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Stacey Vanek Smith

Reporter, Marketplace

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Stacey Vanek Smith is a former senior reporter for Marketplace.

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Why the inverted yield curve is typically a recession predictor

by Stacey Vanek Smith
Sep 12, 2024
But this time may be different. One theory is that weaker data allowed companies to prepare and soften the economic landing.
The yield curve in the U.S. Treasury market has been singing a scary tune for nearly two years. So where's the recession?
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How reliable is the Sahm rule as a recession indicator?

by Stacey Vanek Smith
Sep 11, 2024
Economist Claudia Sahm says even though the recession predictor is sounding the alarm, we shouldn't immediately fret.
The unemployment rate is kind of like a high school dance (bear with us): When the wallflowers join the floor, the number of dancers grows. Similarly, the unemployment rate grows when more unemployed people on the sidelines start looking for work.
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National Debt

U.S. debt just hit $35 trillion. Is it putting the global economy at risk?

by Stacey Vanek Smith
Aug 13, 2024
If you add up government debt around the world, it totals $91 trillion. More than a third of it comes from one country: The U.S.
The national debt has ballooned to cosmic proportions.
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Many small businesses wobble under weight of high rates

by Stacey Vanek Smith
Jul 25, 2024
Small operations have endured pandemic rules, lockdowns and rising costs. Refinancing their loans could be as painful, or worse.
A loan to open a new location before the pandemic "completely destroyed the business," said bakery owner Erin McKenna. She's not the only businessperson struggling with high interest rates and sizable debt.
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Workplace jargon reflects changing power dynamics

by Stacey Vanek Smith
Jul 23, 2024
During the pandemic era, the lingo reflected workers' leverage. Now the dynamic has shifted, and how we talk about work has too.
Employers have regained much of the leverage that workers enjoyed when job openings were plentiful and applicants were scarce.
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Economic data is looking good. So why the glum vibes?

by Stacey Vanek Smith
Jun 25, 2024
Unemployment is near record lows, GDP is growing, inflation has been trending down, wages are up. But in spite of it all, people are feeling bad.
One reason for all the economic angst? A very positive reference point from earlier in the pandemic might make some consumers feel like nothing will compare.
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All you can eat: The tumultuous history of America’s favorite restaurant deal

by Stacey Vanek Smith
Jun 14, 2024
Endless shrimp, endless breadsticks, endless salad bar — they've nearly killed a lot of restaurants. So why do they keep coming back?
Red Lobster has shuttered more than 80 locations and laid off hundreds of workers, but all-you-can-eat shrimp? Still going.
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Why cybercriminals are targeting small businesses

by Stacey Vanek Smith
May 30, 2024
Ransomware attacks are on the rise, and small businesses are getting hammered.
Cyberattacks and hacks have the ability to destroy people's businesses, credit and livelihoods.
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National Debt

Now that pandemic SNAP benefits have ended, many scramble for food

by Stacey Vanek Smith
May 23, 2024
The number of Americans facing food insecurity has increased. People are turning to food pantries, soup kitchens and each other.
When emergency nutrition assistance expired, millions of Americans suddenly had hundreds of dollars less per month for food. 
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National Debt

How entitlements like Social Security and Medicare got so big

by Stacey Vanek Smith
May 3, 2024
These programs are the biggest part of the budget, and cuts to them feel personal, one expert says. Reducing them has been tough historically.
Social Security started during the Depression as a way to get money to elderly people, many of whom were living in poverty. Now it's the biggest U.S. government expense.
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