he joins the program to discuss where he thinks the Fed should go from here, what itll take to r
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Inventory management is a problem that has plagued many businesses recently, and retail inventories are up 17% since last year. On todays program, why businesses just cant seem to get it right and what it means for consumers. Also, h
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With the increase in hate speech on Twitter, brands are facing a dilemma: stay and potentially tarnish their image or leave behind an audience theyve spent time and resources building. In todays episode, navigating the digital landsc
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Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell has reiterated the importance of the central banks 2% inflation target. But why is 2% the magic number? Today, well take a closer look at where that figure came from and what trade-offs are necessa
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The Federal Reserve upped its key interest rate by half a percentage point today, a smaller move than the previous four. Today, well unpack what consumers can expect from the Fed going forward and how the slowing pace of rate increases will
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Following the implosion of crypto exchange FTX and the arrest of its former CEO, Sam Bankman-Fried, crypto seems to be losing its mojo. Is this just a setback for crypto or is it the beginning of the end? Plus, the factors driving the inflation sl
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The campaign to curb rising prices is proceeding, and some pandemic-induced inflation is cooling. But getting price hikes down to the Federal Reserves 2% goal may take years. In todays episode, why the last miles of the inflation fig
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The producer price index of wholesale prices rose slightly in October. But wholesale inflation has dropped seven of the last eight months because of falling demand for products and fewer supply chain kinks. In this episode, we look at how the Fede
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Americans spend-happy ways continue. Credit was up by 7% compared to October of last year, and card balances shot up faster than they had in 20 years. In this episode, bigger debts with higher interest rates are digging big holes for consum
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Mortgage rates usually move in tandem with the interest rate set by the Federal Reserve. But mortgage rates have dipped recently while the rate set by the Fed has been climbing. Why? The answer lies in the market for mortgage bonds. Plus, the stat
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The military, just like everyone else, has to deal with supply chain disruptions and inventory balancing acts. In todays show, we check in with the Pentagon’s chief weapons buyer about the war in Ukraine, a defense bill of nearly $850 billi
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The U.S. dollar has given up about half its 2022 gains in the past month or so. Thats good news for exporters, but not so great for American companies that import pricier items. Today, a look at whats going on with the greenback. Plu
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The word of the day today is jobs. The job market remains surprisingly strong, wages are rising, and job churn is high but settling. In this episode, a dive into the November jobs report and how it could influence the Federal Reserve
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Theres no one economic figure that paints a perfect picture of where inflation is going. On todays episode, well do the numbers for fresh economic data and hear what economists are looking at to predict inflations next
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Protests have broken out in several Chinese cities since the weekend over the countrys strict zero-tolerance for COVID policy. On todays show, Marketplace correspondent Jennifer Pak talks to demonstrators to hear about
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With federal funding for COVID vaccines running out, doctors and clinics will soon have to pay for doses. Today, well take a closer look at what this means for pediatricians and how the costs may cut into the care they provide. Also on the
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New York City employers will be barred from using artificial intelligence in hiring starting next year, unless the program passes an audit. AI can narrow down candidate pools but often excludes otherwise qualified applicants who lack a college deg
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Despite inflation and rising interest rates, consumers are still spending as if they were awash in cash. But now theyre using credit cards, spending more on necessities and less on luxuries. Want more economic data? Plenty will come out nex
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As central banks around the world raise interest rates to fight inflation, its taking a toll on real estate markets far and wide. Today, well map out where housing markets are stalling and where theyre finding buyers. Plus, re
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Unemployment claims are at a three-month high, which isnt a great sign for the economy. But orders for durable goods — like auto parts and manufacturing equipment — were higher than anticipated in October. Well try to make sense of t
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An unknown buyer, or buyers, has been purchasing a lot of gold recently. About 400 tons changed hands in the third quarter, worth more than $20 billion. Sure, countries can use it to pay for imports during a crisis or evade U.S. sanctions, but who
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These are still not normal times, and that means a not-quite-normal holiday season. Thanks to inflation, holiday shoppers are getting less bang for their buck, while a pilot shortage is causing major headaches for travelers and regional airports.
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The transition to remote work during the pandemic could have offered tribal communities an opportunity to curb the outmigration of young people. Yet Native workers have disproportionately been left behind. Today, a closer look at the causes and co
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Theres bad blood between Taylor Swift fans and Ticketmaster after the site was nearly overwhelmed by fans trying to nab concert tickets. But the company is also drawing ire from elected officials who call it a monopoly. Today, how Ticketmas
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Target released disappointing quarterly numbers today. Revenue growth slowed as shoppers contend with inflation, and the CEO warned of a slow holiday season. Could Targets results be the ghost of holiday shopping yet to come for retailers?
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Nearly 40% of workers wouldnt, according to a new survey. The pandemic dramatically shifted peoples relationships to and feelings about work. In this episode, a look at bleak workplace attitudes and whats driving them. Plus, w
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President Joe Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping met on the sidelines of the G-20 summit today. Tariffs and other restrictions have hampered the already complex relationship between the two countries. Today, we outline the economic stakes of t
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When Elon Musk purchased Twitter, he borrowed billions. Now, the banks that helped finance that purchase are trying to offload those loans, but potential buyers are offering a sharply lower price of 60 cents on the dollar. Investors are wary of th
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Octobers consumer price index contains a glimmer of hope. Though prices are still on the rise, inflation may finally be starting to moderate. On todays show, what to make of one months worth of mildly good news. Also on the pr
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After rapid growth during the pandemic stalled, Meta announced that its slashing 13% of its workforce. Its not the only company cutting staff and grappling with dashed expectations. Today, well interrogate the sustainability o
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It can be overwhelming to take stock of everything — and everyone — lost during the pandemic. But how do you quantify the time lost? For millennials, the sequestered years are ones traditionally marked by major life events, like marriage or having
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Tech giants Twitter, Stripe and Lyft slashed jobs last week, and Meta will reportedly follow suit. Its a reversal of the sectors pandemic hiring spree and could be an indicator of wider cuts across the economy. Plus, conservative gro
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Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell received some welcome news in todays jobs report: Wage growth is slowing a tad. The gains certainly arent as low as the Fed is hoping for, but the moderation could be a hint that the job market is
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Ahead of the holiday travel season, pilots at two major airlines rejected tentative contracts this week, and a third voted to authorize a strike. Pilots are bargaining for better wages and quality-of-life provisions, all while clocking record-high
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The Federal Reserve announced another interest rate increase today. On the program, well unpack the key questions on Fed Chair Jerome Powells mind as he guides the central bank in its quest to quell rising prices. Then, its ba
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A cooling labor market means cooling inflation — at least in theory. But fresh data shows that job openings are growing and the quits rate remains high. Today, well dig into the implications for workers and the Federal Reserve. Then, weR
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We spend a lot of time on this program talking about the big-picture data of this economy. But data doesnt tell the whole story. Today, we travel to Buffalo, New York — a city where low-wage workers have enjoyed wage growth of more than 40%
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Inflation is the unwanted guest who somehow has not taken the hint. Prices are still rising month over month. And though the Federal Reserves rate hikes are being felt throughout the economy, well likely be asking that question for a
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Last quarters gross domestic product showed better-than-expected growth. Problem is, GDP is backward-facing, and a strong dollar, rising mortgage rates and slowing consumer spending all hint at trouble ahead. Later in the program: how schoo
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Were in the throngs of earnings season. Corporate earnings releases are kind of like report cards for large companies, and while many have beaten quarterly expectations so far, their outlooks tend to be a little less rosy. Today, we’
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The last few years have been a roller coaster for renters. Though rents are up roughly 9% year over year, thats an improvement from the increases seen last year. Is this a sign that the rental market is finally moderating, or just a tempor
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The Feds interest rate hikes continue to be felt across the economy. First, well hear how those higher rates are luring investors away from tech companies, then well see how decades-high mortgage rates are stretching the time
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Last spring, the worst wildfire in New Mexicos history grew from prescribed burns lit by the U.S. Forest Service. It cost the federal government billions and devastated hundreds of homes and businesses. Now, liability concerns are making th
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The United Kingdoms economy was sent into a tailspin during Liz Truss six short weeks as prime minister. Today, well check in with Marketplaces London bureau chief to discuss the political and economic fallout of Truss&
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Its been a rough year for the stock market. But the stock market doesnt always provide a clear roadmap of where the economy is headed. Today, the factors behind stock market volatility and how much we can read into the ups and downs.
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Across the economy, companies are bracing for a cold economic winter. While banks are stockpiling cash to cover defaulted loans, tech companies like Microsoft are slimming staff and scaling back recruitment. In todays episode, a look at how
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The Department of Education recently opened its application for student loan forgiveness. With over 40 million people eligible for debt relief, its the largest operation of its kind in the department’s history. Today, we take a look at the
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Think of inflation as a runner. In parts of the economy, that runner is slowing — still going forward, just not as fast. Today, well unpack which sectors are leading the race and which are faltering. Plus, how the
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Core inflation registered 6.6% in September on a yearly basis. But just how much pain you feel paying your bills depends on who you are and what those bills are for. In todays show, a look at why the headline inflation figure is probably di
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A recent proposal by the Joe Biden administration could reclassify gig workers as employees rather than independent contractors and expand benefits and protections for millions of Americans. Today, a look at what the move would mean for workers an
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A union representing freight railroad workers rejected the most recent tentative contract with major railroads, meaning that a strike — and threat to the supply chain — is once again possible. Today, well take a look at the concerns over wo
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Today, well provide an economic preview for the week ahead. First, well take a look at Social Securitys anticipated cost-of-living adjustment and hear what the historic increase would mean for recipients being squeezed by infl
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The economy has made a remarkable recovery since the depths of the COVID-19 pandemic, but where would we be without that downturn? On todays show, we talk what ifs with economists. Plus: semiconductor demand, oversharing on Li
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When the pandemic began, many working moms took a step back from their careers. Now, multitudes of women are still sidelined due to a lack of affordable, reliable child care. Today, how a worker shortage in the sector creates a barrier to women re
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Critics are worried that the Federal Reserve is raising interest rates too quickly and may tip the economy into a recession without taming inflation. So what else can the Fed do? Today, we dive into the policy, politics and power at Fed Chair Jero
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The number of job openings dipped 10% between July and August — a bigger drop than many economists predicted. It might show that the imbalance between supply and demand for labor is shrinking, and could be a sign that the Feds rate hikes ar
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Europe is looking to boost imports of liquefied natural gas as winter approaches. But supply chain problems abound, from too few ships to transport natural gas and too few facilities to load and unload it. Today, a look at what itll take to
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The economy seems full of contradictions right now. The threat of a recession looms and inflation is rampant, but consumers are still spending. Economists often look to history when making predictions, but the past offers little guidance to make s
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Last year, dozens of container ships waited off the Californian coast — some for weeks — to dock and unload all the goods consumers were demanding. But those backlogs have eased substantially. Today, well take a trip to the Marine Exchange
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The U.S. dollar has been appreciating this year as investors take advantage of climbing interest rates. But the value of the dollar is forcing economies around the globe to pay the price. Today, well delve into how a strong dollar is affect
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Plenty of folks who began working from home during the pandemic are still there. Today, well take a look at how much that WFH reality may be pushing up housing costs and what it means for the Federal Reserves inflation fight. Plus, h
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The stock market is not the economy. But financial markets around the world are looking at economic conditions right now and not liking what they’re seeing. Today, well unpack the threats to global economic growth, which experts warn won
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The soft landing the Federal Reserve hopes for the economy appears increasingly out of reach. Stocks tumbled this week and fears of a global recession loom, but Fed Chair Jerome Powell isnt looking to back off his inflation fight. Today, we
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Around this time of year, companies begin hiring seasonal workers. Yet some large companies are planning on fewer hires. Despite a tight labor market, companies are uncertain whether consumer spending will remain strong through the holidays and ar
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That is how Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell characterized price stability while discussing the central banks interest rate hike Wednesday. The move pushes its benchmark rate to 3% or higher from zero in just six months. Today, we
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In anticipation of more rate hikes by the Federal Reserve this week, the yield on the 10-year Treasury note finished at the highest it’s been in more than a decade. In todays episode, well break down what a higher interest rate on th
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The Federal Reserve is all but guaranteed to raise interest rates this week. Well spend some time on todays show talking about soft landings, and why hard landings are more common. Plus: Puerto Rico’s grid, the school b
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The Federal Reserve is expected to raise interest rates yet again next week as it looks to double down on inflation. Even with all the rate hikes, interest rates on savings accounts are still lagging. Today, well explore how supply and dema
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Last year, the IRS only answered about 1 in 10 taxpayer calls, and the average wait time was 30 minutes. Thanks to new funding from the Inflation Reduction Act, the agency is set to hire 5,000 new customer service agents. On todays show, we
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The August consumer price index shows that the cost of food at home was up 13.5% over the same period last year. Thats the largest annual increase since 1979, and higher energy prices, drought and the war in Ukraine all factor in. Also on t
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Almost everything became more expensive in August. Well discuss key items in the consumer price index and look at one number that dropped — the Census Bureaus measure of child poverty rates. Plus, the U.S. enters a sorta trade agreem
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Weve learned just how fragile the global supply chain is the past few years, and were not out of the woods yet. Today, we examine two threats to the supply chains recovery: a potential strike of U.S. rail workers and continued
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A new report says restaurant bookings are back to pre-COVID-19 levels, which should be good news, but profitability in the industry is down. Well talk to some restauranteurs about menu changes, customer attitudes and fears around raising pr
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Queen Elizabeth II was a symbol of stability for many, and her death comes at a turbulent time for the United Kingdom. Marketplaces London bureau chief tells us about the mood of the country amid decades-high inflation and a transfer of pow
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Amid an inventory glut and flagging profits, Target said its 63-year-old CEO will stay on for three more years, even though he was mandated to retire in two. The retailer joins a growing list of companies to nix age limits in the C-suite. Today, w
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Russia said Friday it would not resume pumping natural gas to Europe through the Nord Stream pipeline. By Monday, one gas benchmark had shot up 30%. Governments are spending big to keep utility companies afloat, which could be pushing some countri
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Today, California Gov. Gavin Newsom signed a law aimed at improving wages and working conditions for fast food workers in the state. Its an industrywide victory for the labor movement in a year thats seen plenty of union wins. In tod
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Today, well unpack the August national jobs report, which shows job growth as not too hot, not too cold. Well also look into who shoulders the burden of the employment slowdown most and whos coming in off the sidelines of the
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Theres promise and peril on the For You page. On todays show, well look at how companies cash in or miss out on the big TikTok trends — and why some of those viral fads arent as spontaneous as they look. But first: the
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Congress hasn’t approved new COVID funding for about a year and a half, and there’s not a whole lot of money left. With the FDA approving new boosters today, well look at what happens when the cash runs out. Plus: A new way to track employm
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In the current inflation-whipped economy, it can feel like everything is going up. But a figure economists didnt expect to increase was job openings. Today, well dig into what that means for the labor market as the central bank tries
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At first glance, the U.S. economy is in kind of a weird place right now. Inflation remains high and the Fed isnt backing down from interest rate hikes. But today well take a closer look at two economic bright spots: the strength of t
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From Starbucks to REI, Chipotle and Trader Joes, unionization efforts are gaining momentum — particularly at individual stores with relatively small numbers of employees. Today, well take a look at why the labor movement is seeing bi
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Gross domestic product and gross domestic income are two ways of measuring the economy that are usually like two sides of the same coin. All that spending and all that income should be roughly the same, but right now theyre totally differen
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Since Russias invasion of Ukraine six months ago today, the ruble has cratered and rebounded and sanctions by Western governments have isolated the country. Today, well look at how the war has scarred Russias economy and consi
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New home sales were down nearly 30% year over year in July. That has builders and real estate agents crying recession, but prices are still high and foreclosures are low. So whats really going on? Well talk about it on
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Supply chain issues havent gone away — well hear from business owners about them in this episode. Well also hear about recent reshoring, which a new report says is on the rise, with 350,000 manufacturing jobs com
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General Motors announced that it will spend $5 billion repurchasing its shares, which companies sometimes do to boost stock prices when they have extra cash. Buybacks have a bad reputation; well discuss the pros and cons on todays sh
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Inflation is taking big bites out of Americans pay, and employers are struggling to keep costs down while trying to retain workers. Some are offering bonuses, and others are getting creative with perks. Well talk about it. Plus: The
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Store brands tend to thrive during times of economic stress, and theyre having a moment now. Today, we trace generic brands back to the inflation of the 1970s and hear how private label products have come to rival premium bran
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Walmart and Home Depot both reported sales were up 6.5% in the second quarter. While Walmarts report indicates tough times for lower-income consumers, Home Depots shows middle to upper-income ones are feeling pretty good — even if th
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While it may not be the best time to be building (or purchasing) a single-family home, apartment construction has reached a 40-year high. All those new units could ease rent prices eventually, but rising labor costs and a supply chain backlog mean
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The economy is a mixed bag right now. Inflation remains high but may have peaked. Theres talk of recession, but the labor market is holding up and wage growth is strong. And though consumer sentiment is relatively low, optimism appears to b
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The pandemic and skyrocketing housing costs are pushing more people onto the streets. As shelters struggle to keep up, more cities and states are making it illegal to sleep outside. But housing advocates say that criminalizing homelessness is not
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Inflation clocked in at 8.5% annually in July, meaning that price gains have slowed but are still way up year over year. Today, we take a closer look at how gas prices can have an oversized impact on the consumer price index and why the costs of c
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With the consumer price index for July set to be released tomorrow, economists are on the edge of their seats, waiting to see if price increases have begun to slow. Today, well provide a preview of what theyll be looking for. Plus, h
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The 755-page Inflation Reduction Act, expected to pass in the House of Representatives, will take aim at legislative priorities like taxes, the climate crisis and health care. Today, well take a deeper look at two components of the bill: so
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Amid rising interest rates and falling GDP, Julys jobs report shattered expectations and brought employment back to pre-pandemic levels. On todays show, well talk with a bunch of experts about what to make of the news and wher
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During the height of the pandemic, state-run unemployment systems struggled to support applicants. Though states are investing in upgrades, benefits vary widely and the technology remains outdated. Now, as the job market cools and jobless claims r
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OPEC+ recently pledged to boost oil production by 100,000 barrels a day. Though it sounds like a lot, it likely wont temper high oil prices much and may indicate that the oil cartel expects a dip in demand and a potential recession. Plus, c
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The shipping industry has enjoyed buoyant profitability lately. But todays supply chain looks a lot like last years. That is to say not great. In todays show, well find out why history is repeating itself. Plus,
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