Latest Stories

Latest Stories

GOP platform promises to preserve retiree benefits, but it's short on details

Jul 18, 2024
The Republican Party says it will maintain Social Security and Medicare entitlements without cutting benefits, but that's a tall order.
Both Social Security and Medicare are projected to go broke in a little over a decade.
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Why women's health is so far behind the curve

Improving the women's health gap could improve lives and the economy, researchers say.
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Social Security benefits have lost 20% of their buying power since 2010, report finds

Jul 18, 2024
Social Security benefits are adjusted to protect retirees against inflation, but not enough, according to some experts, advocacy groups and lawmakers.
Every year, Social Security benefits are eligible for a cost of living adjustment. But experts, lawmakers and advocacy groups say the methods to calculate the COLA can be improved.
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Will the EU follow the U.S. on economic policy and China?

The European Union relies heavily on China for technologies and products needed for the clean energy transition.
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When it comes to inflation, interest rates might work like a "Jedi mind trick"

Jul 17, 2024
According to Rogé Karma at The Atlantic, many economists believe high rates tamp down inflation largely by influencing people's expectations.
Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell. Interest rates set the direction of prices largely by setting expectations, according to experts interviewed by Rogé Karma.
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Governments at all levels are hiring, and that's boosting the job market

Jul 17, 2024
The public sector is still recovering from pandemic turbulence. Due to upcoming retirements, it may stay active in the labor market for years.
Earlier in the pandemic, governments lost many workers to burnout and private-sector wage offers.
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First-time homebuyers are a growing share of the market

Jul 17, 2024
But not because it's easier to buy.
Michael and Lauren James, with real estate agent Joy Sushinsky, center, bought their first house this summer.
Amy Scott/Marketplace

For public good, not for profit.

Rise in house completions means relief is coming for home seekers

Jul 17, 2024
The increase in housing supply will help bring down, or at least steady, prices, experts say.
"The best way to deal with inflation is supply, right?" says Logan Mohtashami of HousingWire. "You want to build as much as you can and get those homes out there for people to live in and bring down the rise of rents."
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What does it mean for the economy when businesses grow their inventories?

Jul 17, 2024
It all depends on why they're doing it.
Business inventories are on the rise, but stocked shelves may have long-term effects on the economy.
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A look at part of Amazon's $1.2 billion on-the-job training investment

Amazon has pledged to spend $1.2 billion to provide free skills training to about 300,000 Amazon employees.
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