I've Always Wondered ...

If you’re like us, you’ve got a lot of questions about the small, simple, ubiquitous things in the world of business. Let's find the answers.

What have you always wondered about the economy?

Does it make cents to get rid of the penny?

I've Always Wondered ...

What happens to your Christmas tree after the holidays?

I've Always Wondered ...

Why are bananas so cheap?

I've Always Wondered ...

What is the economic impact of lost and stolen packages?

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I've Always Wondered ...

How are movie trailers selected?

by Janet Nguyen

Oct 21, 2022

Sometimes there may be a mismatch between the ratings of film trailers and the actual movie.

Jason Kempin/Getty Images

I've Always Wondered ...

Is a growing middle class the real key to economic growth?

by Janet Nguyen

Oct 14, 2022

Ideas are a key ingredient for economic growth. And to generate new ideas, you need … more people.

A reader wants to know if lower-income earners moving up the economic ladder can be an engine for growth.

Justin Sullivan/Getty Images

I've Always Wondered ...

Tax the rich! Tax corporate profits! Curb inflation?

by Janet Nguyen

Oct 7, 2022

The Federal Reserve has been raising interest rates to cool demand, but additional strategies could also help.

In 1990, a luxury tax went into effect on goods like jewelry priced over $10,000. It was repealed three years later.

Spencer Platt/Getty Images

I've Always Wondered ...

Where do your donations at the checkout register go?

by Janet Nguyen

Sep 30, 2022

When you’re done shopping, stores will often ask if you’d like to contribute to charity. You may get a tax benefit, and they may acquire some goodwill.

ferrantraite/Getty Images

I've Always Wondered ...

Why can’t the Fed just burn some money to stop inflation?

by Janet Nguyen

Sep 23, 2022

Sure, it could. But there are safer ways to reduce the country’s money supply.

There are other ways to get inflation under control.

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I've Always Wondered ...

Why do computers get more powerful, but cost the same?

by Janet Nguyen

Sep 16, 2022

They obey Moore's Law and market forces.

Competition makes computer manufacturers particularly price-conscious.

Joe Raedle/Getty Images

I've Always Wondered ...

Why are beer growlers more expensive than six-packs?

by Janet Nguyen

Sep 9, 2022

Breweries tend to charge more per ounce if you’re getting large amounts of alcohol, contrary to conventional wisdom.

Buying in bulk: A growler of beer is filled at a Miami brewery.

Joe Raedle/Getty Images

For public good, not for profit.

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I've Always Wondered ...

What is the difference between a president and a CEO?

by Janet Nguyen

Sep 2, 2022

CEOs are tasked with handling the company’s overall vision, while presidents are more focused on day-to-day operations.

CEOs are responsible for the overall vision of a company, and are usually on the company's board. However, some leaders occupy both the role of CEO and president.

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I've Always Wondered ...

How are businesses valued?

by Janet Nguyen

Aug 26, 2022

There are guidelines, but experts say it’s more art than science.

Chris Delmas/AFP via Getty Images

I've Always Wondered ...

How do movie theaters decide showtimes?

by Janet Nguyen

Aug 19, 2022

Deciding when a film plays is a giant moving puzzle that theaters have to put together every week.

Looking ahead for a weekend showing? Check the Tuesday listings.

Tom Cooper/Getty Images

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